VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Ministry of Defence: Remote Working

Asked by Sir Ashley FoxConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 5 September 2025UIN 72014

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what proportion of staff in his Department did not meet the minimum office attendance target in the latest period for which data is available; and what sanctions his Department issues to staff who do not meet this target.

Answered by Al Carns

The number of staff who did not meet the minimum office attendance target is not recorded centrally and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

Local leadership is actively managing engagement and compliance on office attendance/ working remotely and has reported that compliance with the 60 percent attendance target is being met or exceeded where impediments such as restrictions on car parking and desk space are not prevalent; this has been done in line with, and supported by, HR policy, guidance, and management communications.

Non-compliance of the 60 percent attendance target is managed by local leadership through Performance Management measures or Misconduct and Discipline procedures.

MOD Main Building (MOD’s HQ) is routinely published in Civil Service HQ occupancy data on GOV.UK.  Main Building total occupancy for June 2025 was 87%.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim