Hello,

I am a civil servant and have been for 25+yrs and live in Northern Ireland. When COVID struck I was sent on special paid leave until further notice. I seen this as an opportunity and volunteered through the Cabinet Office as part of the COVID 19 taskforce on for a 2 year loan.

I took up a post within Health in London and worked 7 days per week 16 hrs per days (no overtime). In  the highest profile Directorates for  two years remotely from Northern Ireland. And I was lucky to pick up a promotion and move to the department permanently.  

The department had in place a return to work to the office four days per week which I did. I flew over for four days. When I was in the office I was on my own. My team is spread across the UK. And we met via teams. I just went into the office, to say I was in.

The department now have made an eight day per month mandatory policy which for me is something I cannot do. My mother was diagnosed with Dementia in June and I am her main carer and this disease only gets worse. I have submitted a carers passport but to be honest I now find the four days difficult leaving her and I spend my time worrying about her when I am away.

I feel used by the department and let down. But I am not to sure what I can do for the future. I have proved my role of remote working works, I have done it for over two years. I just go in because they have made it eight days.

Thanks

Joanne