'Find a balance' | Scottish Gov's 'work abroad' policy sparks debate on flexible working

The debate on flexible working has been stoked once again after news emerged that Scottish civil servants are eligible to work from abroad for up to one month per year.

Information obtained by the Scottish Daily Mail, via the Freedom of Information Act, revealed that the policy, which has been in place since April 2023, allows employees to fulfil their roles from a foreign country for a total of four weeks each year.

But the rule also states staff “must be prepared to accept travel to their office in their own time and at their own cost when required”.

It adds that most roles were suitable for hybrid working and therefore eligible to apply. However, the government also states that, when it comes to making a request to work overseas, there must be a “genuine requirement to do so.”