The updated policy applies across all Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) departments and stipulates staff must attend their designated workplace for at least 40% of their contracted hours – the equivalent of two days in a standard five-day week.

The move follows a review of the hybrid policy introduced in 2022. The Department of Finance (DoF) said the update came after formal consultation with trade unions, but Nipsa, the largest civil service union, called it “disappointing” and urged a delay to allow better preparation.

Deputy general secretary Maria Morgan argued existing arrangements meet business needs while supporting staff flexibility, warning that “accommodation constraints” in some offices could make the increased attendance impractical. She also highlighted potential impacts on employees with disabilities, stressing that reasonable adjustments should be handled separately from hybrid work rules.

The NICS employs more than 24,000 people and is in the process of reducing its office estate by 40% through building sales and lease terminations. Earlier this year, a Stormont committee heard concerns about whether there would be enough space to accommodate more staff on-site.

However, the DoF insisted that departments can manage the increased attendance requirements locally. For those with non-standard working patterns, the 40% attendance target will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.

Full implementation of the new policy is expected by the end of October 2025.