To ask the Minister of Finance, pursuant to AWQ 4588-17-22, (i) what percentage of NICS staff are primarily desk-based and, therefore, could potentially work remotely; and (ii) to detail any guidance given on remote working to NICS staff, covering both those who benefit from remote working and those who would prefer a return to the office.

The Department of Finance does not hold information on the percentage of NICS staff that are primarily desk-based and, therefore, could potentially work remotely.

A range of guidance on Working from Home has been provided for staff and managers through the Coronavirus Hub. Recently this was drawn together into one document with links to where more detailed advice on particular aspects can be obtained. This is iterative guidance and will be updated as the situation evolves. The document is available on the Department of Finance Internet site at https://www.finance-ni.gov.uk/publications/covid-19-working-home-guidance

Guidance has also been provided in relation to return to the workplace. This is also available on the Department of Finance Internet Site at

https://www.finance-ni.gov.uk/publications/nics-recovery-plan-guidance