Stressed home-working tax officials are moving house in order to keep state tax details safe.
Almost all of Scotland’s 7800 HMRC staff are working from home due to the pandemic and a new pay deal includes home working post- Covid too.
But the rules mean many who check personal and business tax orders have to do it in private to protect customer data.
And some tax officials have complained the policy has put a strain on their living arrangements and they have had to move home to comply with the rules.
An insider said: “I worked in Cumbernauld but it is being shut.
“The alternative is to work from the regional centre in Glasgow but it’s adding a lot of time and money on to my commute.
“I’ve been working from home during the pandemic in the one-bedroom flat I share with my partner, who also works from home but in another industry. It’s not ideal. The only room with good wifi is the living room and we can’t both work there.
“I’ve been told the calls I make and even opening my laptop needs to be done in private. I’m now looking for a new home with an extra room to cope.
“It will wipe out all the savings I would have made in commuting costs. I understand the rules but it shows what an impact working from home is having.”
Jawed Raza, of the union FDA which represents HMRC workers, said: “There are HMRC rules over data handling and sensitivity
surrounding it. We have heard of people having to work in different rooms and make calls. This isn’t just an HMRC issue. It is going to be a big issue in the future.”
Martin Kelsey, of the PCS union, said: “Home working doesn’t suit everyone. The majority of staff have been happy to work from home but a small minority are unable to do so because of their accommodation.
"While more difficult for some, we’ve secured a progressive package to keep 95 per cent of jobs safe and secure.
"For many, hybrid home-working conditions will be an alternative to redundancy.”
A pay deal thrashed out by the PCS union and HMRC in February saw an average pay increase of 13 per cent. It also saw staff affected by a raft of office closures offered the opportunity to work from home part-time or even full-time.
In 2015 HMRC announced it would close numerous tax offices – including Cumbernauld, East Kilbride and Livingston – and relocate staff to 13 regional centres.
HMRC said its offices are open for essential roles and “where personal circumstances dictate this is the best”.
A spokesman said: “All staff undertake security training. We understand the importance of protecting such information and staff are reminded of their responsibilities routinely.”
