Cost of Vouchers Doubles in a Year

The Home Office has come under fire for spending £14.5 million on high street vouchers for its staff, a significant increase from the previous year. The vouchers, which can be used at popular outlets such as Pizza Hut, Nando's, Waitrose, and Selfridges, are given as a reward for good work. However, critics argue that this spending spree is inappropriate given the current cost of living crisis and the chaos at the border.

Outrage Over Channel Migrant Crossings

The Home Office, responsible for stopping migrant crossings in the English Channel, has faced backlash for what some perceive as wasteful spending. The department's expenditure on non-cash payments, including vouchers, has risen from £6.6 million to £14.5 million. This revelation has sparked anger and accusations of mismanagement of taxpayer money.

Widespread Increase in Spending

The Home Office is not the only government department to increase its spending on rewards. Across all 14 major departments, spending on non-cash payments has risen from £29.6 million to £40.94 million. This significant increase in expenditure has raised eyebrows, particularly as many staff members are still working from home.

Calls to End Costly Retail Rewards

Various critics, including a Westminster source and John O'Connell from the Taxpayers' Alliance, have called for an end to these expensive retail rewards. They argue that such schemes are unnecessary, especially when departments' performance seems to be declining. The government, however, maintains that these rewards are designed to incentivize productivity and recognize high-performing employees.

Four-Day Week Campaign Gains Momentum

In addition to the controversy surrounding the vouchers, civil servants at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs are campaigning for a four-day workweek. They claim that long working hours and low pay are taking a toll on their well-being and pushing them to the brink. This campaign is gaining momentum, with increasing support for a better work-life balance for government employees.