Civil servants on the frontline of tackling the small-boats crisis to be given their own ‘well-being room’ – in case they feel stressed or anxious_Nhy
Civil servants on the frontline of tackling the small-boats crisis are to be given their own ‘well-being room’ in case they feel stressed or anxious.
A grand opening has been scheduled at the Home Office‘s central London headquarters next week to officially unveil it to staff.
But news of the perk sparked a backlash as it came just hours after it was confirmed that 20,000 asylum seekers have now crossed the Channel since Labour came to power.
Critics said officials, who have struggled to get to grips with relentless crossings, should focus more energy on tackling the crisis rather than ‘cowering away in ridiculous well-being rooms’.
An internal circular email has invited staff to the room’s opening by the Department’s ‘Chief People Officer’, Sarah Taylor, on Tuesday next week.
Seen by the Daily Mail, it says: ‘Come along and join us for the opportunity to meet her and other Home Office colleagues. Tea and coffee will be provided at the event.’
It adds: ‘The new well-being room in 2 Marsham Street [in Westminster] has arrived to provide a space to have a break.
‘Whether you’re feeling stressed, a little anxious, or just need some alone time, the new well-being room is here for you.
Migrants on an inflatable dinghy in the Channel. Civil servants working on tackling the small-boats crisis are to be given their own ‘well-being room’
The new room, at the Home Office’s central London headquarters is being provided for workers in case they feel stressed or anxious (file photo)
Over 20,000 people have crossed the English Channel in small boats since Sir Keir Starmer became Prime Minister in July
‘Equipped with furniture and kitchen point facilities, it has what you need to take a break from your desk.’
The email originally invited staff to the opening yesterday. However, this was delayed until next Tuesday ‘due to changes in availability’.
It is understood that officials thought this may be better as many civil servants continue to work from home and no longer attend the office on Mondays.
Elliot Keck, of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: ‘The UK’s immigration system is in a state of complete collapse, causing huge concern for Britons up and down the country. Yet the pen-pushers responsible for solving the issue are cowering away in ridiculous well-being rooms.
‘Home Office bosses should give these bumbling bureaucrats a kick up the posterior and demand they focus on addressing the huge problems with the border.’
Figures last week revealed the true scale of people arriving in the UK legally, with revised Office for National Statistics data showing that net migration hit a record 906,000 in the year to June 2023, while figures yesterday showed 20,110 people have crossed the English Channel in small boats in the five months since Keir Starmer entered Downing Street.
A Home Office spokesperson said: ‘Our employees across all Home Office sites are working hard every day to improve border security and keep the country safe from crime and terrorism. They remain fully focused on these priorities.
‘It is important that staff are supported as they deliver the Government’s priorities.’
