NHS staff in Scotland have been offered a remote working model on a permanent basis post-COVID.
A new draft policy is due to be implemented this August but has been published by health bosses.
NHS Scotland says that the proposed plans are not specific for Covid.
It reads: “NHS Scotland recognises that the working environment has altered in the last 18 months as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
“It is recognised that agile working, as an approach, is becoming more commonplace.
“The draft policy for consultation is intended to support employees and managers in considering options for flexible work locations.”
Thousands of backroom staff are already remotely working, with the remote working model becoming a popular choice for business leaders across the UK.
The proposals could see any employee potentially able to work from home for all or part of the week.
However, the plans state they must demonstrate that working from home will not damage service or have a negative impact on their colleagues.
It comes as an array of other companies have opted for a working from home strategy.
HSBC moved 1,200 employees to permanent remote working contracts in Britain during April.
Up to 70% of the bank’s 1,800 call centre workers based across the UK decided not to return back to their offices, workforce union Unite announced.
The move was the biggest indictor yet of the nation’s financial sector’s changes to be enforced as the country continues its robust, world-leading vaccination programme.
HSBC’s move to base some staff permanently at home goes further than most of its rivals, who are opting for a mixed approach with hybrid models in place.
The bank also offered remote working staff £300 towards electricity bills and other expenses.
Barclays also selected a remote working model for some employees in May.
