UK public sector appears to be phasing out remote and hybrid working

A new report suggests the UK public sector is moving sharply away from remote and hybrid working, despite signs that the shift could be undermining recruitment and retention. According to the 2025 State of Digital report by Unit4, just over half of UK public sector organisations now require employees to be fully office-based, compared with only 7 percent in 2023. The proportion operating fully remote models has dropped from 37 percent two years ago to 15 percent, while hybrid arrangements have fallen from 93 percent to 49 percent.

The findings indicate a clear return-to-office trend, driven by concerns over collaboration, cost savings and data security. However, they also highlight growing challenges in attracting and retaining talent. Nearly a quarter of UK respondents said location mandates were already making recruitment more difficult, with similar levels reported globally. The ability to recruit from a wider geographic area has been cut in half since 2023, while more organisations admit they are struggling to hold onto skilled workers.

The UK trend reflects an international pattern. Globally, 51 percent of public sector organisations are now fully office-based, compared to just 13 percent in 2023. In the Netherlands, the figure has risen to 63 percent, while Canada has maintained relatively higher levels of hybrid and remote work at 66 percent.

While the overall direction suggests more restrictive working models, the report also highlights some positive shifts. Fewer UK employers report difficulties in finding staff with the right skills compared to 2023, and more say they are now able to recruit candidates with stronger technical expertise.

The findings come as other research indicates resistance to strict return-to-office policies. A study earlier this year by King’s College London and King’s Business School found widespread pushback against mandatory office attendance, raising questions over whether current public sector policies risk long-term workforce imbalances.

Unit4 warns that an inflexible approach could weaken the sector’s ability to deliver digital transformation. With almost three-quarters of UK respondents expecting to complete major change strategies within two years, organisations may need to reassess their working models to remain competitive in attracting talent.