UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Reform UK offers home-working roles despite pledging to end remote work once it takes control of councils, drawing criticism for its contradiction.
As reported by The Independent, Reform UK is offering home-working options to staff, despite promising to eliminate remote work once it takes control of local councils.
Reform’s South Central Regional Director job ad guarantees “home working with occasional travel within the region.”
A £50,000 annual role is being advertised just days after Reform leader Nigel Farage promised that remote work would be banned in councils controlled by his party.
What did Nigel Farage say about jobs and remote work after taking control of 10 councils?
Following his party’s takeover of 10 councils, Mr Farage warned that council employees in diversity, climate roles, or working remotely should begin seeking new jobs.
In response to a question about his party’s main focus, Mr Farage said,
“We are deeply dissatisfied with the way county councils and unitaries in Britain have been running their budgets.”
Mr Farage stated,
“We look at the millions a year being spent, in many cases, on consultants. We look at the money being spent on climate change; on areas that county councils, frankly, shouldn’t even be getting involved in.”
He added,
“No more work from home, increased productivity. That won’t be a magic wand, it won’t solve every problem, but it will be a good start and we’ll be judged on that.”
What did Stella Creasy say about Reform UK’s “glorious” remote work u-turn?
Labour MP Stella Creasy described the party’s stance as “glorious” hypocrisy, adding, “Apparently if you want to work for Reform, you can work from home,” while pointing to other vacancies also promoting remote roles.
She said,
“Flexible working allows people to do the school run, it helps cut commuting costs and it means those with disabilities are more likely to find work.”
Ms Creasy added,
“It means jobs are open to a wider pool of talent and it’s associated with better employee wellbeing and productivity – no wonder Reform offers it for their own staff. I just wish they’d stop trying to make life harder for everyone elses families.”
What happened to Reform’s pledge to axe diversity officers in Lincolnshire?
Dame Andrea’s plan to remove diversity staff in Lincolnshire fizzled since none currently exist at the authority.
The removal of diversity, equity, and inclusion officers has become a key focus for Mr Farage and Dame Andrea, who are introducing their cost-saving approach akin to Elon Musk’s Doge in the county.
Ms Jenkyns stated,
“We are going to have a Lincolnshire Doge. We are going to ensure that we get rid of diversity officers because amazingly Lincolnshire County Council is now Reform controlled. That is a historic moment.”
A freedom of information response revealed that Lincolnshire County Council, now under Reform’s majority, confirmed that
“Lincolnshire County Council does not employ any diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) officers.”
In response to questions about DEI officers and their salaries, the council provided an answer in March, just before the local election campaign began in the nation.
Ms Jenkyns claimed that North Lincolnshire Council, which falls under her authority, does have diversity officers.
What did Kemi Badenoch say about Nigel Farage and Reform UK?
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch stated that the strong showing of Reform UK makes it possible for Nigel Farage to become the prime minister.
She said,
“My job is to make sure he does not become prime minister, because he does not have answers to the problems the country is facing.”
Ms Badenoch added,
“Things got worse. Now we have Reform saying: ‘All we need to do is get rid of the Conservatives and Labour and everything will be better.’ I suspect things will get worse, but protest is in the air.”