Members of the largest department, adult social care, have been told they are now expected to work face-to-face with colleagues at least twice a week, either at the Martineau Lane HQ or other community spaces.

Reform UK, which runs the authority, has been critical of working from home policies in the public sector and had ordered a review of arrangements at Norfolk County Council, where the practice has been widespread among the 7,000-plus workforce since the Covid pandemic.

Norfolk County Council's County Hall headquarters (Image: Mike Page)

The new diktat comes before the conclusion of that review and other departments may now follow suit.

Scott Hussey, Reform cabinet member for adult social care and public health, welcomed the decision.

"It will help to improve outcomes for the people we serve by encouraging more face-to-face collaboration, communication and learning," he added.

Ian Wake, director of adult social services, informed his team of the decision by email and provided them with a Q&A document........

© Norwich Evening News