'Keeping staff home for another six months feels like a dereliction of my duties': Channel reaction to government's work from home U-turn

Boris Johnson's latest COVID update met with mixed reception from MSPs and resellers that have spent recent weeks making offices COVID-safe

Reseller and MSP leaders have reacted with a mixture of dismay, confusion and begrudging acceptance at the government's latest working from home U-turn.

Having just three weeks ago urged UK staff back into the office, Boris Johnson yesterday mandated a return to working from home "where possible" as part of a COVID clampdown that could last for six months.

The crackdown, which comes after UK COVID-19 cases yesterday rose to nearly 5,000, has sparked a dilemma for resellers and MSPs that have spent recent weeks COVID-proofing their offices in an effort to follow government guidance.

Talking to CRN, the UK boss of Tech Data, David Watts, questioned whether the shift in position will mean tech suppliers and their customers will have to reassess how they support home workers.

Andrew Allen, CEO of Merseyside-based MSP Aabyss (pictured right) described the latest update as a "bitter blow".

"Over the last six months, there has been an enormous change and the adoption of technology forced upon many, it probably saved their business, but at what cost?," he said.

"As technology leaders, we promote the use of technology and the improvements in productivity, but it's only part of the story. As with eating, a balanced diet keeps you healthy; using technology to keep people isolated and work solidly through, that isn't. My responsibility is to look after our people; keeping people at home for another six months in insolation feels like a dereliction of my duty as a CEO; it is our people that make our company great."

Jamie Bailey, managing director of Leeds-based Invest IT (pictured left) said he is searching for clarity on how to onboard new staff while adhering to the new rules.

"For me, it's a hard question and one I am still looking for some clarity on," he said.

"We have just taken on two new full-time employees and I have two apprentices starting in less than two weeks. Ideally, I would just say everyone WFH - as I trust all the staff to do so and we already have the systems in place - but how does this work when I have dedicated my time over the next six months to personally train the two new apprentices? Ideally, I would like to be with them in person, but I wouldn't want to force somebody to come into the office.

"I have had to email the company who helped me offer employment to the apprentices for some guidance on this as I am really in two minds what to do!"

Cliff Fox, group COO of Leeds-based Pure Technology Group (pictured right), said his firm was well prepared for all eventualities after "living on Teams" since 16 March.

"A few weeks ago we completed a phased return to our offices made COVID-secure, including temperature scanning, social distancing and other measures. This helped to accommodate people who found it difficult to work remotely for long periods and had an express preference for the office workplace for a variety of reasons," he said.

"We're now in a hybrid situation with some people working remotely and others in the offices, and whilst we prioritise our people's safety first and foremost we also have an obligation to our people's mental well-being and the business.

"From the Government guidance yesterday it seems clear that the decision rests with each organisation to make the best choices for its people and the wider community, so we will maintain a safe hybrid model for now and perhaps a more extended period than originally envisaged."

Rye Austin, sales director at London-based MSP Core, described the U-turn as "not really a surprise, sadly".

"Office traffic was nowhere near pre-Covid levels and our teams had adapted to the home working changes well," he said.

"We made the decision to downsize office several months ago in favour of flexible space. The recent announcement further validates that was the right thing for Core."

Brett Edgecombe, managing director at storage VAR 101 Data Solutions, added: "We are fortunate, working in the technology sector, that we have the capability to work from any location and the tool sets to do so."