The SNP has given Scottish civil servants an extra hour a week to chill out – at the expense of the taxpayer.
The Wellbeing Hour pilot scheme encourages officials to reduce their stress levels by taking time out of their working day with no reduction in pay.
Activities suggested under the new scheme include walking, reading, yoga, and painting.
While this may be better for the employees it cuts their working week to just 36 hours and is reportedly costing the taxpayer £7million.
Following its introduction, critics of the scheme have asked whether it is worth the money as the Scottish Sun estimated it could cost taxpayers £7 million per year.
The shadow economy secretary for the Scottish Conservatives Murdo Fraser told the Telegraph: “This may be well-intentioned but right now, when all government budgets and resources are being squeezed, the public will question whether it is affordable and whether it ought to be a priority.”
Chief executive of the Taxpayer’s Alliance John O’Connell also criticised the move and called for the Scottish Government to stop the pilot.
He said: “While ministers squeeze ever more tax out of pay packets, bureaucrats are being granted a siesta. The Scottish Government should put a stop to this pilot.”
Although the scheme has proved controversial, this isn’t the first scheme of its kind introduced by devolved governments.
A similar idea has been introduced to Welsh Civil Servants who have allegedly seen no reduction in productivity.
According to reports, one union member said in 2018 that it improved their mood and improved their preparation for the afternoon’s work.
They explained: “I spent my hour today with colleagues in a lunchtime group walking through a shady wood on the outskirts of Aberystwyth admiring wildflowers in bloom – wood anemones, wood sorrel, celandine and a few early bluebells.”
A spokesperson for the Scottish government said the scheme had been designed to ensure staff could be given the time off without impacting the operation of the government.
They said: “The Scottish Government is piloting a wellbeing hour scheme to support employees’ physical and mental health and to evaluate the impact on staff productivity.
“The pilot has been designed so there is no extra cost and no reduction in productivity or service levels.”
