Public sector unions are calling for consistent work-from-home rules, as concerning shortages loom. 

ACTU leader Sally McManus has described the Morrison government's lack of clear WFH rules as “reckless”. 

The peak union body is urging Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Public Service Minister Ben Morton to come up with something to appease concerned staff that are being required to attend offices during COVID-19 Omicron variant outbreaks.

Department and agency offices around the country are expected to complete return-to-office plans from this week, just as record numbers of the contagious variant are being registered.

“By putting our hard-working public servants at risk, Prime Minister Scott Morrison is jeopardising the delivery of essential public services that Australians are relying on to make it to the other side of the COVID pandemic,” Ms McManus says. 

Opposition public service spokesperson senator Katy Gallagher agrees that clear advice is needed.

“Some APS jobs can't be done easily from home, but it's upon the government to do the right thing by its workforce and at least provide consistent advice across departments on what the official APS position is when it comes to working from home during outbreaks,” she said.

The public service minister says he is leaving it up to individual offices and departments to work out what is best. 

“It's always been the advice from myself and the public service commission that we do need to take into account the relevant state and territory advice because the situation is different all around the country,” Mr Morton said.