CIVIL servants spent an average of £12,000 a month of taxpayers’ cash on chairs and desks.
Much of the money went to a retailer specialising in working-from-home kit.
The Cabinet Office staff, including those working for the Prime Minister, got through a total of £59,099 in the first five months of the new Government.
Of that, £48,203-worth of “ergonomic” office kit was purchased from Sussex-based Posturite.
Its website has a dedicated WFH section for businesses, with chairs and desks for spare-room offices — and boasts “home-working kit that’s tried and tested and loved by you”.
The rest of the £59,099 total was paid to office firm Back Care Solutions.
Government credit card records show that, on average, 11 payments were made each month to the two firms, with each explained as “health and safety”.
The Cabinet Office said: “We have a legal duty to follow employment legislation and that includes providing chairs and other equipment for workplace adjustments that support employees’ physical health.”
The details emerged as it was revealed ministers have discovered evidence of “shockingly wasteful” Home Office spending.
Records showed thousands of pounds are paid each year to provide services that are freely available over the internet.
An audit ordered by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper found “excessive spending” on away-days, public opinion research and contracts handed out to external suppliers.
Ministers are now insisting on signing off of all large departmental expenses.
GettyCivil servants spent £12k a month on chairs and desks in just five months since Labour came to power (stock photo)[/caption]
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