The Guardian's King's Cross headquarters has an ongoing bedbug outbreak that prompted pest controllers to carry out a deep clean and extend treatment after further sightings. Management has permitted staff to work from home if they feel uncomfortable attending the office. The incident risks complicating The Guardian's push for a three-day minimum in-office week introduced in early 2024, which the NUJ opposes. Separately, journalists remain in dispute with management over a proposed 3.85% pay rise, with strong union support for industrial action.
Bedbug Outbreak Forces Extended Treatment at The Guardian’s King's Cross HQ — Union Warns Return-to-Office Push Is At Risk
The Guardian's King's Cross headquarters will receive extended treatment after further bug sightings - Matthew Lloyd/Bloomberg
The Guardian's King's Cross headquarters is facing a bedbug outbreak that has prompted specialist pest controllers to be brought in and an extension of treatments after staff reported further sightings.
An initial deep clean of the building's second floor was completed earlier this month, but management has extended the treatment programme this week following additional reports. Some employees have chosen to work from home while remedial work continues.
In an internal email, senior managers told staff they could work remotely if they felt uneasy about attending the office.
We appreciate this might be unsettling for some staff.
The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) advised members to report any pressure to attend the office to a union representative and encouraged staff to familiarise themselves with bedbug prevention and identification guidance.
Context: Return-to-Office And Other Concerns
Union officials warned the infestation could undermine The Guardian's wider effort to increase in-office attendance. Editor Katharine Viner introduced a compulsory minimum of three days in the office at the start of 2024 after many staff did not fully return following the pandemic; the NUJ has objected, saying employees were not adequately consulted.
When the policy was proposed, a staff survey asked about the impact of returning on factors including the financial and environmental cost of commuting and the effect on time spent with pets.
Building And Pay Disputes
The bedbug problem follows recurring issues with the air conditioning at Kings Place, which failed during this summer's heatwaves. Staff have criticised aspects of the building's eco-friendly design that can shut down cooling when temperatures rise; insiders say the problems have since been addressed.
Separately, journalists remain at odds with management over pay. The Guardian has offered a 3.85% pay rise, which the publisher says compares favourably with others in the sector. The NUJ has described the offer as insufficient amid the cost-of-living crisis and growing workloads: in an indicative ballot, 86% of voting members said they would support strike action, and 96% backed action short of a strike.
Management says the pay proposal is fair and that treatments are underway to resolve the pest issue. Staff have been encouraged to report any concerns to managers or their union representatives.
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