No 10 staff get 'reflection room'

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Tension may be running high in Downing Street - but there is one corner where serenity reigns, it has emerged.

A "reflection and multi-faith room" has been set up, providing a haven for stressed-out staff.

A Cabinet Office spokesman said the room's main purpose was to give staff a place to pray.

But the Conservatives have asked whether Gordon Brown might be tempted to seek refuge there during his current leadership troubles.

Shadow Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude said: "Have reflection rooms been set up in Downing Street to help the well-being of Gordon Brown's beleaguered and stressed staff or is the prime minister using them for his own use during troubled times?"

The reflection room was set up as part of a range of measures aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of Downing Street staff, according to the Cabinet Office's annual report.

'Diverse workforce'

A Cabinet Office spokesman said the room has been set up in addition to another reflection room in the Cabinet Office. She said it was meant as a place of worship although it is open to all members of staff, irrespective of their faith.

In a written Parliamentary answer, Cabinet Office Minister Ed Miliband said: "The prime minister's office forms an integral part of the Cabinet Office. The Cabinet Office is committed to the health and well-being of its staff, and has policies and support in place to manage and reduce workplace stress.

"Within the last 24 months one multi-faith and reflection room has been established in the Cabinet Office building on Great Smith Street to support our continuing efforts to introduce accommodation and working practices better-suited to the needs of a diverse work force."

Reflection rooms are becoming an increasingly common sight in the UK in hospitals, places of worship and even Crown Courts, where they are used as a peaceful haven for witnesses and those awaiting trial.

Some childcare experts have also recommended using a reflection room as an alternative to the "naughty step" for misbehaving toddlers.

Other benefits being introduced for Downing Street staff include flexible working, access to a gym, more healthy options in the canteen, a "more informal meeting space," help with buying bicycles and "improved aftercare for any staff suffering workplace injuries".

Staff will also be offered the chance to "talk to a trained adviser about anything that concerns them - from work issues to financial problems".