The Energy department’s offices in London were closed on Friday to tackle an insect infestation, according to reports.
Four floors of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s offices on 1 Victoria Street were closed for thorough cleaning and treatment.
A memo to staff, seen by Politico, stated that unspecified “insects” were seen last week on the second, third, fourth and fifth floors of the building, where some Department of Business and Trade officials also work.
The message said the department’s estates team had received "a couple of reports from colleagues of insects on the fourth floor" earlier in the week and undertaken a "deep clean”, followed by a "specialist clean" and placing "monitoring devices" in the building.
But it said "further sightings of insects have been reported in some areas on floors 2, 3, 4, and 5," and so the floors would be closed on Friday "for thorough cleaning and treatment."
The memo promised "comprehensive treatment and deep cleaning to ensure a pest-free environment" in an attempt to resolve the problem by Monday, but warned "any food left in open areas will be disposed of."
"We understand that this situation may cause some distress and inconvenience, but please rest assured that all necessary measures are being taken to address it promptly and effectively," the estates team message said.
DESNZ has been approached for comment.