Should we return to the office to save the economy?

How sensible is it to encourage people to return to pre-pandemic practices? Is it a vital part of the strategy to restore the economy and to protect jobs and livelihoods? Or could this advice ultimately prove counterproductive, not only for the health of the nation but also for the economy? Ben Chu investigates

The transmission risks in the office environment itself will depend on the precautions taken by the individual employer

(EPA)

Workers have this week been advised to return to their normal workplaces after months of working from home.

Ministers and some Tory MPs are concerned about the impact of the lack of office workers on city centre restaurants, cafes, newsagents and other shops and they want people to “get back to work” for the good of the wider economy.

Some newspapers are urging white collar workers to return to their offices as soon as possible, but the trade unions are resistant and industry trade groups are also cool on the idea.