The case for returning to the office

The government fears that people sticking with working practices adopted in lockdown could hold back the recovery. But how much difference would this really make? Ben Chu looks at the numbers

Canary Wharf has more than 300 shops, bars, cafes and restaurants but only 7,000 of its 120,000 workers have so far returned (PA)

Boris Johnson’s statement on Friday laid the foundation for Britons to return to their offices.

The prime minister said that from 1 August the official advice – which is for people to work at home if they can – will change.

“We are going to give employers more discretion and ask them to make decisions about how their staff can work safely,” he said.