Number of workers returning to offices 15% higher in May than April

Number of workers returning to offices 15% higher in May than in April, new data shows


The number of workers returning to offices was 15 per cent higher in May than in April, new data shows. 

IWG, which runs more than 300 offices in the UK, said Manchester saw the biggest rise with office use up 30 per cent. 

The second stage of England’s emergence from lockdown began on April 12, when non-essential retail and businesses such as salons reopened. 

Back to work: The second stage of England’s emergence from lockdown began on April 12, when non-essential retail and businesses such as salons reopened

Some City firms, including investment banks, began bringing staff back to the office after Easter. 

The data, based on wi-fi logins per office, found that workplace visits had risen by 58 per cent since the start of January. 

The findings come as companies and employees await the end of guidance to work from home, which could come into effect on June 21. 

An announcement on this is expected on June 14. 

Some investment banks, such as JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs, have already told more staff to return from June 21, despite new variants causing uncertainty over the Government’s end of lockdown roadmap.