Should UK workers return to their offices?

On the issue of whether or not UK workers should return to their offices, comes a stream of varying opinions.

Late in August, the government had planned a campaign to encourage workers to go back to their offices. Some business leaders and stakeholders found it alarming that city centres have turned into "ghost towns." Employers' Organisation, the CBI, warned that this would be the fate of many cities if the prime minister does not do more to encourage staff back.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak is known to be alarmed at the reluctance of workers to return to offices. He noted that city centres have become eerily quiet even on weekdays. This has led to a knock-on effect that has affected businesses like cafes and restaurants. These businesses among others rely on passing trade from office workers.

Official figures from last month showed that trains carried only 28 per cent of the normal passenger load. Buses, on the other hand, had a 45 per cent passenger load. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps was quoted to say that some things were "impossible" to do remotely.

A few prominent Conservative MPs echoed the same concerns. They urged ministers to deliver a clear message on the safety of returning to offices. The campaign would be promoted through regional media and would urge employers to reassure staff how safe it is to go back to work in offices.

The Employers' Prerogative

However, a recent survey showed that nine in 10 UK employees currently working from home in the lockdown would like to continue this setup.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said that the priority should not be where employees worked but how well they are performing.

A research conducted by the academics of Cardiff and Southampton Universities suggests that the majority of people working from home are productive. This study involved thousands of people from April to June.

Robert Halfon, the Senior Tory backbencher, pointed out that is not for ministers to decide when it is safe for employees to return to offices. The decision lies on the employers. He warned that government should not be seen to demand that "everyone must march from the suburbs to the cities in some sort of forced collectivisation".

Backlash after Bullying

As of writing, the government has recalibrated its positioning on the matter. One cabinet minister has gone to acknowledge that some employers will not have the capacity to accommodate all staff securely.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been accused of "bullying" workers after some sources have been quoted saying that it is highly likely for workers who insist to work from home to be "vulnerable" to the sack.

The back to work publicity drive will now focus on reassuring workers that offices are safe. Sources from Downing Street said that in the coming weeks, ads will be appearing in the regional and national press. Rather than 'forcing' employees to go back to offices, these ads will contain messages encouraging employers to make offices COVID-secure and encouraging safe means of transport.