Office occupancy plateaus as Covid fears return

The number of UK workers back in the office has plateaued in recent weeks, as Covid cases rise and industrial action sends people back to digital meetings. The latest analysis from Remit Consulting, which tracks data from building managers, shows average occupancy for the UK of 27.6% in the week ending 15 July – a slight bounce-back on previous weeks and the highest since an average of 30.6% recorded in mid-June. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday remain the busiest days, with occupancy of more than 31%, while Friday occupancy stands at just 18%. London’s West End and Docklands have been achieving more than 40% from Tuesday to Thursday, while the City tops 30% on its busiest days. Remit Consulting’s corporate real estate consultant, Lorna Landells, said: “Office occupancy rates are still significantly lower than before the pandemic and far short of what was previously considered normal, and as we move into the summer school holidays it is unlikely that we will see an increase in the number of staff working in the office over the next few weeks. “In 2021, there was a noticeable uplift in the figures at the beginning of September. While we can expect a similar pattern to last year, the volume of people returning to the office will reveal the extent to which hybrid working has been adopted by businesses and staff on a permanent basis.” To send feedback, e-mail tim.burke@eg.co.uk or tweet @_tim_burke or @EGPropertyNews Image © Pexels/Pixabay