THE NUMBER of workers returning to offices in Coventry has flatlined, even as coronavirus restrictions have been loosened.
Despite the government pushing for the nation to return to places of work, analysis of mobile location data by the Centre for Cities shows urban centres such as Coventry are failing to see a large scale return of workers to offices.
According to the thinktank’s data, worker footfall in Coventry is currently a fifth of pre-lockdown levels.
Large cities have been most heavily impacted by new working from home arrangements, with Leeds, London and Birmingham all largely devoid of commuters.
Seaside towns such as Blackpool and Bournemouth have experienced the strongest recovery, as visitors unable to travel overseas made the most of Britain’s beaches.
In Coventry, data shows city centre spending is returning to levels seen pre-lockdown, currently around 85 per cent of levels in February.
Following pleas to stay at home to prevent coronavirus spreading, Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged companies to bring staff back to offices from the start of August.
But many large firms and public bodies have resisted the call. Yesterday (September 9), Coventry City Council said it would be reopening its Friargate headquarters on September 14. Its new headquarters have been empty since March.
The council said a phased return would bring back a fifth of office staff.
The announcement came days after the council agreed £17 million plans to build a second speculative office block, ‘Friargate 2’, which it hopes will be ready next year.
Coun Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs and Regeneration, said: “We are delighted to see staff return to city centre offices.
“Like all companies and organisations, the Council has been working very differently over recent months as we protect staff and the public and work to stop the spread of coronavirus.
“Our first priority is always the health and safety of staff and residents, and this return is only possible after a lot of work and after full consultation.
“I know many people are keen for a return to a more normal way of life, and they want to get back to the city centre and everything that offers. We have a great city, with some wonderful shops, restaurants and attractions, and, although we need to be safe and obey guidelines, we can still enjoy them.”
Andrew Carter, the Centre for Cities chief executive, said: “There is little indication that workers are heeding the government’s call to return to their offices, and city centre restaurants, pubs and shops face an uncertain future while they remain at home. Unless we see a big increase in people returning to the office, the chancellor must set out how he will support the people working in retail and hospitality who could soon find themselves out of a job.”
