The COVID-19 pandemic is expected to change the way we work permanently, with many workers continuing to work from home during part of the week. Our research provides an insight on how these new working patterns could transform the landscape of the UK economy, including the impact on employment, productivity, and local demand.
An important consequence of increased working from home is the need for less office space. Increased availability of office space in the larger business hubs could see businesses that were previously outside of central business areas consider moving there. This will allow them to access a larger pool of workers, suppliers and clients, as well as to benefit from better access to knowledge sharing. At the same time, residential towns and neighbourhoods are expected to reap the benefits of greater homeworking through increased demand for local services.
Read our latest report to find out what these changes might bring, and the consequences for the shape and structure of the UK’s economic geography.
