Commuters have seen a better life outside the office and won’t come back

sir – There is a supposition that commuters are still wary of the virus, and are too comfortable at home. A deeper consideration is that people have had an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of their lives, and concluded that it can be improved.

Why would London commuters want to pay inflated rail fares to be crowded on to unsanitary trains, with timetables at the mercy of belligerent rail union staff? Why would they want to buy expensive sandwiches just to keep Pret A Manger branches open, or pay sky-high prices to live close to the capital? The answer is they don’t.

They have glimpsed a better life available, and have no wish to return to the former existence. This is the new reality which the Government will have to come to terms with, as many major London-based employers have already done.

The capital will become mainly a tourist filled environment, with office workers commuting infrequently.

George Kelly

Maids Moreton, Buckinghamshire sir – As someone who has tried to contact large organisations for help and information in recent months, I have found that the information or help is often unavailable.

Home workers do not have full access to their employers’ computers, and suggest either emails or more phone calls. I include civil servants.

There can be no excuse for this second-rate service. When will this Government tell the Civil Service that working at home is not acceptable and a disciplinary offence?

His Honour Lord Parmoor

High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire

sir – Those of us working in the information technology sector have known for some time that “work” is something you do, not a location.

Cloud technology, coupled with secure networking and ubiquitous Wi-fi mean that a lot of tasks can be performed anywhere. Cities will never return to pre-covid levels of activity.

Alan Budd

Flitwick, Bedfordshire sir – I agree with Kate Andrews (Comment, August 29) about the unforeseen pitfalls of working from home permanently, but there is another aspect that seems to have been overlooked.

As winter comes, the extra costs of having lights and heating on all day, every day will make fuel bills rocket. While people may save on travelling costs, I think they may be very unpleasantly surprised when their gas and electricity bills arrive.

Frances Youel

Kiltyclogher, Co Leitrim, Ireland

sir – On the Today programme yesterday, a government minister said, categorically, twice: “It is safe to return to work.”

He then said that the Government was working with firms on how to make it safe. Which means it isn’t. Yet. Or it may be. In certain circumstances. They’re not sure.

So that’s all clear, then.

Cynthia Harrod-eagles

Northwood, Middlesex