Offices will close if cases rise, ministers told

OFFICE staff will get a “work from home” order within a fortnight if the rule of six fails to reduce Covid-19 infections, ministers have been warned.

The current shortage of virus tests means employers will have no choice but to send more workers home, undermining the already weak economic recovery, business leaders said.

Senior government sources said it would take two weeks to assess whether the rule of six had brought down infections. If it does not, further lockdown measures may be required.

Retailers have warned that more pubs, cafés and restaurants that depend on office workers for their trade will go out of business if there is not a widespread return to office working.

The number of people returning to workplaces has been rising since schools reopened at the start of the month, but that is likely to go into reverse if the rule of six does not bring the infection rate down. Yesterday, another 3,991 people tested positive for the virus, double the daily number at the start of the month.

With the Prime Minister admitting yesterday that demand for tests is outstripping supply, and the Health Secretary warning that it might be weeks before the problem is solved, business leaders said employers would have no choice but to tell more staff to work from home if cases keep rising.

Matthew Fell, UK chief policy director of the CBI, said: “If we’re to successfully encourage more people into their workplace safely, then the test and trace system will be a key component.” Adam Marshall, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “A truly comprehensive test and trace programme is essential.”

Meanwhile, Prof Kevin Fenton, London director of Public Health England, said curfews could soon be imposed across the capital if cases surge there.