The return of workers to offices in the UK has stalled for the first time since the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, sparking frustration among some bosses even as their staff welcome new policies of hybrid working.

Travel, footfall and occupancy data show that the numbers returning to workplaces have plateaued after recovering strongly following the lifting of restrictions. Office occupancy is running at about a quarter of pre-pandemic levels, while travel via the Tube to the City of London is about half of what it was before coronavirus hit.

This week ministers were instructed to act on concerns that civil servants were slow to return to their Whitehall offices. Such sentiments are echoed by some business leaders, who are increasingly worried about the proportion of staff coming in regularly even at companies where flexible working is now an established policy.