Banks, asset managers, insurers and accountancy firms in London’s financial centre and across the country are setting out plans for staff to work from home more regularly, as emergency measures introduced during the pandemic turn into permanent lifestyle changes.

Some big City employers such as NatWest Group and Standard Life Aberdeen have already announced that most staff will not be returning to the office until early next year, while companies including Schroders have updated their policies to allow staff to work from home most of the time.

“We have proven that working from home is possible for most roles,” said Stefan Seiler, group head of human resources at UBS, the Swiss bank that has 5,000 staff at its London office. “What is clear is that there will be more working from home, we will see more flexible work arrangements.”