When do companies reopen?

[Facultymeatings]

Just that really. It wasn’t made clear in Monday’s brief. Has your company told you when you will be expected back in?

You're going to need to be more specific before, “companies” doesn't mean anything. Totally depends on the restrictions on your sector and your individual employer, the only way to know. Would be to ask them.

Wfh message isn't due to end till one of the later stages when they hope to be able to reduce the social distancing requirements.

What “companies” are you taking about?
The list of businesses that are forced to close is actually pretty short and specific, non essential retail, bars, indoor dining facilities, leisure facilities, other than that other companies are allowed to open and aren’t closed although they may be working from home if it is office work.

Sure, good point. I heard schools March 8th, puts takeaway in April so I’m assuming it is Mid to late April? I work in a client facing role.

Potentially 21 June.

Do you mean people who are currently wfh returning to the office? To some extent that will depend on the company. I will be back in some days from 12 April, but DH isn't likely to go back at all before September (we're both currently wfh).

At the moment our England wide public sector body is only allowing those that have to work in the office in. Last summer / autumn they allowed more staff to go in for mtgs and just to give them the option to work in office a day or two a week, though the vast majority were still WFH / out on site.

I imagine most office based companies who have staff WFH would probably gradually let them return in late spring / summer, the Govt may do some messaging to say “you no longer need to WFH” at some point in a few months time, but each company will make their own choices, given some offices are open in COVID safe ways now.

We have a whole programme of looking how we operate differently in future, so we won’t be returning to how we were pre-COVID anyway.

The company I work for opens 29th March, but unless you work in the same type of company that’s no help!
What type of business is it?

Ok thanks everyone it sounds like the answers will vary. I am surprised that they were so vague about it.

They weren’t vague! It all depends on the type of business

@Facultymeatings

Ok thanks everyone it sounds like the answers will vary. I am surprised that they were so vague about it.

No on was vague, it seems you've paid little attention but expect the government to have specified a date for each individual business, you must be able to see that would be absolute madness

Your post is as clear as mud- which is why no one can give you a straight answer!

I think she means office workers who are currently Wfh?

Office based businesses are not currently legally required to close, people are being asked to wfh but for many this is not possible (our offices are open for those few who can’t work from home)

In terms of that advice changing, and a wholesale return to office working - they haven’t said yet when this will change but I would guess at May.

Well my office facing company have said not before July.

You know not everyone works in an office right? Your question is too vague for a specific answer.

The small company I work for might be reopening in late May. My bosses are absolutely insistent on waiting until it is safe for our staff and customers. I'm lucky enough to be able to be working from home till then. The majority of my colleagues are still furloughed.

What sort of company?

Most never closed. A few specific sectors were required to close and "not before" dates have been given for those in the roadmap.

They weren’t vague, but you were! “Companies” is ridiculous vague!

Many companies never closed, many closed but quickly reopened during the first lockdown. Some are open for business but have all staff wfh.

The government doesn’t dictate to individual companies, they make rules for types of business and companies make their own decisions within those rules. The government will probably at some point say that the “everyone should wfh if they can” advice no longer applies, but some companies may decide they want to continue wfh for various reasons.

If you mean people currently wfh instead of going into offices of course it will depend on the individual company.

Lots will have sold off their offices and wfh forever. Lots will have downsized and only want people back for a few days a week. Or some will want everyone back as soon as possible. Surely your boss would be a better person to ask?!