EG reports that flexible working could lead to more staff heading to Britain's cities. As firms require more people to attend the office following the easing of restrictions, it is reported that large cities such as Manchester and Birmingham will likely become "mega hubs" with between 5% and 10% more people working there, whilst the City could swell by more than 20% from its pre-Covid level. One potential consequence is that small and mid-sized towns could lose out, as people who previously worked locally instead split their time between home and a central office.

This means we are likely to see businesses taking shorter term leases of smaller spaces in big cities with flexible terms. Some landlords may well adapt their office buildings to satisfy the demand. However, small and mid-sized towns have already been badly affected by Covid and if businesses move to mega hubs then it seems the future of local towns is further in doubt.