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Remote working | Do UK employees see workplace shutdown as a 'free holiday'?

Do UK employees see workplace shutdown as a 'free holiday'?
Do UK employees see workplace shutdown as a 'free holiday'?

With cases rising exponentially, it is increasingly likely that in a ‘social distancing’ effort UK businesses may well be encouraged by the Government to implement remote working measures, or simply shut down, much like the actions of countries such as Italy and China, in which only pharmacists and food production businesses are allowed to continue work.

In the eventuality that the British Government decides to go ahead with closure of workplaces, schools and public services, it’s likely that vast strain will be placed on professionals to maintain a high level of output. However, some of the workforce is viewing the drastic measures as an ‘opportunity to have two weeks off work’, research by Offices.co.uk has found.

“I spoke to some of our younger members of staff, and I was surprised that rather than be a scary thought, they actively encouraged a shutdown”, explained the company’s Managing Director, Jonathan Radcliffe.

“The member of staff, who will remain nameless, just said: ‘Get in, two weeks paid leave!’ – I thought it was quite funny at the time, but honestly, he was made up and so were a few others. It makes you worry that our younger workforce just isn’t taking things seriously,” Radcliffe added.

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