Kevin Ellis

The firm’s UK chairman Kevin Ellis said that the firm is planning a phased return to the office with this first step paving the way for more people returning to work in its offices.

PwC will be opening six major offices from June 8, with London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Reading and Bristol set to reopen its doors.

Mr Ellis said: “Just because we can work from home I don’t think we should, at least not all the time. We’re a people business and the virtual world isn’t a substitute for human contact for a business like ours. Physical proximity helps with ideas, helps with teamwork, helps with mentoring and developing our staff and is important for mental health. There’s also a multiplier effect - when we get back into the office the local communities that support offices benefit too.

“We’ve got a team of people working hard on how we return to the office in the safest, most practical way. With social distancing guidance in place, we can safely accommodate up to 15% of our people in our buildings, but the reopening sends a positive signal to our people and paves the way for more people returning when it’s safe to do so.”

He said that the first staff members to return will only be those whose essential work for the firm or clients will significantly benefit from being delivered from an office.

Mr Ellis added: “We’re also keen to support those who are finding working from home tough.

“Although it is a gradual and phased approach, in line with government guidance, I believe beginning to return to our offices is a step in the right direction as our country moves through the crisis to economic recovery.”

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