Thursday the new Friday as UK returns to office for ‘core’ midweek days

People cross London Bridge. Office occupancy is rising but is about half the average level than before the coronavirus pandemic. Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty Images

On a balmy Thursday evening, workers in office attire spill out on to the pavements of bars, pubs and restaurants in central London. They are part of a new trend in the flexible world of work: Thursday is the new Friday.

Office-based staff are increasingly returning to their city centre desks, but only for part of the week. Many are opting to commute to their workplaces during the “core” midweek days – Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday – bookending the working week at home.