// London’s West End footfall rose 12% between the first and last weeks in August
// 91% of Brits wish to return to the office in some capacity
New research has found that footfall in London’s West End has risen by 12 per cent between the first and last weeks in August.
Footfall rose by three per cent in the first week of August and by eight per cent in the last week, compared with 2019 figures.
New West End Company’s latest consumer pulse survey (1001 respondents) also found that 91 per cent wish to return to the office in some capacity.
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Meanwhile, 75 per cent acknowledge that they will continue to work from home for some of the week.
“An increasing number of office workers are beginning to return to the West End now that restrictions have been lifted, but we need more businesses to heed the wishes of their employees in order to stimulate the capital’s recovery,” New West End Company chief executive, Jace Tyrrell said.
“It is precisely these social outlets – including the West End’s world-famous restaurants and bars – that need custom from returning office workers if they are to survive and subsequently thrive.
“The last 18 months have undoubtedly forever changed the environments in which people work, but more must be done to encourage workers to return in some capacity.
“Whether it leads to a quick trip to the shops or a long-overdue lunch with colleagues, every returning office worker will play a vital role in the high street and economy’s recovery.”
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