The government is starting a campaign next week to encourage employers to call back their staff to the workplace, although many people do not feel comfortable with it.
Senior Tory MPs have pressured Boris Johnson to give a clear message that it will be safe to do so with several businesses being concerned of the prospects of city centres.
Health secretary Matt Hancock gave a somewhat contrasting view when he said on Thursday that he cares more about how his cabinet employees are performing than where they are working.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are still promoting working from home practices if possible.
Labour's shadow business minister Lucy Powell noted some of the briefing around the campaign threatens workers they will lose their jobs if they continue staying home.
“I think that is the worst possible message that we could send,” she told the BBC.
"Back to the office with you!" say Britons who are no longer of working age. Britons under the age of 65 are less sure now is the right time to return to the workplace... https://t.co/MzAuA5uaap pic.twitter.com/OnLXutYv6M
— YouGov (@YouGov) August 27, 2020
Meanwhile, a survey published by YouGov on Thursday evening shows 47% of the population thinks businesses do not think it is the right time to return to the office.