Firms reassure us they’ll lay off millions to make sure they can social distance at work

By Anna Lugosi

Firms have offered reassurances that they’ll have no difficulty enforcing social distancing in the workplace, as they plan to lay off large parts of their workforces as soon as the furlough scheme is over.

office desk and chair Martin Vorel CC0

In a glimmer of hope this Monday morning, a major business organisation issued reassurances that its members would be well prepared for social distancing in the workplace when they reopen.

“All our members will be laying off significant portions of their workforces once the job retention scheme finishes,” said a spokesperson for the CBC (Club of British Capitalists), “so we expect offices to be roomier than ever. I really don’t see what the problem is.”