Crackdown on gatherings 'could wreck back to work plans'

The latest Covid crackdown on socialising could wreck hopes of a mass return to the office before Christmas, analysts and economists have warned. Experts said that a ban on gatherings of over six people could hit businesses trying to encourage staff to back in, even though workplaces are exempt. Ministers are facing accusations of mixed messages after weeks spent encouraging a return to the workplace. Several firms including Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan are bringing workers back on a rota system.