Ministers will not tell workers to return to office when lockdown ends

Decision will be left in the hands of businesses following damaging headlines last summer

Workers will not be told by ministers that they should return to their offices when the final phase of lockdown restrictions are expected to be lifted next month, government sources have told the Guardian.

In a significant change of approach from last summer, the government is minded to let companies make their own decisions - a strategy that could lead to conflict and confusion among staff.