District line blues: a journey through London’s struggling economy

Pandemic has laid bare inequalities in a capital bracing itself for autumn budget

The morning rush hour used to be the busiest time of day for Jayant Amin's newsagent in the heart of the City of London, before Covid-19. Having watched five neighbouring shops close in the building he occupies opposite Mansion House tube station, he is one of the survivors hoping to benefit from the slow return of office workers.

I've seen ups and downs. We survived the 2008 financial crisis, but this is the worst one," he said. Trade remains slow for Amin and his wife, Rajeshree, who have run the shop for two decades. Next month he will be granted the freedom of the City of London in recognition of his long service, giving him the right to drive sheep over London Bridge. However, it is flocks of office staff he is hoping for.