Furloughed workers reluctant to return, says Andrea Leadsom

Former business secretary claims UK's economic recovery under threat with firms struggling to persuade staff back to the office

The former business secretary Andrea Leadsom has said some people are reluctant to return to work because furlough has been great" for them while others were terrified" of going back to the office, sparking criticism from workers and business owners.

The Conservative MP said some businesses in her South Northamptonshire constituency were struggling to get employees to go back to work because people have, to be perfectly frank, become used to being on furlough".