The UK economy is widely considered excessively concentrated on London and the South-East, to the detriment of its other cities and regions. The COVID-19 pandemic has created a seismic shift in working patterns for many of us, with the vast majority of those in knowledge focused sectors working almost entirely from home since March 2020. Could the decoupling of work and place created by this great experiment in home working move us towards a more dispersed economy with high paid knowledge work better distributed around the UK?

This report employs scenario mapping tools to explore this through four potential futures. Plotting a slow or fast return to normal against firms or workers capturing the benefits of remote working, the report examines possible futures for both the UK’s workers and for the cities and regions across the country. Its aim is not perfect foresight, rather the report seeks to identify extensive and cross cutting themes and to make suggestions about how to manage these futures in the best interests of people and places.

Key findings

• Opportunities presented by remote work will be contingent on broadband connections, access to computers, and digital literacy.
• Protecting the wellbeing and rights of remote workers – especially low skilled remote workers – will become increasingly important.
• Economic shocks to London’s low paid knowledge workers could be ameliorated and slowed by a higher national minimum wage.
• Those currently working in hospitality will need support to cope with ongoing restrictions, muted demand and changing consumer habits.
• In small towns and cities, the presence of large companies may become less important for local employment and prosperity.