Last week, Boris Johnson announced the return of working from home where possible – here’s what you need to know.

During a Downing Street press conference on Wednesday, the Prime Minister said, to help slow the spread of the new Covid-19 Omicron variant, guidance to work from home would be introduced.

The guidance comes into effect from today (Monday, December 13) and means anyone in England able to work from home, should.

READ MORE: UK could exceed one million Omicron variant Covid cases in December

Boris Johnson said: “Go to work if you must but work from home if you can.”

“I know this will be hard for many people but by reducing your contacts in the workplace, you will help slow transmission.”

Who should work from home?

Government advice is office workers who can work from home should now do so. But people in key public services – and professions where home working is not possible, such as retail or construction – should continue to attend their workplaces.

 

Working from home tax relief

For those being moved to home-working, it is possible to claim tax relief for additional household costs.

If you must work at home on a regular basis, either for all or part of the week you could be eligible, but you cannot claim tax relief if you choose to work from home.

You may be able to claim tax relief for gas and electricity, metered water, and business phone calls, including dial-up internet access.

You cannot claim for the whole bill, just the part that relates to your work.

You can find more information about making a claim on the Government's website.

Who is currently working from home?

According to ONS statistics, more than two-thirds of working adults were travelling to work in Great Britain between January to November.

Between November 3 to 14, around two-thirds (67%) of working adults in Great Britain reported travelling to work at some point in the past seven days while three in 10 (30%) reported working from home.

Additional Plan B measures

Along with a return to working from home, England’s new measures will include the wider wearing of face masks and the mandatory use of Covid passes for access to large venues.

On Friday, face coverings became compulsory in most public indoor venues, including cinemas, theatres and places of worship, but not gyms, bars or restaurants.

Masks are already required on public transport and in shops.

From Wednesday the NHS Covid Pass, on the NHS app, will become mandatory for entry into clubs and other large gatherings – classed as indoor events with 500 or more people, unseated outdoor events with more than 4,000, and any event with a crowd of more than 10,000.

READ MORE: Boris Johnson announces Plan B restrictions - Full list of new Covid rules

For those without the app, proof of a negative test through a text message or email from the NHS would be sufficient.

Venues that fail to comply with the regulations could face fines of up to £10,000.