The City of London Corporation has launched a campaign urging commuters to return to offices in London’s financial district more regularly.
The “Square Smile” initiative comes amid concern that spending in central London pubs, shops and restaurants is down on pre-pandemic levels as thousands still work from home. The Corporation hopes to remind hybrid workers “of all the things they missed during the pandemic, including socialising and enjoying the City’s culture”.
A new SquareSmile section on the Corporation’s website will highlight upcoming events, places to eat and drink and special offers through the Autumn.
The City was one of the worst hit areas of central London during the pandemic with offices typically only 10 to 20 per cent full.
With the exception of a few US investment banks such as Goldman Sachs most City employers have allowed their staff to make only partial returns to the office since the end of the summer holidays.
The Corporation’s policy chief Catherine McGuinness said: “This campaign will build on the growing momentum behind the return to the Square Mile, with our streets starting to buzz and offices coming back to life.
“It will highlight and remind workers of the wonderful, quirky and interesting things there are in the City beyond just work. This is vital to support the SMEs and wider ecosystem that help to make the Square Mile such a unique place to work and visit.”
