Why would anyone want to work from home?

I’ve been having an office romance. Not with anyone in the office — but with the office itself. I’ve been going into the office every day during lockdown and I love everything about it: the bike ride from my Camden flat to work in Fitzrovia; the professional feeling that comes from being in a place dedicated to work; a chance to see more life than the limited activities that go on in your sitting room.

I even like office furniture, the soft hum of the photocopier and the stationery box, with its neat cellophane packs of Post-it notes and extensive range of envelopes.

But sadly, as an office-lover, I’m in a minority. The office, which has existed since the days of ancient Rome, is under threat.

The Home Office has told its staff not to come back for a year. Only 30 have returned to the Westminster office of the business department.