A RIBA chartered practice that told staff to go into the office each day despite the covid-19 pandemic and national lockdown has conceded that they will now be allowed to work from home, after Building Design highlighted employees' concerns.

On Architecture, a practice with studios in London and Kent, had told staff to continue working in its offices and open the windows, despite the prime minister instructing people to work from home unless it is “unreasonable” to do so. This is widely understood to apply only to key workers and those with jobs in manufacturing or on construction sites.

This morning Building Design revealed the firm, which insisted it was acting reasonably and in compliance with government guidelines, had warned staff in November who refused to come in that they must either use annual leave, take unpaid leave or face disciplinary action.

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