WORKPLACES in South Lakeland were quieter during the first week without Covid restrictions than in the previous seven days, data suggests, despite the Government's work from home guidance coming to an end.

Business leaders say the emergence of hybrid working models – encouraging a mix of home and on-site working – could be behind a slight fall in activity in workplaces across England following “Freedom Day” on July 19.

Google uses location data from phones and other personal devices to track trends in people's movement in different parts of their daily lives.

It compares footfall in five areas outside of the home – retail and recreation, supermarkets and pharmacies, parks, public transport and workplaces – to a five week-baseline period recorded before the Covid-19 crisis.

In South Lakeland, average activity in workplaces was 26 per cent below normal levels in the week commencing July 19.

This was down from 20 per cent below during the previous week, when the Government’s instruction to work from home where possible was in place.

The final lifting of restrictions on July 19 saw the end of social distancing and limits on how many people can meet up indoors and outdoors.

Google data for the week ending July 25 in South Lakeland shows:

Activity in retail and recreation establishments was 44 per cent above normal levels – up from 39 per cent above the week before.

In supermarkets and grocery stores, it was 69 per cent above usual – up from 68 per cent above in the previous week.

Activity was 266 per cent above pre-pandemic measurements in parks and public spaces – a rise from 239 per cent above during the previous seven days.

It was 55 per cent above the baseline on public transport – up from 51 per cent above the week before.