The Covid pandemic resulted in dramatic changes to our working lives. The lockdowns forced many out of employment, requiring governments to respond with innovative support mechanisms to alleviate hardship and limit the increase to long-term unemployment. But, even as most work places closed, a large share of the population continued to work from home, with many discovering that they could operate just as effectively online as they did from the office.

With Covid-related restrictions now easing, which of these innovations are likely to persist? Having worked effectively from our homes, will we ever fully return to the office? What are the implications of online working for long-term productivity and growth? Are there any lessons from the Furlough Scheme for the structure of benefits payments? And how should fiscal policy respond to the structural changes in the labour market?

To address these and other questions, two eminent economists, Professor Nick Bloom (Stanford University) and Professor Paul Johnson (Institute of Fiscal Studies) took part in a panel debate on 29 November 2021. The event was chaired by Amanda Rowlatt, SPE Councillor and Chief Analyst at the Department for Transport.

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