Readers of the Gazette have reacted harshly towards the suggestion by Chancellor Rishi Sunak that workers will quit if they can't return to their offices.

Many suggested it would in fact be the contrary, and the chancellor is only trying to boost the businesses by asking workers to return to offices.

“Has Rishi Sunak ever met and spoken to people,” asked one reader, while another responder wrote: “I'd be more likely to quit if I was forced to return to the office.”

One reader pointed out that working from home in fact helps him in saving time and fuel costs.

“I'd work from home all the time. [It] Saves on commuting time, petrol costs/tickets, food costs, and I don't have to wear socks.”

Another reader had even harsher words for Mr Sunak as he wrote: “This guy has no idea what the everyday working person wants. He's just trying to make his business friends happy

“If people are at home, they aren't spending money on overpriced transport to go to their low-paid job that doesn't even cover their expensive rent.”

One respondent who has been managing a large team during the lockdown said the post-Covid life should be a blend of remote and environment.

“I would say most people are looking for a blended home/office mix. The power of an office collaboration is a must, but also [is] the productivity of working remotely is equally valuable.

While, a few others supported the thought behind Sunak’s suggestion as working from home may not be preferable for all.

He said: “People need to start being more sensible. Working from home is not for all. Not everyone has the luxury of space for a work desk or table for one person let alone if you live with someone else in the same situation.

“Also [it] could be noisy at home with kids and not be as productive.”

“There just needs to be the choice there of you can choose what suits you and what you are able to do. Not people judging and saying ‘nah people should work from home’ etc. Nice if you can afford the space!”

Another reader added: “Many people live alone so like going into work to actually talk to other people and interact with them.”

Mr Sunak has touted the benefits of the physical workplace, telling The Daily Telegraph and The Sun the opportunities afforded in an office cannot be beaten.

“You can’t beat the spontaneity, the team building, the culture that you create in a firm or an organisation from people actually spending physical time together,” he said.

Young people reaped the benefits of proximity to experienced mentors when working in an office, he added.

“Imagine you’ve just left college or university you start this job in a big company and you’re sitting at home on your own,” Mr Sunak told The Sun.

“How do you get to know your peers, how do you learn the culture of an organisation, how do you get those mentors, which are important for your career development?”

The Chancellor also said staff may “vote with their feet” and quit roles where they were not provided with an office.