Office space requirements in the UK could drop by up to 50% post-lockdown as occupiers begin to ramp up their permanent flexible working offerings, a report by Instant Offices shows.

According to the commercial property specialist, 57.6m sq ft of office space is currently unused in the UK.

It says more than 60% of flexible office providers are offering reduced rates or rent holidays to current clients, with discounts between 16-20% so that firms can sign leases now and occupy the space later.

The report says: “Covid-19 has shown the world that we can cope with rapid changes to the way we all work, and as more businesses embrace flexibility, we’re going to see a permanent shift in the way an office can meet individual needs.”