A friend's central London architecture practice - mid sized, about 50 staff - has ended its lease and decided employees will work remotely forever, with regular meet-ups once distancing is over. I wonder how many other companies are doing the same?

The staff, I'm told are delighted. Architects aren't usually high earners and commuting into London/buying lunch was expensive. Quite like journalists, really.

If you're doing long-term projects, on your own or in small teams, do you really need a London office to congregate in? Or just to go into town for perhaps weekly meeting and to see clients/contacts? This set up is fantastic for parents, bad for presenteeism and empty suits.

Finally, if this becomes a trend, what does that spell for commercial property companies, prices of commuter-belt homes near train stations, nurseries, estate agents and, er, Pret?

And finally, finally, I have great hope that a shift to more remote working may be good for minorities in professions (BME, working class, LGBTQ etc). If bosses are looking more at your work than your face, your accent, your old-school-tie, could working life become more equal?