Home working appears to have led to a bigger decline in after-work drinking in city centres outside London, a Lords committee has heard. Urban economist Paul Swinney told peers that pub spending data suggested that in the capital, post-work drinks have switched from Friday to Thursday. But a similar shift could not be seen in other large British cities, he added, where spending in bars was more likely to shift into the weekend. He also added that a decline in city-centre spending had not been matched by a similar increase for high streets outside urban centres. Mr Swinney, director of the Centre for Cities think tank, was among various experts giving evidence to a special House of Lords committee set up earlier this year to examine the impact of remote and hybrid working in the UK. Last month, the think tank publishedresearchon the pre and post-pandemic spending patterns of city-centre workers in pubs and bars around their places of work, by comparing credit and debit card data from 2019 and 2024. The analysis showed that during that period, the share of weekly spending in pubs in central London on Fridays fell, whilst on Thursdays it rose, making it the most most popular night of the week. But a similar pattern was not seen in the data for nine other large British cities, including Glasgow, Liverpool, Bristol, Newcastle and Sheffield. Surveys have shown Friday has become the most popular day for office workers to work from home, with attendance during the middle of the week returning to more similar levels to before the Covid pandemic. Explaining the spending data to peers on Thursday, Mr Swinney said that in London "the Friday night drink hasn't so much gone away, it's just shifted to a Thursday". "But when we looked at other large cities, that wasn't the case," he added. "It appeared from the data that we have that the post-work drink has reduced in those other places. "Actually the shift seems to go into the weekend, which seems to be workers coming in from a leisure perspective, rather than going out after work". The data analysed by the Centre for Cities showed that 32% of weekly pub spending in big cities outside London now takes place on a Saturday, suggesting workers are more likely to return on weekends to socialise than in the capital. Elsewhere in the session, Mr Swinney said a decline in city-centre spending since the rise in remote and hybrid working had not been matched by an equivalent rise in spending on "local High Streets". "That might have happened a little bit, but certainly not to the extent that people were suggesting [during the pandemic]," he told the committee. He added that suburban supermarkets had "probably been the biggest winner" from the shift in spending patterns since Covid. He said more flexible working patterns had led to some immediate benefits for workers, including reduced travel cost and more flexibility. But he added it could be "two, three, ten years down the line" before the long-term impact on economic productivity could be properly assessed.
After-work drinks in decline outside London, peers told
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Home Working Linked to Decline in After-Work Drinking Outside London, Lords Committee Hears"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
The rise of home working has significantly impacted after-work drinking habits in city centers outside of London, as revealed during a session of the House of Lords committee. Urban economist Paul Swinney, representing the Centre for Cities think tank, presented data indicating that while London has seen a shift in pub spending from Fridays to Thursdays, this trend is not mirrored in other major British cities. In cities such as Glasgow, Liverpool, Bristol, Newcastle, and Sheffield, after-work drinking has declined, with spending instead transitioning towards the weekends. This change is attributed to office workers increasingly opting to work from home on Fridays, resulting in a drop in Friday night socializing, which has not been compensated by a rise in local high street spending. The research, which compared credit and debit card data from 2019 to 2024, highlights that 32% of weekly pub spending in large cities outside London now occurs on Saturdays, indicating a shift in socializing habits towards leisure-focused weekend outings rather than post-work drinks during the week.
Swinney further elaborated on the economic implications of these shifts, noting that the decline in city-center spending has not seen a corresponding rise in local high streets. While there may have been some increase in spending in suburban areas, it has not reached the levels anticipated during the pandemic. He observed that supermarkets in suburban areas have emerged as significant beneficiaries from this change in consumer behavior. The flexibility afforded by remote and hybrid working has provided immediate advantages for workers, such as reduced commuting costs and improved work-life balance. However, Swinney cautioned that the long-term effects on economic productivity and city-center economies may take years to fully understand, suggesting that the implications of these changing work patterns will evolve over time, potentially impacting urban economies for years to come.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article provides insights into the changing social patterns of after-work drinking, particularly highlighting the differences between London and other major British cities. It reflects on how remote work has influenced spending behavior and social activities in urban centers. The testimony from Paul Swinney, an urban economist, uncovers a noteworthy shift in drinking habits, which could signal broader changes in urban social life.
Economic Implications of Changing Drinking Habits
The decline in after-work drinking in cities outside London suggests a broader economic impact on local businesses that rely on evening foot traffic. As workers increasingly choose to stay home on Fridays, the potential revenue for bars and pubs in these areas diminishes. This may lead to a reassessment of business strategies for establishments outside the capital, as they could struggle to attract customers who are no longer engaging in post-work socializing.
Regional Variations in Social Behavior
The contrasting patterns between London and other cities point to significant regional differences in social behavior. While London sees a shift to Thursday evenings for socializing, other cities are experiencing a decline. This divergence may indicate varying cultural attitudes towards work-life balance and leisure, as well as differing economic conditions that influence consumer spending.
Public Perception and Social Norms
The report could shape public perception regarding the vitality of city centers and the importance of socializing after work. By emphasizing the decline in after-work drinks outside London, the article may contribute to a narrative that urban life is diminishing in these areas, potentially affecting local pride and community engagement.
Potential Market Reactions
In terms of market implications, businesses in the hospitality and retail sectors might react to these insights by adjusting their strategies. If after-work socialization continues to decline, companies may need to pivot towards weekend events or alternative marketing strategies to attract customers during different times.
Target Audience for the Article
This analysis may resonate more with policymakers, urban planners, and business owners in the hospitality sector who are keen on understanding consumer behavior. It could serve to inform strategies that cater to the evolving needs of a workforce that increasingly prioritizes flexibility and home working.
Given the specific focus on economic data and social trends, the article appears credible. However, it would be prudent to verify the underlying data and research methodology referenced to assess the reliability fully. The narrative does not seem overtly manipulative but presents an opportunity for heightened discussion about urban social dynamics and their implications.