Overview

• Lord Stuart Rose, former CEO of M&S and chairman of Asda, stated that remote work is creating a generation of workers who are 'not doing proper work.'
• He argued that working from home has reduced productivity and personal development, and linked it to a decline in the UK's economic wellbeing over the past four years.
• Rose's comments reflect his longstanding stance, as he previously pushed for Asda's head office staff to return to in-person work at least three days a week.
• Experts and workers have countered Rose's claims, highlighting benefits of remote work such as improved wellbeing, flexibility for disabled workers, and reduced burnout.
• The Labour government is introducing legislation to expand flexible working rights, while some companies, like Amazon and JP Morgan, are mandating a full return to offices.