World news and discussion on TalkFuse.
More than one in four Scots still choosing to avoid office
A Transport Scotland survey found that 27 per cent of Scots worked from home in 2025, two percentage points more than in 2024 and well above the 16 per cent recorded in 2019. The persistent shift matters for city-centre businesses, which say fewer commuting workers have contributed to lower visits to Scottish shops.
Driving accounted for half of journeys, while walking was the second most common mode; bus and train use increased, though frequent rail travel remained below pre-pandemic levels. The Scottish Retail Consortium said store visits were about 10 per cent below pre-pandemic levels and called for measures to revive city-centre footfall. The Scottish Conservatives criticised civil servants working from home, while government staff were reportedly told to work in the office at least two days a week.
In short
- 27 per cent of Scots worked from home in 2025.
- The share remains well above the 2019 level of 16 per cent.
- Scottish shops report visits are about a tenth below pre-pandemic levels.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The sustained rise in home working may reflect employees’ preference for flexibility and can reduce commuting time and costs, while helping people balance work with caring responsibilities or other needs. Requiring regular office attendance could also exclude some workers or make recruitment harder, so employers should have a clear reason for setting in-person days.
The case against
Regular office attendance can support collaboration, mentoring and public-service coordination, and may make it easier for managers and colleagues to resolve issues together. Fewer commuters can also mean less custom for city-centre shops, cafés and other businesses, giving employers and government a reason to encourage more in-person work and help restore footfall.