Workplaces in Thurrock have been busier during the current lockdown than last spring, figures suggest.

The GMB union said low-paid workers not being able to afford to self-isolate and a lack of sanctions on employers were key reasons for increased office footfall across England.

Google uses location data from phones and other personal devices to track trends in people’s movement in different areas of their daily lives, including where they work.

It shows average activity in workplaces in Thurrock over six weeks between January 5 and February 15 was 44 per cent lower than before the pandemic.

But this was a rise on the average of 60 per cent below normal between March 24 and May 4, when the UK was plunged into its first national lockdown.

Government guidance says people can only leave their home for work if it is “not reasonably possible” to do so from home.