Two thirds of working people who are shielding now feel comfortable returning to work, figures show

Data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on Wednesday has shown that approximately two-thirds – 68 per cent –of clinically extremely vulnerable people who were in work prior to the Government's shielding advice are now comfortable returning if protective measures are in place.

The figures also revealed that six per cent of clinically extremely vulnerable people who normally worked were planning not to return in the next four months.

The data assess the impact of coronavirus on those who are shielding or clinically extremely vulnerable in England from July 9 to July 16. It found that 65 per cent of clinically extremely vulnerable people reported receiving no visitors except for support with personal care.

This marks a statistically significant decrease from 77 per cent between June 24 and 30, reflecting the guidance which advises clinically extremely vulnerable people that they can form a support bubble with another household.

Tim Gibbs, of the ONS Public Services Analysis Team, said: "As the advice for clinically extremely vulnerable people to shield was paused from August 1, those who previously worked are planning what happens next. Before being advised to shield, almost a third of clinically extremely vulnerable people worked.

"Most are planning on returning to work or continuing to work from home in the next four months, but around one in 20 clinically extremely vulnerable people are planning not to return to work.

"Of those who said they would return to work outside the home, 68 per cent reported they felt comfortable doing so, if either they or their employer put protective measures in place."

Vulnerable people were advised in March to stay at home, or shield, to avoid contracting coronavirus.

However, following new Government guidance issued last week, more than two million people shielding in most of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland can now leave their homes and return to work.

In Wales, the advice stays in place until August 16.

The ONS also reported that an estimated 328,000 clinically extremely vulnerable people (15 per cent) live in a household with children aged under 16 years.

A further three per cent (68,000) reported that living in this type of household has had an impact on their ability to shield.