HSBC is rolling out a trial programme for its UK staff to book hot desks in its London operations and allowing more investment bankers to return as large banks look to reopen offices after a prolonged Covid-19 lockdown.

The UK lender told staff that it was “gradually moving ahead” with plans to re-open its London offices, which have been running on a skeleton crew for months. Its Canary Wharf headquarters has had around 3% of employees working in the office, but the bank is encouraging more staff back as government restrictions lift.