(Bloomberg) --

Citigroup Inc. has asked its London staff to come into the office at least three days a week, an early indication of the determination of finance firms to return to offices after the U.K. government said people no longer needed to work from home.

“We are now free to gather in our offices, without restriction, where we are better able to generate the energy and collaborative spirit on which Citi thrives,” EMEA Chief Executive Officer David Livingstone and U.K. head James Bardrick said in an email to staff seen by Bloomberg. “Everyone is expected to be in the office at least three days per week.”

The email said the U.S. lender will continue to offer flexible working, adding that its protective measures remain in place, including its lateral flow Covid testing program and staff should continue to test each Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Rules regarding face coverings also remain in place and staff must continue wearing one when using the lifts. 

The move comes after the U.K. government announced on Wednesday that most Covid-19 restrictions are being lifted in England over the coming days, which included asking people to work from home.

Financial News reported the memo earlier.

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