WORKPLACES across Cheshire have been busier during the current lockdown than last spring, figures suggest.

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

It shows average activity in workplaces in Cheshire over six weeks between January 5 and February 15 was 45 per cent lower than during a five-week baseline period recorded before the pandemic.

However, that figure compares to 64 per cent below normal between March 24 and May 4 2020 in Cheshire West and Chester, and 63 per cent in Cheshire East.

Dan Shears, National Health and Safety Director of the GMB union, said the inability of low-paid and gig economy workers to afford to self-isolate was a key reason why workplaces were busier.

Mr Shears said: "This will undoubtedly be a reason for the increased footfall, as many workers simply cannot take the hit of income falling to statutory sick pay rates.

"The other issue is the lack of sanctions for employers who have chosen to remain open, even when this has not been necessary."

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

As an average activity in workplaces across the UK has risen from an average of 64 per cent below normal in the first lockdown to 45 per cent below usual in the 2021 restrictions.

People in England are eligible for a one-off £500 Test and Trace Support Payment if they meet one of several criteria.

A spokesperson for the Department for Health and Social Care said: "While we recognise this is an incredibly difficult time for many, it is crucial people continue to follow the rules and help suppress this dreadful virus."