'Let’s hope current sacrifices will mean a brighter future for us all' says Sheffield business leader

Only about one in six workers have returned to the office since lockdown restrictions were eased

This brings challenges not only for employees, but employers working to restore their business and get back to a degree of normality.

Summer has also brought the chaos of A-level results, a nerve-racking experience in normal times, but for hard-working students not to get their expected grades in such large numbers is unforgivable.

During the pandemic, their education was disrupted anyway, so to suffer this additional stress requires another inquiry on top of the inevitable one on how we dealt with Covid-19.

Reversing the mistakes made is not a total redress, as many will have lost their first choice university place and may have to take less attractive choices, or face an unforeseen gap year. What a shambles.

Those leaving education will, due to the pandemic, find employment opportunities severely limited, requiring the government to come up with some innovative solutions to give future hope, as it will those coming out of furlough.

We are entering a challenging period with coronavirus still not beaten and the economy not fully restored, with allegedly only one in six workers returning to their office, with the implications that has for shops etc. that feed off them.

Also, we do not know if the local lockdowns are a worrying sign that we may be facing a challenging winter.

The lessons hopefully are now embedded in our routines, to maintain distancing and wear masks where required.

The government needs to reflect, not only on the effectiveness of measures they have promoted, but also to keep communications simple, timely and that we can endorse as appropriate and consistent.

There are still consequences as I prepare to attend a funeral where the numbers are strictly limited and remind myself to book my flu vaccine appointment.

Hopefully those who have suffered in spring and summer, through job losses, education disruption and worse loss of loved ones etc, will see better things to come this winter, with the anticipated second spike not realised.

I hope so, as we all need to look forward to happier times, knowing the sacrifices we have made have been beneficial.

Above all, I hope front-line workers get a break, supported by us maintaining discipline, returning to our normal lives, so we can all enjoy a well-earned Christmas and a Happier New Year.