Government sources have told that most current rules will remain for another four weeks after this date. It means people will be encouraged to still work from home where possible. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to confirm the delay later at a press conference.

The extension will be put to a Commons vote this month and could trigger a sizeable Conservative backbench rebellion. Many scientists have called for the reopening to be delayed to enable more people to be vaccinated and receive second doses amid rising cases of the Delta variant.

PM Johnson said a final decision on whether the reopening should be paused had not yet been taken, on Sunday.