One of the UK’s biggest accountancy firms will close most of its offices over Christmas for the first time to save energy.
PwC told its roughly 24,000 employees it would shut its main London office on 1 Embankment Place from December 23 to January 3 to save on energy bills.
The firm, which has 19 offices in the UK, will also shut some of its smaller offices for energy reasons.
In a memo, staff were told: “With many using the festive period to take a well-earned break from work, and with offices typically being quieter during that time, this year we will be taking the opportunity to reduce our energy consumption further by reducing the space we heat and light from Friday December 23 until Tuesday January 3.”
Chairman Kevin Ellis said having all offices open over the festive period "doesn't make sense at a time of energy scarcity".
He said: “We've taken a pragmatic approach ensuring some offices across the country remain open for those who need them.”
The memo tells staff that for those based in the capital, some workspace would be available at its More London offices near London Bridge.
Regional offices, which are in cities including Edinburgh, Belfast and Newcastle, are also taking a “similar approach" to PwC’s main Embankment Place site.
Other so-called ‘Big Four’ accountancy firms will also close their offices over Christmas.
Deloitte has shut its offices over the Christmas period for several years, with all of its UK offices closed over the same period of time.
KPMG also is closing its UK offices over the same period as it has done previously.