The government hastily set out its Covid Plan B on Wednesday afternoon (8 December) amid the spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19.

Its new guidance urges those able to work from home to do so, and also strengthens rules on wearing masks in indoor settings.

The Target poll, though, found that only 4% of agent respondents planned to close their shops and offices, while 5% said they would adopt a hybrid model.

The majority (91%), though, said they would keep their shops and offices open, and fully staff them.

Target co-founder Graeme Brett, director of Westoe Travel, said: "The feedback is that agents need to be available to assist customers who are already booked with information on testing, passenger locator forms and other requirements. Most say this is virtually impossible to do from home."

Pole Travel owner Jill Waite, fellow Target co-founder, added: "Many agents are totally fed up with the constant rule changes and the sheer stupidity that government suggests they work from home but then they can go to a pub, restaurant or football match in the evening with their workmates.

"The government is destroying the travel industry, and everyone’s morale is so low now after the slight recovery in October and November. We will be staying open to assist our customers as they need our help and guidance more than ever."