WORKPLACES in Flintshire and Wrexham have been busier during the current lockdown than last spring, figures suggest.

The GMB union said a rise in workplace activity across Wales could risk a major coronavirus outbreak and see lockdown extended for "many months".

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

It shows average activity in workplaces in Flintshire over six weeks between January 5 and February 15 was 42% lower than during a five-week baseline period recorded before the pandemic.

But this was a rise on the average of 60% below normal between March 24 and May 4, when the UK was plunged into its first national lockdown.

Current Welsh Government guidance says people can only leave their home for work if it is “reasonably necessary”.

In Wrexham over six weeks between January 5 and February 15 was 37% lower than during a five-week baseline period recorded before the pandemic.

But this was a rise on the average of 55% below normal between March 24 and May 4, when the UK was plunged into its first national lockdown.

In announcing the first lockdown on March 23 last year, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said travelling to and from work was only permitted when "absolutely necessary".

Between that and the current lockdown, activity in workplaces across the UK has risen from an average of 64% below normal to 45% below.

In Wales, workplace activity rose from 59% to 40% below normal.

Mike Payne, GMB senior organiser, said: “This is an alarming discovery, especially as the stats show that the brunt of risk in Wales has been taken by lower paid workers, usually with public facing jobs.

"We’re not out of the woods yet, and this type of activity could risk a major outbreak in Wales and see lockdown extended for many months."

He added that guidance from the Welsh Government has been clear and it is "unbelievably important" that employers follow it.

The Google data shows how footfall in Flintshire workplaces has differed across almost a full year of coronavirus restrictions.

The busiest working day between the start of the first UK lockdown and mid-February was December 2, when activity was just 23% below usual levels.

By contrast, the quietest weekday over this time – outside of bank holidays – was December 31, which was 70% below normal.

In Wrexham, between the start of the first UK lockdown and mid-February, the busiest a working day got was just 22% below usual the baseline – hitting this level on four days.

By contrast, the quietest weekday over this time – outside of bank holidays – was December 31, which was 67% below normal.

The Institute of Directors, which represents UK business leaders, said the majority of its members indicated they would be keeping some form of home working in place after the pandemic.

Joe Fitzsimons, senior policy adviser at the IoD, added: "It is essential that the Government works closely with businesses to provide guidance on how organisations can reopen safely, to ensure the safety of their workers."

A Welsh Government spokesman said businesses which can operate should take all reasonable measures to minimise the risk of exposure to coronavirus.

He added: “To help control the spread of the virus, we have required people to work from home wherever possible.

“We have issued regulations and clear guidance to businesses which are able to operate and premises that are able to open to the public."