Business needs 'meaningful guidance' on lifting of restrictions - Chamber
Business leaders have called for “meaningful guidance ” on how the lifting of remaining Covid-19 restrictions will work for businesses after the Government confirmed it will press ahead with its plans on 19 July.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and health secretary Sajid Javid both confirmed that all elements of social distancing will be removed from next Monday - including limits on how many people can meet, the one-metre plus rule and the legal requirement to wear face coverings.
The government also confirmed:
- Nightclubs can reopen
- Pubs and restaurants no longer have to operate table service only
- No limits on guests at weddings and funerals
- No limits on people attending concerts, theatres or sports events
- No restrictions on communal worship
- Guidance recommending against travel to amber countries will be removed
- Adults fully vaccinated in the UK will no longer have to quarantine for 10 days after returning from amber list countries
- Under-18s won't need to quarantine
However, Mr Javid warned: “It is not the end of the road, ” and said measures will be reviewed in September.
Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce said businesses now need clarity on the practical steps of unlocking.
Chief executive Henrietta Brealey (pictured) said: “Businesses need clarity on how this will work in practice. They are not public health experts and need meaningful guidance on what exactly being 'responsible ', 'high risk ' and returning to work in a 'gradual ' fashion mean in a business context.
“The business community wants to get back to doing what it does best. The confirmation of progress to Stage 4 of the roadmap is very welcome and there is much to be positive about in the effectiveness of the vaccine rollout and generally optimistic business sentiment.
“But they need to be reassured that concrete details on workplace guidance will be published; plans to support businesses with the rising issue of self-isolation notifications will be brought forward; and support will remain available for those firms facing severe hardship.
“The support provided to date has been incredibly welcome and unprecedented and we know that certain sectors - such as international travel - are still a long way from business as usual despite the real progress starting to be made. ”
Raj Kandola, head of policy at the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, added: “We, and many others in the business community, have frequently called on the Government over the course of the pandemic to match high level announcements with actionable detail - which far too often can come weeks (or even months) after the eye catching headlines.
“The Chamber will work closely with local businesses in order to understand the challenges and opportunities they are likely to encounter once these changes are implemented.
“We also look forward to gathering business views over the next couple of months in order to formally contribute to the Government 's September review on unlocking the economy. The voice of business needs to be at the heart of these conversations as restrictions begin to ease and a return to form of normalcy edges closer. ”
For more information on the Covid-19 support and guidance available for businesses click here for the GBCC Covid support hub.