Businesses urged to play part as PM steps up booster rollout

Businesses can play their part in the battle against the Omicron variant through stringent testing and allowing staff time off to receive vaccinations, business leaders said today.

It comes after Boris Johnson announced all adults in England will be offered a booster jab by the end of the year.

The Prime Minister delivered the update on Sunday evening, just hours after the UK's Covid alert level was raised to four due to the spread of the new variant.

Level four means a high or rising level of transmission. The last time the UK was at this level was in May.

From this week, people in England must now work from home if they can, as part of the government's Plan B guidance to curb the spread of Omicron.

The change brings England in line with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Rules on face masks have already been tightened and Covid passes will be required to get into nightclubs and other large venues from Wednesday.

MPs are expected to vote on the new measures on Tuesday.

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce say the expanded booster programme is a sensible step to avoid further restrictions.

Raj Kandola (pictured), head of policy at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “The Prime Minister used his televised statement to underline the speed at which the Omicron variant is spreading across the country and reiterated the need to ramp up the rollout of booster jabs.

“Extending the parameters of the booster programme to include all over 18s is a sensible step if we are to avoid another period of enforced closures and the devastating economic consequences that would bring for businesses up and down the country.

“We would encourage business owners to play their part and where possible, allow staff to take time off to get jabbed and remain stringent on testing.

“Ahead of tomorrow 's parliamentary session, we will be releasing an updated Action Plan based on feedback we 've received from local firms on the support they will need to keep their business moving over the coming weeks and months in light of the new announcements. ”

Read the GBCC 's response to the Government 's Plan B measures.

Read the GBCC 's Covid-19 Support Grid.