Council's business pledge relaunches

A Covid Business Pledge scheme, devised by Solihull Council, has relaunched to reflect the lifting of legal Covid restrictions.

The Business Pledge aims to help businesses and venues show both customers and staff that they will operate in a Covid-safe way, despite most legal limits on Covid restrictions lifting last week.

The pledge is entirely voluntary, but by signing up to the pledge, a business or venue is making a positive statement that they are making efforts to maintain the high standards of public and staff protection put in place during the Covid pandemic.

It suggests businesses continue with the measures they have in place to reduce risk of transmission including social distancing, hand sanitising, face coverings ventilation, encouraging regular testing and promoting vaccination for staff.

Councillor Ian Courts (pictured), leader of Solihull Council said: “The Business Pledge gives businesses a way of showing both customers and staff that they are continuing to take Covid seriously.

“Now more than ever as our infection rates soar and the legal restrictions have come to an end, we need everyone to carry on doing the right things that have kept us safe over the past months.

“To be clear about the seriousness of the current situation, Solihull 's director of Public Health has written to businesses asking for their support to make every effort to stop Covid spreading.

“However, if businesses put on unsafe events or fail to operate in a Covid-safe manner, the Director of Public Health has the legal powers to close them down, and they will have my full support to take action against any irresponsible businesses that threatens the health and wellbeing of Solihull residents.

“I shall continue to wear a mask when I 'm in shops, on public transport or, say, with a large number of people indoors. This is about ensuring I don 't unknowingly give Covid to someone else, it is about protecting the people we love and those around us, particularly the staff serving us.

“For office based businesses, hospitality and independent retailers, sticking to these simple measure will help reduce the risk of staff having to self-isolate and causing disruption to your business. ”