Firms still face obstacles as PM reveals unlocking plan - Chamber
The Government has been urged to provide clarity on several elements of its plan to ease Covid-19 restrictions.
Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce said that, while there was much for businesses to cheer from Boris Johnson 's statement last night, significant obstacles still remain.
These include a lack of detail on self-isolation rules and shifting responsibility for safety guidelines on to firms.
In his Downing Street briefing, the Prime Minister announced an end to a host of restrictions from 19 July - subject to final approval next week - including social distancing, the wearing of facemasks and the requirement for employees to work from home if they can.
Raj Kandola, head of policy at the GBCC, said: “There was much to cheer in the PM 's statement last night as the country remains on course to return to many of the ways which marked our pre-pandemic society.
“Whilst many of the announcements had been trailed in advance, it was very reassuring to see Mr Johnson commit to working with the travel sector in order to drive international demand - a much needed boost for a sector which has been knocked from pillar to post by the pandemic.
“Removing legal limits on numbers meeting indoors and outdoors will also drive demand across a range of sectors that have badly suffered from enforced closures and a lack of footfall.
“However, significant obstacles remain on the road to recovery and once again, a degree of ambiguity clouds the overall picture.
“Shifting responsibility for maintaining safety guidelines onto businesses and individuals is likely to create more questions than answers which in turn could dent business confidence levels if customers and staff feel unsafe around returning to premises.
“Removing the need to wear facemasks on public transport could impact confidence in travelling, which in turn, is likely to have an impact on the overall economic recovery.
“Coupled with a lack of detail around self isolation rules and we are faced with a precarious situation, especially if cases get out of control and we have the prospect of a future lockdown. ”
The Chamber reiterated that many firms are still facing financial hardship despite the lifting of restrictions.
Mr Kandola added: “Data from our latest Quarterly Business Report reveals that a number of firms across the region are still facing crippling cash pressures and large overheads.
“It 's essential the Government recognises that an appropriate level of financial support needs to be maintained for those businesses suffering from severe hardships.
“As we have done throughout the crisis, the Chamber will be on hand to guide businesses on the latest developments and will continue to assess where they require additional support and advice moving forward. ”