Government confirms more businesses can reopen
Businesses in a number of sectors including retail, beauty and hospitality have been given the green light to reopen from next Monday in the latest step on the government 's roadmap.
Boris Johnson confirmed last night that step two of the roadmap for easing lockdown restrictions will come into effect next week.
It means non-essential retail, beauty salons, gyms and outdoor attractions can reopen, while hospitality venues will be able to operate outdoors - following Covid-secure regulations.
In his latest Downing Street briefing, the Prime Minister also confirmed the government are trialling Covid-status certificates - or vaccine passports - at a series of pilot events.
He said reviews are ongoing into social distancing rules, international travel and restarting large events.
And, from Friday (9 April), everyone in England will have access to two rapid testing kits a week.
Henrietta Brealey (pictured), chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said the news will come as a huge relief to many businesses.
She said: “Many businesses will be breathing a slight sigh of relief after the Prime Minister 's speech last night confirmed that England will indeed be moving to stage two of the roadmap from 12 April.
“We are looking forward to welcoming back local businesses able to reopen key activities during this phase and under future stages. We 've invited all Chamber members reopening or expanding their activity during stage two to take part in our 'welcome back ' promotional campaign, part of our wider activity to Keep Business Moving.
“I would encourage all applicable members reading this to reach out to their relationship managers to find out more. ”
However, the Chamber says a number of sectors - particularly the travel industry - still require urgent clarity.
Policy manager Dan Clarke said: “A great deal of uncertainty remains around the reopening of certain sectors with the government unable to offer a firm commitment that non-essential international travel will be able to resume from 17 May.
“It is vital that the government provides clarity as soon as possible on the restrictions that businesses will have to operate under and the conditions that will need to be met in order for restrictions to be eased or removed entirely.
“Businesses are looking to government to maintain financial support whilst restrictions remain in place. The current support schemes do not go far enough and we are calling on the government to extend support to those that are currently excluded and to provide enhanced support for the most impacted businesses to help them meet essential costs whilst they remain closed.
“Firms are also understandably concerned about the potential ethical and legal ramifications posed by the proposed Covid-status certification. ”
“It is essential that the government consult regularly with industry on their proposals and provide clear and consistent guidance to businesses around the practicalities of implementing such a scheme.
Click here for further details on the changes taking effect from the 12 April
Click here to register for workplace testing before the 12 April deadline.