Lifting of restrictions clouded by uncertainty - Chamber

Businesses are still facing uncertainty as almost all Covid-19 restrictions are lifted in England, business leaders said today.

From midnight, most social distancing rules came to an end with no limits on how many people can meet, the one-metre plus rule removed (except in places such as hospitals) and face coverings no longer legally required.

Nightclubs can also now open their doors, pubs and restaurants no longer have to operate table service only, while there are no limits on the number of people attending weddings, funerals, concerts, theatres, sports events or communal worship.

However, contact tracing and self-isolation requirements remain in place and businesses and large events are encouraged to use Covid certification.

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce said that despite the lifting of restrictions, many businesses are still facing challenges - such as self-isolation rules leading to staff shortages.

Last week, more than a half a million people received alerts via the NHS app to self isolate - a 46 per cent rise on the previous week.

Raj Kandola (pictured), head of policy at the Chamber, said: “The day that so many of us have been waiting for has finally arrived but in very different circumstances that many imagined.

“Lifting the final set of restrictions is a testament to the effective rollout of the vaccine programme and it 's clear that wider business confidence has been on an upward trajectory over the last few months.

“Nevertheless, for many businesses this day remains clouded by uncertainty - as concerns around contact tracing and self isolation guidelines remain apparent and leading to staff shortages up and down the country.

“Despite the unprecedented level of financial assistance offered by Government throughout this crisis, as our latest Quarterly Business Report revealed, a number of local firms are still suffering from crippling cash pressures and will require continued support to get through the next few months. ”

One business preparing for a full reopening is Birmingham-based serviced apartment operator Staying Cool, whose co-founder and manging director Tracey Stephenson said: “While we are cautiously optimistic about the easing of restrictions and our ability to live alongside Covid for the foreseeable future, we are very concerned about the high level of debt that the pandemic has foisted upon companies such as ours.

“We were forced to take out a large CBILS loan to get us through the three lockdowns and have concerns about both our ability to repay the debt while visitor numbers remain significantly below 2019 levels and our future investability, with such a large debt sitting on our balance sheet.

“It has not been a fair pandemic and we need policy makers to think creatively of ways to help redistribute the debt burden more equitably.

“Releasing CBILS debt to be reinvested in businesses to fuel growth or improve customer experience could be a good starting point. ”

Meanwhile, the government is no longer advising against travel to amber countries with the exception of those returning from France to England, Scotland or Wales.

Adults in the UK who have been fully vaccinated will no longer have to quarantine for 10 days after returning from amber list countries.

France was placed in the red list over the weekend due to concerns over the spread of the Beta variant of the virus.

Mr Kandola added: “As is often the case, the lack of detail or effective planning around new announcements simply undermines their effectiveness.

“The Government 's last minute notice for those returning from France or the backlash from regional mayors in relation to wearing face masks on public transport is a case in point.

“As always, the GBCC will continue to liaise with businesses across the region to understand the challenges the new announcements might bring and identify any additional support they require.

“I would also urge businesses to review the Covid-19 section of our website if they need clarity on what the latest changes will mean for their business. ”

Visit the Chamber 's Covid-19 support hub here.

Read the Chamber 's latest Quarterly Business Report here.