Prime Minister announces four-stage lockdown exit plan

Businesses received some clarity on the reopening of the economy as Boris Johnson set out his four-stage approach to lifting lockdown restrictions in England.

The Prime Minister confirmed schools will return on 8 March, while individuals will be allowed to socialise outdoors with one other person as part of the first stage.

And from 29 March, outdoor gatherings will be allowed for up to six people or two households, with outdoor sports facilities can also able to reopen.

Step two - beginning no earlier than 12 April - signals the return of all retail, personal care, most outdoor attractions, outdoor hospitality and domestic overnight stays.

The resumption of indoor hospitality, entertainment and attractions and some events form part of step three, which will take effect no earlier than 17 May.

Step four (no earlier than 21 June), will allow the reopening of all remaining businesses including nightclubs, full resumption of international travel and larger events.

Mr Johnson told MPs that restrictions will be eased at each stage providing four conditions are met:

• The roll-out of the vaccination programme continues as planned
• There is evidence that vaccines are leading to a sufficient reduction in the number of deaths or people needing hospital treatment
• There is no significant spike in the infection rate that risks overwhelming the NHS
• Assessment of the risks is not 'fundamentally changed ' by new variants

There will be a five-week period between each stage and restrictions are to be eased across the whole of England at the same time rather than a return to the regional tiers system.

Henrietta Brealey (pictured), chief strategy officer at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “Businesses desperately need clarity on when key sectors of the economy can reopen. Today 's announcement has gone some way to providing this.

“We welcome the national approach to easing restrictions, avoiding the confusion and lottery of the tiers system.

“Many businesses will also understand the need for an evidenced backed approached to implementing each stage - no one wants to see future lockdowns caused by moving too quickly.

“As these measures come into effect it is essential that businesses are given clear guidance and sufficient notice of any changes to give them the necessary time to prepare. Businesses cannot open and close at the flick of a switch.

“Support for businesses, particularly those with fewer than 50 employees, in workplace testing and ensuring the UK 's test and trace service is firing on all cylinders will also be critical to ensuring a safe reopening of the economy.

“While a positive step forward, and testament to the impact already seen from COVID vaccination rollout, today is also confirmation that we are still many months away from being able to live without COVID-19 restrictions.

“It is imperative that the government sets out the support that it will be providing to businesses - particularly those that will be among the last to unlock. We will be continuing to lobby on our members ' behalf and escalate key messages ahead of the Chancellor 's Budget on 3 March through our Back Our Businesses campaign. ”

The Chamber is a hosting a 'The Roadmap to Recovery: Covid-19 ' event on 10 March to help bring businesses up to speed on the proposed stages for re-opening the economy.

Click here to find out more about the event.

Click here to read the Chamber 's BackOurBusinesses Report.