Business owners desperately need the clarity Boris Johnson failed to provide in his coronavirus lockdown announcement on Monday evening, industry groups said.
Bosses lack information on how self-isolation and testing will work in the future, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) have said.
The group warned that an uneven approach to security could undermine public confidence in the reopening.
Mr Johnson announced on Monday that the government plans to remove social distancing rules in England on July 19, even as infections rise, due to the Delta variant, and much of the population has not been fully vaccinated.
The Prime Minister admitted he may have to reimpose the lockdown restrictions in winter.
Sajid Javid, the new health secretary, said on Tuesday morning that cases could reach 100,000 a day after the lockdown ends.
BCC chief executive Shevaun Haviland said in a statement: “Businesses in England still don’t have the big picture they desperately need to plan for the unlock. Businesses don’t yet know the future of self-isolation rules, whether testing will remain free for them, or when international travel will actually open.
“Without clear directions for companies around the new proposals, there could be real uncertainty about how they should operate in the future and what they should do to keep staff and their customers safe.
“This could lead to a fragmented, patchwork approach with very different positions taken by many companies, in many places. This, in turn, could seriously undermine public confidence in the reopening. “
The Confederation of British Industry hailed Mr Johnson’s plan to completely reopen the UK economy, but said ministers now had to provide more details to boost consumer and home confidence.
Its boss, Tony Danker, said: “Find out if workplace testing will continue beyond July, clarify mask wear for public transport and understand how a test and release program can support the Both the domestic industry and our international travel sector can provide another boost to business.
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said the government had “a tremendous amount of work” ahead of it to convince bosses it was on the right track, warning that “the previous false dawn has proven to be disruptive and disappointing.” .
FSB chairman Mike Cherry had posed a series of questions to ministers before the announcement, which the group said were still unanswered after the announcement.
In a statement, he asked, “Is this confirmation of intervention enough to buy shares and put staff in place by July 19?” What to say to staff worried about the safety of public transport? Where do I stand if I lift all restrictions in my business and someone contracts covid there? Should I advise staff that it is safe to reopen the office?
“How will the rules regarding schooling and childcare change? What police protection will there be for me if I ask clients to follow security procedures and they refuse? What infrastructure, such as testing, will be kept in place for businesses?
“After applying restrictions for so long, the government must not just step back and allow a mass melee. A key concern for employers in particular will be accountability, as rules are replaced by guidance. The risk should not be transferred to small business owners.
The unions are also worried about how the end of the restrictions will be handled.
The TUC said it was unacceptable for the government to “outsource its health and safety responsibilities” by removing the obligation to work from home whenever possible and placing the responsibility on employers to ensure return. at work in complete safety.
The independent contacted health and business departments for comment.
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Source: www.independent.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-07-06 09:40:15
