Doncaster business chiefs have said there is a ‘lack of clarity’ in new lockdown rules

Dan Fell, Doncaster Chamber chief executive officer, said the timetable for recovery, safety requirements and support packages were not properly outlined in Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s speech.

Mr Johnson said people who cannot work from home should return to work if they could, provided they try to avoid public transport.

Mr Fell said the guidance left responsibility to business, when the government should be leading.

He said it was putting employers in a ‘difficult position’ and asked for further clarity.

Mr Fell said: “While many in business will be pleased the government is aiming to restart the economy, there will be consternation about how and when this is to be achieved.

“Businesses’ concerns will be threefold: the lack of clarity when it comes to the recovery timetable, a lack of clarity on safety requirements and guidance and a lack of clarity on what business support packages will be available to assist businesses through the recovery.

“Without clarity in these areas, simply stating some sectors and workers can go back to work risks causing more problems than it addresses, placing the onus on businesses when the responsibility lies with government.

“In line with the national importance of public health, the government must act now to ensure firms are given clear instructions on how to implement a return-to-work process which allows them to look after the needs of their most important asset: their people.

“Without this, government is putting business owners in a difficult position.”