More clarity needed before businesses can reopen, Doncaster Chamber says

Prime Minister Boris Johnson addressed the nation on Sunday, May 10.

He set out a conditional plan for the next phase of the response to Covid-19.

In his address he encouraged those who cannot work from home to return to their workplaces and announced an increase in the amount of exercise people can do outside.

But Doncaster Chamber CEO, Dan Fell, said: “Whilst many in business will be pleased to learn that Government is aiming to restart the economy, there will be significant consternation about how and when this is to be achieved.

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

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

Mr Johnson also laid out a plan for the next few months explaining that primary schools may be able to open for some students in June and the hospitality industry would have to wait until July at the earliest before re-opening.

Dan said: “In line with the national importance of public health the Government must act now to ensure that 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, the Government is putting business owners in a very difficult position.

“In the current climate, it is clear that not all businesses will be able to re-open in the coming weeks so employers will also need to know the ongoing plans of government support schemes, including ongoing financial support and a possible extension to the furlough scheme which is currently set to end on June 30.”

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