Business demands clear timelines on reopening

26 May 2020

Businesses need clearer timelines from Government to be able to prepare for re-opening, business leaders said today.

It follows Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement that all non-essential retailers can open their doors from 15 June, with car showrooms and outdoor markets given the green light to re-open from 1 June.

Retailers will be required to follow Government guidance aimed at making their workplaces ‘Covid-19 secure’ - click here for more information.

While clarity on timeframes has been welcomed in some quarters, many retailers have been left frustrated after working towards the 1 June re-opening date that was initially mooted by Mr Johnson in his briefing on 10 May.

Last week, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce backed calls from retail industry leader Tony Elvin, general manager of Touchwood in Solihull and vice-president of Solihull Chamber for clarity on the Government's plans for reopening retail.

Chief executive Paul Faulkner said: “Many retailers will welcome this long overdue clarity on who can reopen when. They are the lifeblood of our high streets and support many thousands of jobs, suppliers and customers across the region.

“However, there is no denying the frustration felt by many in the most directly affected sectors: retail, leisure, hospitality and events at the lack of detail in the Government's messaging.

“In effect, many retailers have just received one week’s notice that they will not be reopening on 1 June but on the 15th instead and all of the unwinding of staff rotas and preparations to re-open that goes with it.

“We recognise that this is a fluid and changeable situation with so much contingent on continuing to slow the spread of this terrible disease. However, we urge the Government to provide more clarity and clear timelines in future on how they will approach unlocking the remaining parts of our economy that remain unable to operate.”

The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has expressed disappointment that shops will not be able to reopen until 15 June.

Bira's CEO Andrew Goodacre said many independent retailers are ready to reopen now, having already worked hard to put measures in place to keep both customers and staff safe.

He added: “Independent retailers have been preparing to re-open since the idea of opening as of June 1 was first mentioned. Many retailers have measures in place that will keep both employees and customers safe.

“It is therefore a little disappointing for the smaller retailers not to be able to open until 15 June, especially as they can make it safe to do so.

“We really hope that this extended closure period will be used to good effect by local authorities to ensure that the high streets and public spaces can be adjusted to allow for social distancing whilst shopping with the prospect of multiple queues.”

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