Knight Frank’s chairman Alistair Elliott says that the four-week delay in lockdown easing could have an adverse impact on businesses across England.
The prime minister Boris Johnson yesterday confirmed that the final easing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions, which had been scheduled for next week, is now set to happen on 19 July 19.
The delay, which follows concern over the spread of the Delta variant, has angered many business owners.
Elliott said: “I believe it will be a massive blow for our town and city centres and our communities if the government does delay plans to release the constraints on opening up that have be planned for many months now.
“With no statistics suggesting any alarm and the vaccine rollout making such good progress, it appears completely illogical to, at this late stage, delay opening up the economy further.
Not only is a return to the workplace long overdue but the momentum which has begun across may aspects of normal life will be hugely hampered.
“This delay comes at the very time as the crucial summer trading months begin, especially for all in the food, beverage and hospitality sectors. Such a delay will, I suggest, be catastrophic for many businesses in these areas.”
Comments (3)
Stone throwing in glass houses?
Really not sure why Alastair felt the need and/or why he was asked to pass comment on this prudent Government decision.
A decision based on saving lives takes precedence over all, despite the challenges faced by affected businesses. Support should be made available nonetheless, but I really don’t see this as an “illogical” decision.
Pipe down. We’ve been incredibly lucky to be allowed to operate throughout the pandemic when, maybe, we should have been restricted a little more. I haven’t had to furlough or dismiss any staff as we’ve remained reasonably busy and had savings to ride out any dip in productivity.
Everyone wants to get back to normal and we will, just not for another few weeks. If it’ll genuinely save lives and free up hospital beds for non-covid related illnesses then I’m in support.
Who isn’t back at work weeks and weeks ago, while the rest of us are stepping up to keep England & Wales moving!?