Moving too far, too fast could set back restart of economy, business chief warns
BUSINESS leaders have given their backing to First Minister Mark Drakeford’s decision to continue the coronavarius lockdown in Wales, albeit with a slight easing of restrictions, writes Sion Barry.
Mr Drakeford warned that the hard work in reducing the spread of the virus would be compromised, with deadly consequences, if there was a substantive lifting of the current restrictions.
Director of CBI Wales Ian Price said: “Putting people’s health first – phasing the easing of lockdown measures – is the only way to restart the economy. And wherever possible, the United Kingdom should act in concert.
“New government guidance on workplace safely and when it might be safe to reopen will allow business be as ready as possible for when restart begins. This should come hand in hand with the latest thinking on schools, transport, testing and how economic support will evolve.
“Getting Wales back to work will minimise the impact on livelihoods from a crisis that has shaken the global economy. It must be done gradually, based on science, to avoid a devastating second wave and retain public confidence. Moving too far, too fast could set back the economic restart.
“Only by employers, employees and unions working together with government will we begin to build back better, setting out a vision for the future of our economy based on fairness and sustainability.”
Director of IoD Wales Robert Lloyd Griffiths said: “The virus might be stabilising, but our governments in Wales and London still have the very difficult task of balancing lives and livelihoods.
“I am encouraged to hear the First Minister support a fournation approach, as collaboration and clear communication are both essential to avoid no mixed messaging as families and businesses face another three weeks of lockdown. The good news is that the First Minister has made it very clear that he will keep the situation under constant review, so I very much hope that we will see measures to kick-start our economy during that time.
“It is also welcome news that gardening centres can now reopen and, together with supermarkets, we should all be able to learn from how these businesses are managing to adapt to a new normal with social distancing measures in place.”
Welsh Local Government Association leader Andrew Morgan, who also leads Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, said: “We welcome the very cautious approach outlined by the First Minister today.
“Although these minor adjustments are being made, we all need to continue to exercise major caution and continue to stay at home as much as possible.
“We know many people will be feeling anxious, many fearful about any prospect of rolling back restrictions too quickly, while others are anxious to see a return to some normality. Welsh Government is clear that any changes to restrictions will only happen when it is safe to do so, guided by up-todate scientific advice.
“Today’s slight easing of the staying at home rules does not mean that local services will be reinstated at the flick of a switch.
“Any future return of services requires extensive planning and a phased approach. The position is being kept under constant review.
“In the event of rules and regulations being sufficiently relaxed, local authorities will only consider any reopening when they are confident that services can be operated in line with government guidance in a way that ensures the safety of the public and staff alike.”