NI business leaders call for end to ‘lockdown, release and repeat’ Covid strategy

In a joint statement, 23 business organisations, trade bodies and chambers of commerce, said: “Pursuing a path of lockdown, release and repeat will undo all of the good work we have done to build a strong and diverse economy and protect workers and their families.

“If a vaccine for Covid-19 is still months away from being available, then we must genuinely learn to live with the virus if we want to preserve our economy and have jobs for people to return to. A different way must be found.”

The bodies backing the new proposals include the Belfast Chamber, Manufacturing NI and Hospitality Ulster.

They said: “The Executive will find a willing partner in business in seeking to design an alternative strategy.

“One that doesn’t choose between health and the economy but instead seriously strengthens the Executive’s response to the pandemic whilst allowing all parts of the region’s economy to remain open and trading in the safest way possible. And most of all we need clarity from the Executive and a timely communication of the responsibilities of business and the public under any new regulations.

“We need to strike a balance to protect lives and livelihoods”.

Their three-point plan is based on: Communication, with clarity around the public health message said to be key; Compliance, with the need to instil confidence described as “crucial”; and Compensation and Support, calling on the Executive to make resources available “as a matter of utmost urgency to enable people and businesses to better comply with the measures needed to fight Covid-19”.

1. COMMUNICATION

Clarity is key. The Executive must sharpen up its overall public health message to both the public and the business community. Clear and consistent communication is an absolute imperative, making what is permitted and what isn’t much easier to understand. The Executive needs to stop the constantly changing guidance and advice which is challenging to comprehend. We also urge far better coordination of messaging across key stakeholders both region wide and at a local level, utilising all tools at our disposal including the local press and social media.

2. COMPLIANCE

Instilling confidence is crucial. The Executive must work better to encourage greater compliance and, where appropriate, enforcement. They should quickly establish a “COVID Secure” quality framework including requirements for social distancing, face coverings, PPE etc to make it crystal clear how businesses, public service providers and others can ensure their premises are safe for staff and customers.

It must also be made abundantly clear who is responsible for ensuring compliance and enforcing any regulations. An effective test and trace system is absolutely key to successfully fighting COVID-19 and the evidence gained from the system should be used to assist businesses to boost compliance. Financially assisting local Councils to invest in measures like hand sanitising stations and ‘COVID marshals’ in our town and city centres that compliments the extensive interventions implemented inside business premises will help to create a culture of compliance across society.

All of this, coupled with a combination of close cooperation with business and local government and clear support and advice for firms will create an environment where greater compliance from the public can be achieved and where, if necessary, enforcement can occur. This needs to be simple to understand and simple to implement.

3. COMPENSATION AND SUPPORT

It is critical to give business and their staff certainty. The Executive must make resources available as a matter of utmost urgency to enable people and businesses to better comply with the measures needed to fight COVID-19. For example, a fund such as that available in England for those told to self-isolate is long overdue. Additional support for businesses to install and implement more measures to ensure they are COVID secure is necessary.

The Executive also need to assist all businesses and staff impacted by their latest lockdown including those in the supply chain, the self-employed, those not paying rates and those whose trade has been affected. In an absence of a change of policy from the Chancellor, a top up of the furlough scheme (as in Scotland) should be provided. No one, least of all those in lower wage industries, saves 1/3rd of their wages each week.