NI Executive's Covid relaxations 'fall very far short' says top NI business chief

Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts explained while he is happy to welcome the announcement he said the relaxations did not go far enough.

“It is to be welcomed that Click and Collect, which hopefully will provide a much-needed lifeline to those struggling independent retailers, is at long last to be restored," said Mr. Roberts.

“However, these relaxations fall very far short for our local economy with no reopening dates at all for non-essential retail, hospitality or close contact services."

Mr. Roberts said local hairdressing business owners will be puzzled when they hear hairdressers in Scotland can reopen on April 5 but such businesses must remain closed in Northern Ireland.

"Why is it the Scottish Government can give dates for these vital sectors to reopen, yet our Executive cannot?”

“Non-essential retail should have been given a date in April to reopen alongside immediate preparation to ensure our high streets have Covid-Marshals and public hand sanitisers in place to limit virus transmission and reassure consumers."

Mr. Roberts added: “This is a bitterly disappointing decision which lets down thousands of struggling small business owners and their staff."

Today was the first official day the Northern Ireland Executive reviewed its official recovery plan.

Many had hoped that more businesses would have been allowed to reopen.

Some journalists had referred to today as "Super Tuesday" but on learning what had been agreed by the Executive, TUV leader and MLA for North Antrim, Jim Allister said he thought a more accurate description was "Tepid Tuesday".

The next time the Northern Ireland Executive will meet again to review the restrictions is Thursday April 15.

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