The first stage of the governments roadmap out of lockdown began this week as children returned to schools, students to universities and increased testing on school children and teachers.
It marks the beginning of the 4-step plan which will be guided by scientific evidence and driven by data not dates. The government will review the data, assessing the impact of the previous changes, and measure against their 4 tests before moving onto the next step.
From 12 April when step 2 is scheduled to go ahead, non-essential retail, hairdressers and nail salons, gyms and outdoor hospitality settings will be allowed to re-open and regain valuable lost profits over the first few months of 2021.
For all businesses it is helpful that there is now a longer-term plan in place and they can now see a path to a full restart and recovery. Government should be ensuring that they deliver on their promise of the plan being “cautious but irreversible” to avoid any further backwards steps in the recovery process.
For many businesses this week provided light at the end of the tunnel and a sense of optimism. With the Chancellor’s budget statement last week providing assurance and stability with the extension of the furlough scheme along with other business support that millions of companies have been reliant upon.
The roadmap to recovery should give businesses hope that this latest lockdown will indeed be the last that they will face. This longer-term plan is something that many businesses have been pleading for and should provide confidence, stability and encouragement.
For further information on the guidance and support available to your business please visit our Coronavirus Business Support Hub here.