The Prime Minister announced yesterday that the Plan B restrictions, introduced to tackle to new Coronavirus variant in December, will be coming to an end.
These measures include an end to the work from home guidance, legal requirement of vaccine passports, and the end of enforced wearing of facemasks.
The return to office working will be a welcomed announcement by many businesses, particularly those based in city and town centres who are reliant upon-based employees. While the removal of vaccine passports will be a positive step to those businesses in the events and entertainment industry such as nightclubs.
The self-isolation period has also been cut this week from 7 to 5 days, which will be a boost to those businesses who have suffered with staff shortages.
Employers will want assurances that testing will remain free and testing capacity will remain at the levels they need, in order for businesses to keep their employees safe.
As we continue to learn to live with Coronavirus, we expect to see a longer-term strategy from government on how they plan on supporting businesses should new variants and challenges emerge.
Here at the Chamber we will continue to offer guidance to all businesses on the support and resources available to them. To find out how we can support your business please visit our website www.hwchamber.co.uk.