Inspiring Business by Sharing Success

Chamber responds to Prime Minister’s speech regarding measures to ease national lockdown

Chamber responds to Prime Minister’s speech regarding measures to ease national lockdown

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has set out a plan for a “significant return to normality” by Christmas with a series of new measures to ease lockdown restrictions over the coming months.

This includes new advice that people can now make journeys on public transport immediately, while employers will have more discretion to bring staff back to workplaces from 1 August if it is safe to do so.

Responding to the announcement, Lucy Robinson, Director of Resources at East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), said: “We welcome this new guidance, which is very important in helping businesses return to some sense of normality.

“Circumstances will obviously differ from business to business, but it’s vital that everyone is given the opportunity to reopen their workplaces should they wish to do so in order to maximise productivity and get the economy up and running again.

“Not only could this be a positive step for office-based firms and their staff, but it will also help return town and city centres to a stronger position as retail and hospitality businesses can benefit from increased daytime footfall throughout the week.

“We should commend both employers and employees for the amazing work they have done over the past few months amid so much uncertainty by getting on with their jobs, with many people forced into a remote working environment and adapting well.

“Frequent communication between employers and employees will be important in this new world in order to establish what is the right approach to suit each individual. Businesses must also ensure they have the right measures in place so staff can feel confident and safe when returning to their workplaces.

“Support is available for employers around best practices with regards to how they work with employees via organisations including the Chamber, and anyone requiring help should get in touch.”


< Back