CBI Wales has set out six-point plan for local areas that come under new temporary restrictions.
The business group believes it has outlined ways in which to build
confidence for those businesses, local authorities and communities affected if there is a local lockdown.
Understanding and awareness of the data “trigger points” that decisions are based on, high-quality and timely communications, alongside a framework for how businesses can access support, will all play a part in easing the consequences of any local lockdown, the group has argued.
Ian Price, CBI Wales director, said: “Businesses know that if infection rates spike in an area then new local lockdowns may well be required to protect public health. That’s why they’re working so hard to follow the Welsh Government guidance – keeping their workplaces, offices, pubs and shops safe and Covid-secure for staff and customers.
“Unlike in England and now Scotland, the Welsh Government has not needed to introduce local lockdowns. However, as we approach the autumn, they are a crucial piece of the puzzle in how we manage the risk of infection and reopening the economy safely.
“The Welsh Government rightly needs to act fast on new information, so there will be limited notice, but we must aim for a ‘no surprises’ approach as far as possible. It would be fair to say that the local business reaction has been mixed at best on how they have gone so far.
“Not all restrictions are one-size-fits-all, as we have seen from the full lockdown in Leicester and the household-based restrictions in Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and elsewhere. Each will have their own impact on businesses directly and indirectly, so we must get the building blocks in place to protect jobs, as well as lives.”
Earlier this week the FSB Wales wrote to Simon Hart MP, Secretary of State for Wales, and Ken Skates MS, Welsh Government Minister for Economy and Transport, to call for 海角视频 and Welsh Governments to work together on potential local lockdowns.
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FSB Wales called for a Rapid Reaction Business Fund which would be fully worked up by Welsh and 海角视频 Government, and would be ready to deploy quickly and efficiently in the event of another lockdown situation. This would be targeted at the particular geographical focus of the lockdown and support businesses through a short-term disruption to their ability to operate.
Ben Francis, FSB Wales Policy Chair, said a Rapid Reaction Business Fund would give the Welsh Government the agility to provide financial support where it was needed to get firms through a short-term set of restrictions. He added it could be the difference between a firm surviving and not.
“In order for Wales to properly make contingency plans for any future restrictions on business, it is imperative that 海角视频 and Welsh Governments work closely together and engage the business organisations now to ensure that when and if the occasion comes, businesses are prepared, communicated with effectively and supported,” he said.
A 海角视频 Government spokesperson responded to the FSB saying that it continues to work closely with the Welsh Government to manage the impact of the coronavirus in Wales.
“We have taken unprecedented steps to provide certainty for jobs and businesses across Wales, including protecting the incomes of over 485,000 people and granting loans to thousands of businesses.
“We have also ensured the devolved administration in Wales will receive at least £1.1bn in additional funding, taking the total amount to £4bn to tackle the coronavirus.
“The implementation of localised lockdowns in Wales is a decision for the Welsh Government, in partnership with the local authorities.
“The 海角视频 Government has a dedicated team in place to support the devolved administrations in managing localised lockdowns.”