Wales is in the first week of a firebreak lockdown that has seen thousands of businesses forced to close their doors for 17 days.
The short, sharp measures are designed to stem a rising number of Covid-19 cases in Wales as the second wave hits Europe.
Many businesses now want to know what the post-firebreak future holds and the type of restrictions that will be in place.
This is particularly crucial to tourism and hospitality firms as a return to pre-firebreak measures like the ban on entering or leaving locked down counties would mean many businesses won’t be able to operate until 2021.
Welsh Government have not yet revealed their full plan for after the firebreak but have said they will go to national restrictions rather than a localised approach.
They have been urged to give as much time as possible for businesses to prepare - with lockdown ending on November 9.
Ian Price, CBI Wales director, said: “Public health and the health of the economy are two sides of the same coin. A clear and consistent approach that has the confidence of both business and the public will give us the best chance for strong tail end to Q4.
“The Welsh Government’s support for business has successfully provided targeted additional support to firms in Wales above that enjoyed by equivalent firms in England.
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“As we emerge from the firebreak we need an approach that provides flexibility within a framework. Success depends on empowering regional and local public health teams to effectively monitor the virus and take early action when required. For eastern regions of our nation, an approach that is synergistic with their cross-border neighbours in England would simplify the current patchwork approach.
“We are working with our member companies to develop specific measures which we will then share with government. One proposal we are considering is asking Welsh Government to do more to support firms who wish to purchase their own on-site testing equipment.
“Such equipment would take the pressure of the public testing system and, by working with government, we ensure the same rigorous standards and protections would be provided.
“Finally, due to the strong impact on the R-rate, inclusive and equitable hybrid working should continue to be encouraged and supported for those employees that wish to do so. “
The Welsh Tourism Alliance has published a 12 point plan to reopen safely.
Vice chair Jim Jones said: “Businesses have been strong in their call for the publication of a clear exit strategy. Uncertainty is crippling the sector, causing a complete paralysis of planning and scheduling activities.
“Welsh Government must provide information as to their intentions and strategy to manage the virus with approximate timescales at the very earliest opportunity. There must be an end to the pattern of ‘stop/start’ announcements.
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“Many businesses, particularly those in remote areas of Wales, with low infection rates, can see no justification in imposing blanket shutdowns – and call for a more balanced and micro managed approach to addressing health risks.”
Ben Francis, FSB Wales Policy Chair, said: “How we reopen and rebuild after the firebreak will have a huge and lasting impact on Wales’ economy.
“We have to get it right. Businesses need to be empowered to reopen with confidence on the 9th of November, and supported to do so safely and sustainably.
“The key for the thousands of businesses that are currently closed is that they are able to reopen swiftly and make the most of the run-up to Christmas.
“Businesses will need to have guidance from Welsh Government so that they understand what they can and cannot do.
“In order to do this, Welsh Government must work closely with business organisations to develop a new strategy for dealing with coronavirus that enables businesses to plan. If restrictions will continue to be part of life for Wales’ businesses, then financial support will need to be delivered concurrently.”
Mike Learmond, FSB North Wales Senior Development Manager, added: “In North Wales, we hope to see more support for the tourism and hospitality industries that have already suffered some of the biggest adverse effects of the pandemic.
“FSB has been calling for a Tourism Hibernation Fund to provide a mix of grant and loan funding to support those businesses through a difficult winter and back into spring which will hopefully support those firms who have already made it through such tough circumstances during the year.
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“Whilst we are still in the firebreak lockdown, I would urge everyone to think about how they can safely support local businesses. Whether that’s by ordering a takeaway, shopping online or simply sharing a small firms’ posts on social media. The difference you will make is huge.”
Bangor University economics lecturer Dr Edward Jones, who works in the university’s renowned Business School, said: “Today, politicians and policy makers must make difficult choices with imperfect information.
“Measures needed to contain the virus – including self-isolation by workers and consumers, closure of factories and shops, and bans on sports and entertainment activities – each take their toll. The advice that health experts are giving to decision makers poses an immediate threat to the economy. I believe there are three priorities for the Welsh Government:
“The first and most obvious priority is to save lives.
“The second priority is to protect the economy. Because there is a collapse in demand, the responsibility to protect economy must fall on the government.
“The third priority is to prepare for the recovery. Covid-19 is going to end some way. This means securing the future of the workforce and companies, particularly of the SMEs that play such an important role Wales, so that they are ready to meet the demand that will someday return.”