Business groups welcomed the Welsh Government’s roadmap to easing Covid restrictions in Wales but warned over holidaymaker confusion and increasing staff shortages.
Wales is now on the path to removing almost all restrictions by August 7 despite rising cases as the vaccination roll-out reduces the number of people falling seriously ill.
This will be a shot in the arm for many tourism and hospitality businesses but concerns remain.
The full details of the new measures are here.
“It is brilliant news that from 7th August pubs and restaurants in Wales will return to bar service, more covers and broadly more freedom for customers to mix and mingle, and that events and nightclubs can reopen again” said David Chapman, 海角视频Hospitality’s Executive Director in Wales.
“However, with Welsh Government having chosen a more cautious route than Westminster’s from 19th July, our businesses are deeply concerned that holidaymakers in the high season - which begins this Saturday – may be unaware of national differences, potentially leading to confusion and difficulties for customers and staff alike.
“We already have a severe staffing shortage, so our employees are very hard pressed while trying to cope with additional labour for servicing the remaining table service and other restrictions, not to mention additional demands due to self-isolations.”
FSB Wales Policy Unit Chair Ben Francis said: “We hear and recognise the concern expressed by the First Minister today regarding the rise in cases of coronavirus in Wales. However, it is good to hear a level of optimism in the announcement and helpful to get clarification on the way forward for ensuring an environment in which businesses can again trade profitably.
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"There is a clearer picture and timetable for businesses which is something we have been requesting of the Government.
“We welcome news that from 7th August, almost all businesses in Wales will be able to trade at capacity due to the easing of social distancing requirements.
"This will be reassuring for many businesses facing a number of pressures including starting to pay back debt, the reduction in support for the furlough scheme and the winding down of Welsh Government’s own Coronavirus business support.
“We recognise Welsh Government’s decision to retain the mandate for people to wear face coverings in indoor settings. As this differs from guidance elsewhere, it is important that Welsh Government have a clear public messaging campaign.”
Ian Price, CBI Wales Director, said: “Businesses in Wales will welcome the First Minister’s phased relaxation of coronavirus restrictions and the clarity provided ahead of the 7th of August. In particular, the easing of rules on outdoor and indoor events is a welcome boost to a leisure and tourism industry that has suffered greatly over the past eighteen months.
“The removal of the requirement for contacts of positive cases to isolate from August 7th is welcome. Covid-related absences are hitting firms and impacting their ability to trade their way to recovery. With many businesses already getting safety protocols ready, others will be consulting staff on new safety measures – something we encourage all firms to do as soon as practical.
“Firms will now be looking to the Welsh Government to provide clear and consistent guidance on safety proposals as soon as possible to give firms time to plan ahead
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“Further clarity on plans for workplace testing, indoor social distancing, self-isolation, and ventilation would all help immeasurably.”
Sara Jones, head of the Welsh Retail Consortium, said: “The retail industry welcomes the further easing of lockdown measures and will be reassured that a sense of progress is being maintained.
“We will continue to work closely with Government and partners to ensure that the voice of the industry is heard as we move to alert level 0, advocating where possible consistency and clarity of message across sectors.
"Shops remain safe places for both customers and our staff, and retailers will continue to play their part in supporting public health measures as society unlocks.”