Published 9th Jul 2020 by Emma Sinfield
Commenting on the government’s announcement today (9 July) that some firms in England in the leisure, arts and beauty sectors will be allowed to reopen
BCC Co-Executive Director Hannah Essex said:
“Businesses in the leisure
and beauty industries and many in the arts sector will be relieved to finally
have a timetable for reopening and can now plan for the future.
“With changes to the
furlough scheme coming at the beginning of next month, a provisional timetable
for reopening is still required for firms that remain fully or partially closed
and face tough decisions on the viability of their business.
“Firms given the green light
to reopen will be taking a safe, proportionate and risk-based approach to
returning to work, in close consultation with their staff. For many this will
be an entirely new way of operating as they apply guidance to the on the ground
realities of their business.
“HSE
and local authorities should support businesses as they seek to comply with the
new rules - and reserve new enforcement powers for the tiny minority of
businesses who are wilfully disobeying or ignoring their obligations.”