Responding to the latest Welsh Government review of Coronavirus measures, Ben Francis, FSB Wales Policy Chair, said:
“The proposed date for reopening of indoor hospitality and other sectors will be much welcomed by businesses who have been waiting four months for an indication about when they could trade again.
“This announcement will give hope to many business owners and their staff and allow them to plan for a safe and successful reopening that will benefit both our communities and our economies. Small businesses are at the heart of their towns, high streets and communities, and the pandemic has posed a risk to their future like no other. We hope that everyone will think about how they can safely support these businesses as they take steps to getting back on their feet in the coming weeks.
“However, the proposed date comes after the Senedd elections which brings even more uncertainty to the already tentative nature of reopening the economy in the wake of Coronavirus. FSB Wales would call on all political parties to demonstrate some consensus on how reopening in the weeks following 6th May will work in order to give business owners some confidence in the way forward. Firms also need to plan and make financial commitments safe in the knowledge that there is some agreement between the political parties on what will happen in May.
“The next Welsh Government will need to be equipped to move incredibly quickly – both on the reopening timetable and on further financial support for those firms that need it – and there is work to be done by all the political parties to reassure business owners that this will be able to take place, no matter which party forms the next Welsh Government.”