Responding to the announcement that small retailers will be permitted to re-open from this Friday, as the Executive further eases lockdown, FSB NI Head of External Affairs, Roger Pollen has warmly welcomed the move as we begin to re-start the economy.
Commenting, Roger Pollen, said:
“Small businesses have been frustrated during lockdown to see larger businesses being able to continue to trade in products which they sell, while they were forbidden from opening. The Economy Minister’s announcement will be music to the ears of many business owners, who are eager to open the shutters and get back trading.
“FSB played our role, along with trade unions, public health officials and the wider business community, in producing the ‘Working Through This Together’ document, which advises businesses on how to operate safely. Small businesses should refer to this guidance to ensure they protect workers, customers and the general public, making adaptations as necessary, as they re-open.
“At FSB we have made the case throughout the coronavirus crisis that the criteria which determine whether a business can open should be focused on safety, rather than what you sell, or the size of your business.
“We are grateful that the Executive has recognised this principle today and small retailers will be relieved that they will soon be permitted to re-open their business, and play their part in re-starting the economy. We would also urge the public now to get behind our smaller businesses; not just by giving them their custom, but also by respecting the necessary restrictions they will have to put in place in order to operate safely.”