The Federation of Small Businesses has today welcomed the removal of restrictions on outdoor activities and events in Wales.
- FSB welcomes the announcement that all Alert Level 2 restrictions will be lifted next week
- Wales’s largest business representative body calls for impact on businesses to be recognised and clarity on self-isolation period
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in Wales has welcomed the announcement by Welsh Government that the lifting of restrictions will go ahead next week.
Speaking about the announcement made by the First Minister today, Ben Francis, Policy Chair at FSB Wales stated:
“FSB welcomes the announcement from Welsh Government today, that almost all the Alert Level 2 Covid restrictions will be lifted in the next 7 days. We are pleased that from today, outdoor hospitality will be able trade without restriction, allowing affected businesses to slowly begin to reopen.
Businesses in Wales have shouldered a huge responsibility throughout the pandemic, they have consistently gone above and beyond to ensure staff and customers remain safe.
While some sectors, such as hospitality, have borne the brunt of restrictions throughout the festive period, our data suggests Welsh businesses as a whole have been struggling.
We know that Welsh business were indicating a decline in profits at the end of last year, which would create a concern about the growth outlook for Welsh businesses in 2022. Covid is just one of a number of issues challenging economic recovery over coming months.
Businesses in Wales are looking to the Welsh Government for clarity, and we are pleased the Covid roadmap provides this, however our members will be disappointed at the lack of transparency surrounding the different rules of self-isolation across the UK.
We continue to urge the First Minister to recognise the impact of the remaining restrictions, including self-isolation and call for a cut to the self-isolation period in Wales to 5 days, to release pressure on businesses and employees.
As always, we urge the continued support of local businesses in communities and town centres across the country, as they work to recover. Businesses find themselves in a fragile position currently and buying local for goods and services will always be a way we, as consumers, can bolster small businesses and our communities.”
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As experts in business, FSB offers members a wide range of vital business services, including advice, financial expertise, support and a powerful voice in Government. Its aim is to help smaller businesses achieve their ambitions.