Two metre rule ripe for review, say small firms, as more get go ahead to re-open

Press Releases 10 Jun 2020

FSB responds to the latest on re-opening rules.

Responding to reports that outdoor zoos, safari parks and drive-in cinemas will be able to re-open from Monday, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) National Chairman Mike Cherry said:

“It’s a huge relief to see more and more small businesses reopening their doors each week. The Government’s guidance on doing so safely is fair, proportionate and has thankfully been compiled with input from the business community.

“As we increasingly look to recovery – and hopefully the return of outdoor restaurant, pub and café spaces as early as next month – we need to see social distancing guidelines kept under constant review. Many in the hospitality and leisure sectors simply won’t be able to turn a profit if the blanket two metre rule remains in place.

“Small businesses across some European countries have benefitted from a shortening of this distancing benchmark as part of unlocking processes. If the UK experts say a similar move is possible here, then we need to see that change enacted. Time is of the essence during these critical summer months. In lieu of a shortening, policymakers need to look at wider risk-based approaches.

“It must be recognised that reopening safely comes at a cost to small businesses. That’s why we’re calling for the introduction of back to work vouchers for small and micro firms to help cover these additional outgoings after months of little or no revenue.

“The raft of emergency government measures brought in to support the small business community have protected millions of livelihoods. Now we need to look to the longer-term, and the reduction in employment costs, investment in infrastructure and skills, and tax reform that will be needed to bring us out of this recession. We look forward to engaging with government to outline the interventions that will be most impactful.”

Media contact

About FSB

As the UK’s largest business support group, FSB is the voice of the UK’s small businesses and the self-employed. Established over 40 years ago to help its members succeed in business, FSB is a non-profit making and non-party political organisation that’s led by its members, for its members. As the UK’s leading business campaigner, FSB is focused on delivering change which supports smaller businesses to grow and succeed.

FSB offers members a wide range of vital business services, including access to finance, business banking, legal advice and support along with a powerful voice in Government. Each year FSB also runs the UK’s Celebrating Small Business Awards. More information is available at www.fsb.org.uk. You can follow us on twitter @fsb_policy and on Instagram @fsb_uk.