CBI Wales responds to First Minister’s latest statement on COVID-19 restrictions

Ian Price, CBI Wales Director, said:

“Businesses in Wales will welcome the First Minister’s phased relaxation of Coronavirus restrictions and the clarity provided ahead of the 7^th of August.

“In particular, the easing of rules on outdoor and indoor events is a welcome boost to a leisure and tourism industry that has suffered greatly over the past eighteen months.

“The removal of the requirement for fully vaccinated contacts of positive cases to isolate from August 7^th is welcome. Covid-related absences are hitting firms and impacting their ability to trade their way to recovery.

“With many businesses already getting safety protocols ready, others will be consulting staff on new safety measures – something we encourage all firms to do as soon as practical.

“Firms will now be looking to the Welsh Government to provide clear and consistent guidance on safety proposals as soon as possible to give firms time to plan ahead

“Further clarity on plans for workplace testing, indoor social distancing, self-isolation, and ventilation would all help immeasurably as we seek to rebuild confidence among businesses and consumers.”