CBI Wales responds to First Minister's latest statement on Covid restrictions

Ian Price, CBI Wales Director, said:

“The move to Alert Level Zero will come as a huge relief to businesses across Wales that have suffered such a torrid time over the past eighteen months. With all but baseline restrictions set to be lifted, firms can look forward to welcoming staff and customers back in numbers as they look to trade their way to recovery.

“With a significant uptick in absences exacerbating existing skills shortages, it’s clear that the Welsh Government has listened to business concerns over the need to change self-isolation rules for double-jabbed individuals. Switching the emphasis of the Test, Track and Protect system to more of a ‘warn and inform’ approach is also welcome.

“It’s clear that Wales is entering a new phase of the pandemic: ‘living with the virus.’ Instilling a sense of confidence in the reopening process – both for businesses and the public – is now crucial.

“Whether through the use of measures like face masks and risk assessments or the many processes businesses have implemented themselves to become more COVID-secure, ensuring staff and customers feel comfortable entering businesses premises is crucial to getting the Welsh economy firing again.”