Dorset business leaders give mixed response to PM's winter COVID plan
Some are confident the Dorset's high street can survive, others think there's too much uncertainty
Dorset's business leaders are weighing up the impact of the Prime Minister's winter COVID plan, announced yesterday afternoon.
Mandatory face masks, vaccine certificates, and work from home orders could return this winter as part of a "Plan B" to deal with the pandemic.
These would likely come into effect where there was a significant rise in coronavirus cases.
For some leaders, there's optimism that the high street will survive, but others think the PM's message did little to quell the uncertainty many businesses will face for the next few months as COVID cases rise.
Phil Gordon of Dorchester Business Improvement District told Greatest Hits Radio Dorset:
"Having been through what every business in the country has been through for the last two years now, pretty much, I think it's fairly safe to say that we're pretty battle hardened.
"I can only give you my own opinion here, from speaking to shops and businesses around, but the spirit of the blitz is alive and well here in Dorchester.
"We actually had 13 new businesses open since the pandemic began, so a lot of people have actually seen this as an opportunity to start a business.
"I think uncertainty is in the eye of the beholder, because all we can really do is deal with the hear and now, and focus on what we know about for tomorrow."
But others say businesses will be worried about what new measures could mean for them, as we approach what is typically the busiest time of year for them in Winter.
Ian Girling, Dorset Chamber chief executive, said:
“Clearly we are not out of the woods yet as the Covid infection rate remains worryingly high.
“Whilst the forward guidance in the government’s Winter Covid Plan is welcome, there is still a great deal of uncertainty to contend with.
“The prospect of vaccine passports, mandatory mask-wearing and a return to working from home being imposed at very short notice will send shivers down the spine of some business owners and directors.
“More details about the trigger points for such measures would be useful and businesses will need as much notice, and support, as possible if any
of these tougher ‘plan B’ policies are introduced. This will be especially true if we reach the point of a full ‘firebreak’ lockdown.
“Dorset businesses have generally been very supportive of the government and appreciate the difficult juggling act it faces. I am sure they will face the autumn with their customary pragmatism and resilience.
“Ultimately, we must all play part our part to avoid the need for tougher restrictions to help our country and its economy continue on the road to recovery.”