Welsh Businesses Call For Clarity And Possible Timeline For Reopening
The lockdown in Wales will remain in place til at least 29th January.
Business leaders are calling for clarity from the Welsh Government over when it plans to reopen the Welsh economy.
It's after First Minister Mark Drakeford failed to mention any timeline during the lockdown review on Friday.
The Federation of Small Businesses had also hoped to hear an announcement about additional financial support.
Ben Francis, FSB Wales Policy Chair, said "Non-essential retail, tourism, leisure, entertainment and hospitality businesses have been closed since Christmas, with many more firms – particularly in the supply chains – being materially impacted by this.
"This is having a huge impact on the health of our economy in Wales. All of these businesses were looking for reassurance and clarity from the First Minister today.
"Given that Welsh Government has always operated a ‘schools first’ approach, many firms will now gather from the announcement about schools that they are facing the prospect of being closed or significantly restricted for some time yet.
"It is disappointing that this was acknowledged by the First Minister today, and it seems apparent that there is currently no plan as yet for reopening Welsh businesses.
"We note what the First Minister has said on new measures to protect workplaces.
"The First Minister will need to outline to businesses what the science and specialist technical information suggests in terms of additional measures that businesses should take as well as why existing measures are insufficient. We look forward to working with Welsh Government on this.
"On the new obligations for retailers in Wales; we will be very interested to see more about what extra measures the First Minister will require of shops. We’ve already asked to see more information on the technical data that informs the decisions that Welsh Government are making.
"It seems clear that businesses will require funding support for longer than was originally anticipated if they are to survive this troubling period. Welsh Government should urgently give clarity on what additional funding will be made available to support businesses beyond this next three week period to allow them to plan.
"The business support system in Wales has become increasingly muddy and difficult to navigate as new restriction measures have been adopted.
"Welsh Government should take this opportunity to re-establish exactly what businesses are entitled to and how they can access much-needed funding. It’s important to remember that after such a disastrous winter, financial support will be the difference between businesses weathering this pandemic or not.
"It is imperative that business support keeps pace with the severity and the length of restrictions that businesses are facing. It will be absolutely critical that businesses are able to be a part of the economic recovery, and for this to happen we must take steps to protect them now."