UK lockdown: The business community reacts

Yesterday (March 23), the Prime Minister announced further measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

In his address, Boris Johnson said: “You must stay at home.

“People will only be allowed to leave their home for the following, very limited purposes:

“Shopping for basic necessities, as infrequently as possible, one form of exercise a day […] any medical need, to provide care or to help a vulnerable person, and travelling to and from work - but only where this is absolutely necessary and cannot be done from home.”

He added: “If you don’t follow the rules, the police will have the powers to enforce them, including through fines and dispersing gatherings.”

The new measures mean the temporary closure of all non-essential retail and business physical sites.

The business community reacted to the measures.

Adrian Waddell, NE1 Ltd

“The government has now given a clear and unambiguous message to the UK public; stay at home to slow the spread of the infection, protect the NHS and to save lives.

“We must all play our part. We know businesses in the city will step up both in shutting their doors and sending staff home.

“Essential food retailers meanwhile are working day and night to ensure food continues to reach communities around the country.

“We will do all we can to support business and essential retailers during these difficult times.

“The quicker we do this, the quicker we will come out the other side and stop the spread of this virus.”

** Adam Marshall, BCC Director**

“Businesses must play their part to help limit the spread of coronavirus.

“As the UK goes into lockdown, ministers must be crystal-clear about which businesses can continue to operate, and those which must now shut their doors.

“The new restrictions make it all the more important that the massive package of financial support announced by ministers last week is delivered to firms and employees on the ground as quickly as possible.”

** Dan Jarvis, Mayor of the Sheffield City Region**

“These are unprecedented times and we all have a responsibility to work together and do everything we can to slow this virus down.

“The situation is grave and each day more people are dying from this disease.

“I welcome the new measures introduced by the Prime Minister tonight.

“I urge everyone to follow this advice and in particular to stay at home unless there is a compelling reason to leave.

“My heartfelt thanks goes to our NHS workers and all those on the frontline who are each day risking their lives to save others. We will forever be in their debt.

“It’s now time for everyone to follow the advice and take every measure to contain this disease. Lives depend upon it.”