Their statement issued today presents a very clear message:-
On behalf of the thousands of businesses and social enterprises we represent and the tens of thousands of people they employ whose livelihoods depend on the decision that the Executive make in the weeks ahead, we propose this OUR 3 POINT PLAN TO PROTECT LIVES AND PROTECT LIVELIHOODS
1. COMMUNICATION
Clarity is key. The Executive must sharpen up its overall public health message to both the public and the business community. Clear and consistent communication is an absolute imperative, making what is permitted and what isn’t much easier to understand. The Executive needs to stop the constantly changing guidance and advice which is challenging to comprehend. We also urge far better coordination of messaging across key stakeholders both region wide and at a local level, utilising all tools at our disposal including the local press and social media.
2. COMPLIANCE
Instilling confidence is crucial. The Executive must work better to encourage greater compliance and, where appropriate, enforcement. They should quickly establish a “COVID Secure” quality framework including requirements for social distancing, face coverings, PPE etc to make it crystal clear how businesses, public service providers and others can ensure their premises are safe for staff and customers. It must also be made abundantly clear who is responsible for ensuring compliance and enforcing any regulations. An effective test and trace system is absolutely key to successfully fighting COVID-19 and the evidence gained from the system should be used to assist businesses to boost compliance. Financially assisting local Councils to invest in measures like hand sanitising stations and ‘COVID marshals’ in our town and city centres that compliments the extensive interventions implemented inside business premises will help to create a culture of compliance across society.
All of this, coupled with a combination of close cooperation with business and local government and clear support and advice for firms will create an environment where greater compliance from the public can be achieved and where, if necessary, enforcement can occur. This needs to be simple to understand and simple to implement.
3. COMPENSATION AND SUPPORT
It is critical to give business and their staff certainty. The Executive must make resources available as a matter of utmost urgency to enable people and businesses to better comply with the measures needed to fight COVID-19. For example, a fund such as that available in England for those told to self-isolate is long overdue. Additional support for businesses to install and implement more measures to ensure they are COVID secure is necessary. The Executive also need to assist all businesses and staff impacted by their latest lockdown including those in the supply chain, the self-employed, those not paying rates and those whose trade has been affected. In an absence of a change of policy from the Chancellor, a top up of the furlough scheme (as in Scotland) should be provided. No one, least of all those in lower wage industries, saves 1/3rd of their wages each week.
The purpose of our 3 Point Plan is to keep the Northern Ireland economy open and give businesses the best possible chance to survive and keep employing people whilst simultaneously investing in better communication, compliance and support so that all businesses and social enterprises are as safe as they can be and that we continue to play an important role in combating COVID-19. The coronavirus pandemic is posing a massive threat to people’s health, but the strategy currently being pursued is posing as big a threat to jobs and livelihoods. A ‘rinse and repeat’ plan just won’t work.
Let’s work together – business and government – to supress the spread of COVID-19 across our community and ensure that our people have jobs to support their families.
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