‘No engagement’ with us on re-opening economy says business lobbyist

Several business have accused the First and Deputy First Ministers of failing to “engage” with them on plans to reopen the economy.

Belfast Chamber, Hospitality Ulster, Manufacturing NI and Retail NI have issued a joint statement which calls on Arlene Foster and Michelle O’Neill not to “waste” the remaining time in the so-called circuit breaker partial lockdown, which is due to expire on November 13.

“Just over two weeks ago, on behalf of our thousands of members and tens of thousands of people they employ, we reached out to the First Minister and deputy First Minister and encouraged them to work closely with industry to find a better balance to protect our community and our economy and save both lives and jobs,” the chief executives said in their statement.

“We proposed a comprehensive three-point plan making reasonable, sensible suggestions aimed at improving communication, compliance and compensation.

“We have noted the positive comments made by the First Minister and the deputy First Minister expressing that they want to develop a different strategy which moves us away from the present approach of repeated lockdowns. However, as of yet, we have had no engagement from the First Minister and deputy First Minister regarding our proposals.”

The statement added: “Crucially, given the fact that we are now into the third week of four weeks of restrictions, it is absolutely imperative that progress on finding and implementing a new strategy is made immediately.

“Time is of the essence. We have two weeks until the current lockdown ends. These next two weeks must not be wasted. Business wants to work with our Executive to develop a clear strategy that suppresses the spread of the virus and keeps people in employment.”