Prime Minister reveals first stages of back to work plan

Business leaders across the East Midlands have welcomed Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s plans for easing the lockdown.

On Sunday evening, Johnson said that those who could go back to work safely should do. He also said that primary school children could start going back to school on June 1 – with others hopefully getting some time with teachers before the annual summer holidays.

Further down the line, the Government hopes to re-open some of the hospitality industry by July “at the earliest” – providing they are safe and enforce social distancing.

Meanwhile, golf and tennis clubs could open as early as this Wednesday (May 13).

Speaking on Sunday evening, Scott Knowles, chief executive of East Midlands Chamber, said: “After a significant national effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus, businesses will welcome the news that enough progress has now been made for Government to take a few precautionary steps towards reopening the economy.

“However, while it’s good that the sacrifices employers and employees have made have helped to bring the rate of infection down, it’s clear there is much more to be done to control the pandemic further.

“As such, the need to restart the economy and build a recovery that is both swift and sustainable needs to be balanced carefully against protecting public health and keeping employees – especially key workers – safe wherever possible.

“In order to achieve this, Government needs to work closely with businesses and their employees to ensure the transition back to work happens smoothly, effectively and, crucially, safely.

“Although tonight’s statement was light on detail, we expect full clarification on the guidelines to emerge tomorrow, which will hopefully give employers and employees returning to the workplace a better idea of what they need to do to ensure they remain safe and follow the guidelines.”