Impact of Work at Home on Retail industry

23 November 2021

Impact of Work at Home on Retail industry

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Reacting to the Executive’s statement on Covid-19 measures, Glyn Roberts, Chief Executive of Retail NI said:

Whilst we recognise the importance of controlling Covid-19 community transmission and the part everyone must play, the Executive’s decision to strengthen work-from-home guidance will have a significant knock-on effect on our local high streets and independent retailers who rely on footfall from office workers.”

“The Christmas period is traditionally one of the busiest periods for many businesses, especially smaller retailers who are the lifeblood of our towns and cities. After the severe impact of the pandemic, these businesses need all the support they can get. If the work-from-home guidance continues, the inevitable loss in trade for our high street retailers will be damaging.”

“Independent traders have been hard-hit in the last 20 months and are only starting to get back on their feet. It is imperative that the Executive work alongside the retail sector and implement a support package to local traders affected by today’s decision as a matter of urgency.”