C&W Chamber chief reacts to government announcement on employer discretion

Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, has cautiously welcomed the government’s announcement that will give employers more discretion over a return to work for their staff from 1 August.

She said: “We welcome clarity from the Prime Minister that he is starting to set up a pathway towards a firm return to work in the coming weeks.

“There has been uncertainty – particularly from those firms in the services sector with offices - about when they can get back to operating as normally as possible, and hopefully this will give companies the confidence to progress their plans.

“However, offering businesses discretion about how their employees return to work can only work if companies receive clear guidance and advice from government – backed by scientific evidence - so they can take a considerate and informed approach.

“The welfare of staff remains paramount, so our advice to businesses would be to carefully review the updated guidance from the government on 1 August before finalising plans with staff, but we have to as a nation get back to work and clearly that is the firm intention behind today’s announcement.”

Photo caption: Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce