16 October 2020

Bira is demanding clarity from the Welsh Government over what a circuit breaker lockdown will mean for retailers.

According to reports, the Welsh Government is considering imposing a two-week circuit breaker to coincide with the school half-term to curb the rise in coronavirus cases. It has been suggested that this will include the closure of non-essential retail.

Bira's CEO Andrew Goodacre has written to the government for clarity over what this means for retailers.

He said: "Bira is concerned by the prospect of a ‘circuit breaker’ being proposed in Wales.

"This will result in the closure of many businesses who are in the middle of planning for the important Christmas period. We know Christmas has started early and this closure will drive even more consumers into the hands of the large internet companies.

"Retail has an exemplary record of safety and we strongly believe that shops should remain open. If the Welsh government decides to close non-essential shops, we urgently need classification of ‘essential shops’ so that businesses can prepare accordingly.

"We would also like to know the immediate support measures available to the owners and employees in the shops affected by this decision. We understand that lives have to be protected and we are asking for some consideration to be given ton the protection of livelihoods."

Additional Guidance and Resources