SFA welcomes Government’s indoor hospitality reopening plans

Reopening plan is an important milestone for Ireland’s recovery & Return to office roadmap needed

Commenting on the Government’s reopening plan announced recently, Sven Spollen-Behrens, Director of the Small Firms Association (SFA) said: “Small businesses are pleased to hear that the Government has agreed to a phased return of indoor hospitality and that indicative dates have also been included in this announcement. The SFA has consistently called for clarity for hospitality, and we are glad to see the Government has taken this on board.” 

“While we welcome the clarity from Government, on indicative dates for reopening indoor hospitality it is regrettable that a return to office roadmap was not announced as part of last evening’s statement.” 

“Guidance on when a partial and gradual return to offices is needed to allow small firms to prepare and put systems and controls in place before they reopen their offices to employees. A definitive roadmap on return to the office is needed now more than ever, many businesses are finding maintaining high levels of productivity difficult as remote working continues. The challenges in onboarding new employees and fostering innovation is an issue that a safe return of office would unlock.”

"Having a return to office protocol with clear timeframes, will be key in revitalising our town centres, will align with the continued reopening of hospitality and retail in urban areas increasing economic activity that office workers bring during the week".

"We recognise the need for mitigation measures particularly when faced with the spread of the Delta variant, small business has always been supportive of public health measures in the past. What is now needed particularly for businesses in the larger events and trade show space is greater engagement with Government and clear processes in getting B2B trade shows and exhibitions back up and running as soon as it is safe to do so"

The SFA and our members will work consistently with Government to ensure that the needs of small businesses are heard.

Article Published: 15/07/2021