Concerns raised over Omicron’s impact on businesses

Concern has been voiced about the impact Omicron risks having on high street businesses.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has issued a warning following advice from the First Minister.

It is hoped financial support will be made available to any operator impacted by new restrictions.

Nicola Sturgeon urged people to cancel their Christmas parties amid fears of a “tsunami” of Omicron cases.

FSB’s Highlands and Islands development manager David Richardson said: “Many businesses, and especially those in tourism and hospitality, retail and other customer-facing trades, will be deeply worried.

“It’s not just about deferring Christmas parties, extremely damaging to the businesses concerned though this be.

“It’s about the way the general public reacts to the words of the First Minister, Public Health Scotland and others.

“What impact will they have on the desire of shoppers and others to go out and about in the run-up to Christmas, and on the many businesses that depend on them?”

Mr Richardson said small businesses had travelled “a long and rocky road since March 2020”.

“Until a few short weeks ago they were hoping that life was returning to near normal and that 2022 would be the year to rebuild.

“This is now threatened.

“Should the worst happen, and further restrictions have to be introduced, they [businesses] will also trust that governments will step in with fresh financial support as necessary.”

NO COMMENTS

Add Your Comment

Add Your Comment

Please note, it is the policy of The Shetland Times to publish comments and letters from named individuals only. Both forename and surname are required.

Comments are moderated. Contributors must observe normal standards of decency and tolerance for the opinions of others.

The views expressed are those of contributors and not of The Shetland Times.

The Shetland Times reserves the right to decline or remove any contribution without notice or stating reason.

Comments are limited to 200 words but please email longer articles or letters to editorial@shetlandtimes.co.uk for consideration and include a daytime telephone number and your address. If emailing information in confidence please put "Not for publication" in both the subject line and at the top of the main message.

200 words left

logo

Get Latest News in Your Inbox

Join the The Shetland Times mailing list to get one daily email update at midday on what's happening in Shetland.