Businesses in the capital say they are “exasperated” after the government’s Plan B announcement just before Christmas.
The changes include working from home, hitting businesses who rely on commuter trade. Data shows footfall in Central London is 17% below pre-pandemic levels. Last week, the number of people in areas near offices had fallen by 2% from the end of November – before ‘Plan B’ guidance.
Following two lockdowns, some fear that people will stay away again this year after being told to work from home. Many have chosen to avoid Christmas markets and parties due to the Omicron variant.
From December 10 face masks will become mandatory in most public indoor venues, other than hospitality. From December 13, guidance on working from home where possible will come in.
Springboard said the early impact of the Omicron variant is suggested by a -2% decline in its “Central London Back to the Office Benchmark”.
We are seeing growth in Omicron cases in the UK that mirrors the rapid increases seen in South Africa.
That is why it is now the proportionate and responsible thing to move to Plan B in England, to slow the spread of the virus.
Find out more: https://t.co/bZZYbzs59L pic.twitter.com/ulvovWoL41
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) December 8, 2021
‘Covid Fatigue’
Michael, a partner at Bishop and Sewell, warned businesses aren’t ready for Plan B. He fears many hired after the lockdown will not be able to work remotely. With people tiring from Covid regulations, and also staying at home, he worries for some of his clients.
“The first thing to say is I think there is exasperation from every sector we can think of, and then there’s that ‘Covid fatigue’. I think we’ve all had this at different times. And just when we thought it was going in the right direction, we’ve taken a step back”, he told City News.
“There are businesses that are looking to sell because they’ve basically had enough. So we’re currently in the situation where we’ve got clients who want to exit from their current businesses and can’t do so because you look at the figures in terms of what the businesses are now worth. over the last 18 months it has decimated their balance sheets.
“So, when they go to say ‘this is a great business, can we buy it?’ no one wants to buy them. So they’re stuck. They’re not getting the footfall of individuals coming through. They’re not able to sell the business. So they’re left with one of two things: either just soldier on, or try to be innovative.”
The partner stated how it is both Brexit and then also Covid. He claims that the effects of Brexit are effectively masked by Covid.
“We initially had Brexit fatigue after four or five years… but at the moment its Covid that’s in the news more and more”, Michael added.
Lauren Fernandez, a site Manager for Winter Walk Through, is seeing the effects immediately. Having seen an uptake in visitors, Lauren has seen a sharp fall in custom.
“After the pandemic and the last few years, it was an idea to draw people out. To encourage people to live a bit better and be outside, enjoy themselves.
‘Loom hanging over us’
“But, now it is a bit touch and go. Obviously there is that loom hanging over us. ‘Are we going to be put in the bubbles again?’. So it’s just staying positive, making sure we’ve got really friendly people here, making sure the clients we’re working with are enthusiastic.
“Like I said, the guests have been amazing. So you know, its working well. I think we’re all over the stress of guessing, of second-guessing what’s next, so whilst we’re here, I think people just want to have a good time”, she added.
