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Gloucestershire Business News

Gloucestershire business 'will adapt' to new Covid restrictions

Businesses in Gloucestershire have 'proven themselves' resilient and will adapt to new measures introduced by government in light cases of a new Covid variant in the UK.

Sam Holliday, Federation of Small Businesses for Gloucestershire, said: "It will obviously be a concern to us all that restrictions are tightening again but small businesses have proven themselves very adaptable throughout the whole crisis.

"If we must introduce masks again in retail and transport environments, for example, we know the businesses affected will do everything they can to make that as seamless and painless for customers as possible."

Ian Mean, director of Business West in Gloucestershire, said: "It is important for business that the government does not adopt a stop-go policy with this latest variant.

"Where employees can work from home they should be allowed to do so."

The mandatory wearing of face coverings for shops and public transport is due to go before Parliament today and take effect from 4am tomorrow.

That's prompted a response from lockdown-sceptic Tory MPs, led by Forest of Dean MP Mark Harper, who has demanded a vote on bringing back masks.

Mark Harper is chairman of the Covid Recovery Group and says there should be a debate and vote on the matter.

Some Tories are expected to stage a rebellion but, with Labour unlikely to oppose the restrictions, the measures are almost certain to pass.

Ian Mean responded: "Two years into this Covid pandemic, my personal view is that we must adhere to the government's decision that we must wear masks. To me, this is just a 'no brainer'."

Sam Holliday added: "The onus really is on all of us as customers to play our part and respect the retailers who will have to enact these new guidelines.

"This is a critical time for our small retailers in the run up to Christmas so we would urge everyone to work with them to ensure we can all shop safely and successfully in the next few weeks."

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