CBI calls for more clarity on COVID-19 roadmap

04 May 2021

The government must provide further details on its roadmap out of lockdown to bolster the economic recovery, says the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).

At present, social distancing guidelines mean only two-thirds of employees can physically work on premises, and firms are operating at 81% of pre-pandemic capacity, according to a CBI survey.

Consequently, without clarity on the future direction of travel for some of the big decisions remaining as we progress through the roadmap, the government risks stalling business plans. Questions remain on COVID-status certification and its use to re-open global travel and whether such a scheme will extend to certain domestic activities. Questions also remain on the future of social distancing in England.

Lord Bilimoria, President of the CBI, said: 'The ongoing success of the vaccination roll-out and government roadmap have provided firm foundations for the safe and gradual reopening of the economy. The indicative timings have been invaluable in helping businesses to forward plan and develop contingencies with confidence.

'Firms are anxiously awaiting big decisions from government that will impact the way they run their businesses over the coming months.

'The future of social distancing in England and COVID certificates will affect all of our lives, so it's important to start building consensus among businesses and the public for the way forward.'