Following clarification from the
government on the details of how a 14-day quarantine will be
implemented for those who enter the UK, CBI President, John
Allan, has called for an evidence led approach to be taken to the
end of June review.
The review must be health led. But it is
also vital to understand the impact of quarantine on prosperity
across the UK. A blanket approach to quarantine for international
arrivals will have major implications for businesses as well as
the airlines, airports, ports, and rail and ferry operators who
are significant regional employers. These sectors are already
disproportionately feeling the effects of the economic
downturn.
But the impact will be felt across the
economy. From manufacturing to financial services, firms are
clear that under the current plans, they are struggling to plan
ahead for the movement of workers to service and sell their
products. The long-term implementation of the 14-day quarantine
as it stands will make them less competitive at a critical
time.
Following today’s details from government
on how the policy will be implemented, more information on the
following questions would help businesses to minimise the impact
on livelihoods:
-
Further clarity on the criteria
the government will use to review implementation after three
weeks, including criteria for replacing the
policy
-
Further details on how the
current exemptions will relate to certain jobs that require
specific skills and
expertise
-
Details on the plan for the
creation of “international travel corridors” with our key
trading partners.
-
A commitment that the
government will work with carriers and entry ports (air, rail
and maritime) to roll out internationally agreed screening
procedures.
Commenting, CBI President John
Allan said:
“The 14 day quarantine for international
arrivals may be necessary from a health perspective, but sectors
such as tourism, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, finance and many
others rely on people and goods being able to travel freely
across international boundaries. The government must continue to
show, with evidence, that this quarantine plan is working and
critically is playing a part to keep us all
safe.
“Business now urgently needs a clear way
forward for opening up international travel options for customers
and employees.
“Businesses are keen to work with
government on an evidence led and risk based approach to safely
reopening international travel as soon as possible. Businesses
and government urgently need to draw up an internationally
coordinated plan to get people safely moving across borders as
soon as possible. Innovative solutions such as Travel Corridors
have a real role to play. All of this must be closely planned
with our trading partners.
“Our economic bounce back will depend on
the free-flow of a range of workers. To revive and renew the UK,
every effort must be made to find new solutions to control the
virus while avoiding unnecessary burdens that hurt future
growth.”
