Survey suggests one in ten firms cannot implement coronavirus guidance safely

26 May 2020

A survey carried out by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has suggested that one in ten UK businesses feel they cannot implement government coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance safely.

Results from the BCC's latest Coronavirus Business Impact Tracker revealed that 83% of businesses polled know some or a lot of details about government guidance on working safely. 37% of firms said that they can implement the guidance and restart business operations, whilst 45% stated that they can partially restart.

85% of survey respondents have received payment from the government's Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS). Meanwhile, 54% of applicants for the Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) reported that they were successful in securing a loan, and 38% were awaiting a decision on a loan.

'While businesses have welcomed the publication of official guidance on how they can reopen premises and restart operations, some sectors still require greater clarity from the government on when and how they will be allowed to do so,' said Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the BCC.

'Companies at all levels of readiness to restart, of all sizes, and in every part of the UK will need sustained government support as they navigate the 'new normal' with reduced demand and restrictions still in place.'