Over 60% of independent traders will be keeping themselves and their staff masked in the shop despite ‘Plan B’ Covid restrictions being lifted in England today (January 27), according to a new survey.
The poll, by The British Independent Retailers’ Association (Bira), showed that 43% of members would still be asking customers to wear face coverings if they could. The survey revealed an even split between the traders on if they were happy or not with the plans, while 55% believed the restrictions being lifted would increase footfall and confidence in the high street.
However, the lifting of restrictions has yet to create much of an impact, with 84% of members saying they hadn’t seen a noticeable increase in foot traffic since the government announced the return to Plan A.
Bira’s chief executive Andrew Goodacre said: “There is certainly still some nervousness around the restrictions being lifted. Shop owners are uncertain as they want to protect employees and customers.
“It is a positive sign to see the Omicron wave abating, and we hope that this continues once the restrictions are lifted.
“We are now looking for certainty for our future that our retailers will get support from the government to recover, and that more changes aren’t brought in again in the future.”
