Omicron measures ‘set to hit economy’ in Inverness and the Highlands as it is claimed that the new restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of the Covid-19 variant will act like 'a bucket of iced water' for local retail and hospitality businesses
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New restrictions to slow the spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 will act like “a bucket of iced water” on the festive economy it has been claimed.
David Richardson, Highlands and Islands development manager of the Federation of Small Businesses, made the claim after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said retail and hospitality venues would have to reintroduce social distancing and screens.
“The announcement from the First Minister will scare many Highland tourism and hospitality, retail and other customer-facing businesses,” he said.
“The run-up to Christmas is a vitally important time in these businesses’ calendars, and they are now faced with having to reintroduce Covid measures that they had hoped to have seen the back of for good – things like physical distancing and screens in retail and hospitality. Not only that, but there is a very real danger that the call to minimise social contact before and after Christmas will act like a bucket of iced water on those planning to go out and spend in our high streets.
“Customer footfall and spend means everything to these businesses.”
Inverness-based economist Tony Mackay, however, said he did not think the latest moves would have a significant impact, though the general concern about Omicron undoubtedly would.
He added: “This is a very important time of year for the tourism, hospitality and leisure industries, and usually accounts for about 30 per cent of their annual turnover.
“2021 has been a bad year for these industries so they were looking forward to a better Christmas/New Year period, which is now very unlikely.”
Billy McKechnie, who runs the Rose Street Foundry pub and restaurant in Academy Street, was determined to be more positive.
“We are happy to have the business and to have people come through and I am just happy that we are finally getting somewhere,” he said.
“We are still going to follow the Covid guidelines. From a safety point of view you have to do it.”
The First Minister also issued guidance to people that they should not meet in groups of more than three households at a time though she also said nobody had to change their Christmas plans.
And she promised £100 million in funding to help support hospitality, food and culture businesses adversely affected by this week’s guidance and previous advice on deferring work Christmas parties.
Scottish Greens Highlands and Islands MSP Ariane Burgess has called on the UK government to reintroduce the furlough scheme.
She said: “The festive period is already disrupted, with many people cancelling plans for gatherings, and hospitality businesses in the Highlands are struggling. It’s time for the UK government to act responsibly and reintroduce furlough where it is needed.
“Self-employed people could be particularly affected this Christmas, so it’s vital those who missed out last time are included in the scheme, and that sick pay is enhanced to make it easier for people to self-isolate.”
