Expansion of Covid supports welcomed but challenges remain – Ibec

Schemes not a 'silver bullet' to all problems facing sectors

Ibec, the group that represents Irish business, today welcomes Government’s announcement of enhanced business support schemes for those impacted by ongoing Covid restrictions.

However, it added that many sectors are expecting significant labour challenges in the coming weeks as a result of close-contact isolation guidelines.

Ibec CEO Danny McCoy said: “These schemes have proven invaluable to businesses across the country throughout this pandemic and will continue to play a vital role in enabling the economy to bounce back at the other end of this crisis, supporting vulnerable firms to stay afloat, and keeping their employees engaged whilst protecting the incomes of individuals.

“While these schemes are welcomed, it must be acknowledged that they are not a silver bullet and that serious challenges remain, particularly for those industries in the Experience Economy and in adjacent sectors throughout the supply chain.

“In addition, many sectors are expecting significant labour challenges in the coming weeks under existing guidelines concerning self-isolation following Covid close-contacts notification. Essential industries and frontline services must not be crippled by the ‘pingdemic’ effect and for this to be the case, we need a practical, ongoing review of self-isolation guidelines.”