BUSINESS representatives in Bradford have said that Covid-19 restrictions being eased is a “step forward” for the district’s economy.

Today Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that, from 26 January, Plan B measures including the work from home guidance, mask-wearing and the use of Covid passports will be scrapped.

Businesses in Bradford earlier described the move as “fantastic”, and representatives have since added that the decision is “positive” and is “good news” for the local economy.

Dr Trevor Higgins, the CEO of Bradford Breakthrough, encouraged local businesses to “take advantage” of the changes, but also warned that people must remain “careful” and be vigilant of the virus.

“Restrictions being lifted is a step forward and is good news for business”, said Dr Higgins.

“Bradford Breakthrough is self-funded, and networking is critically important to us - so restrictions being lifted is a good thing.

“It’s also a big bonus for young people entering the workplace, as it’s very difficult to establish true networking without face-to-face contact.

“But cases and hospital admissions are still rising in Bradford, so we need to be careful and take the opportunity to get vaccinated.

“Although mask-wearing has been lifted, if you feel safer wearing one, there is no reason not to. We are now more in control of our personal safety, rather than it being a legal obligation.

“From the scientific evidence, Covid-19 also seems to be moving towards endemic stages – so we have to learn to live with it and conduct business in a normal manner again.

“Some of the biggest restrictions are still in place, however, like the restrictions on travel, which is affecting the aviation sector a great deal.

“It’s important we get those restrictions lifted so people can travel easier, and I’m sure Leeds Bradford Airport will be looking for that to happen.

“In the catering and hospitality industries, particularly in hotels, there is a shortage of people taking up jobs. So it will be interesting to see, as the economy opens up, if people will take advantage of that.

“As businesses, we must take advantage of restrictions lifting. You never know if a new variant will kick in, so for businesses in Bradford and the rest of the country, it’s a case of exploiting all the opportunities we now have while they are here.”

Mark Goldstone, Head of Business Representation and Policy at West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, also expressed his views.

“News of the end of work from home guidance will be welcomed by businesses, particularly those based in city and town centres which rely on footfall from office workers”, he said.

“The removal of the requirement for vaccine passports will also be positive for our members in the events sector and night-time economy.

“However, with infection rates still high, many firms are experiencing significant staff absences and may be cautious about teams rushing back to the office, when that could result in further absences.

“As we move forward, businesses will now want to know what the Government’s longer-term contingency plans are to support firms, should a new variant create a fresh wave of serious infections which require restrictions.

“Confusion and loss of confidence was experienced at the onset of Plan B when no accompanying support was announced.

“Although a financial package was subsequently provided by the Treasury, being clear on what support will accompany which restrictions ahead of time is the best way to maintain business confidence.

“As we move out of restrictions, the Government must make positive interventions to power forward our economic recovery, by making strides on key issues such as growing our export base and levelling up local economies.”

The news is also being welcomed by those who work with students and young people.

From tomorrow, it will no longer be a requirement to wear masks in school classrooms, with school communal areas to follow.

Dr Javed Bashir is a safeguarding consultant at Strengthening Faith Institutions, a Bradford organisation which helps educational and out-of-school settings, as well as places of worship, to maintain a safe and healthy environment for children and young people.

Dr Bashir is pleased that Plan B measures have been relaxed, but said that safety must remain a priority.

He said: “It is a big relief for many faith institutions and children attending out-of-school settings that restrictions have been lifted, but we must be cautious as Covid has not gone away. 

“Measures must be taken to ensure that everyone using these settings is safe. 

“Trustees are fully responsible for the health, safety and welfare of all those who visit their place of worship or educational setting. Health and safety guidelines must be followed strictly by all.

“Trustees and management committees need to identify if any activities or situations may cause transmission of the virus and think about the risks.

“They should also track incidents in an accident logbook, in accordance with their health and safety policy.

“We welcome the news that Plan B restrictions have been eased, but we must all continue to act sensibly and responsibly.”