As part of the government’s plans to tackle the spread of the Omicron variant, from Monday people in England are being advised to return too remote working. With official advice stating that those who can work from home should do so.
The new measures also state that masks are now a legal requirement in most public indoor venues, including theatres and cinemas. As well as this, NHS COVID passes will be required for larger venues, such as nightclubs from Wednesday.
However, the return to home-working guidance has meant that more people are now reluctant to go out so there are fears amongst business owners that they will lose customers in the run up to Christmas.
Certain businesses are already starting to feel the financial impacts.
Over the weekend, the Urban Chic Beauty salon in Leeds city centre, lost 15 bookings. For Alice Shipp, who works at the salon, this has had a damaging effect.
“It’s not really what i need right now, especially so close to Christmas. I have bills to pay and presents to buy.
“It’s upsetting as i don’t get to see my regulars as much and it doesn’t just effect me but there are consequences on the salon as a whole.”
As the salon is located in the city centre, they “are seeing a lot less customers who would usually come in after work,” she says.
However for some, working from home was still being implemented so the change has been less challenging on them. Software sales manager, Matt Patching explains how, “it is now completely normal” for him to be working outside of the office.
“I do get to spend more time with my kids and it means a lot less travelling for me, but I am aware that it can have long-lasting impacts for some.”
