CEO Update on latest Covid restrictions

Dear member,

On a day of significant Government announcements for business, the workforce and society, I would like to provide you with a brief update.  

These are undoubtedly challenging times for society and for business. While the ongoing restrictions will continue to have devastating impacts on some sectors of our economy, recent developments across the island means that additional restrictions are necessary.  

As individual businesses we must continue to show strong leadership and follow Government protocol in relation to the latest wave of Covid restrictions. This includes facilitating the need for non-essential workers to work from home where possible. Business and the economy will suffer significant losses as a result of the further measures, and it is essential that we all do what we can to ensure that the suppression efforts succeed.  

Government must now also focus on the speed at which vaccines are rolled out. Once again, we are lobbying Government to urgently and collectively work with business to expedite the widespread rollout of Covid vaccines and provide a greater role for antigen testing. 

The exceptional performance of the overall economy over the past 12 months, as reflected in yesterday’s Exchequer Figures, highlights that Government has the necessary resources to support those sectors which are continuing to bear the heaviest burden of the ongoing restrictions. Continued supports will be required to help vulnerable firms to stay afloat and keep employees engaged whilst protecting the incomes of individuals.  

Colleagues and I will continue to do our utmost to represent your interests and to support the collective societal effort. We will be engaging with Government and officials on the implementation specifics of the measures and will ensure that the concerns of business are fully understood.  

As always, please get in touch if you have any queries. It is always good to hear from you.  

Best wishes,

Danny McCoy 
CEO
Ibec