The pingdemic – the final nail in the coffin for businesses?

With more than 500,000 people in England and Wales currently having to self-isolate, businesses from across the country are struggling to stay open as staff are forced to stay at home.

Commenting on the rules, Alejandro Worthington at JMW Solicitors, said: “Many companies, especially smaller independent businesses, are could well be on the brink of collapse after an extremely difficult 16 months. The continued commitment to these self-isolation rules as all other restrictions are being lifted could be the final nail in the coffin for many – they simply can’t afford to stay closed as employees are forced to stay at home for ten days at a time.”

Alejandro continues: “Restrictions may be dropping, but the number of ‘pings’ is climbing. As financial support is also being withdrawn, many businesses (and, as a consequence, many individuals) will continue to struggle. Mandatory face masks may be a thing of the past, but this pandemic is very much part of the future for businesses. Businesses need to manage the competing pressures of maximising footfall and revenue, and keeping staff and customers safe.”