Northern Irish retailers frustrated at slow progress on ‘pingdemic’

Northern Ireland is not currently planning to come into line with the English date of 16 August for double vaccinated workers to take a PCR test rather than self-isolate for 10 days, so while the rest of the UK is pressing for earlier relief from staff being required to self-isolate,

Northern Ireland retailers are asking to be treated in the same way as English stores.

Retail NI says members have reported widespread staff shortages already with “huge pressure” on stores.

Retail NI chief executive Glyn Roberts said: “This situation is getting serious, and we need the Executive to act before shops, the supply chain and our wider economy face widespread disruption with staff shortages”

“Independent retailers are struggling in particular given they have a smaller staff teams”

“At the very least we need the Executive to bring Northern Ireland into line with the English date of 16 August, which allows ‘pinged’ double vaccinated workers to take a PCR test, rather than self-isolation for ten days.”

Roberts added that he was frustrated that in its latest meeting on the pandemic, the Northern Ireland Executive did not appear to have even discussed bringing Northern Ireland into line with the 16 August relaxation date in England.

Retail NI is attempting to bring pressure on the Executive to alter policy and has a meeting with the finance minister today.