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In his address on Sunday the Prime Minister outlined various changes to the lockdown guidelines sparking mixed reactions to his comments.

People who cannot work from home are being actively encouraged to return to work, and from Wednesday, May 13, members of the public will be able to enjoy unlimited amounts of outdoor exercise, sit or even sunbathe in parks and play sports with members from the same household.

However, the Prime Minister has stressed that social distancing practices, while out and about, are to be maintained to prevent a relapse in infection rates.

East Midlands Chamber have praised the efforts of local communities across the East Midlands to slow infection rates.

Commenting on Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s statement yesterday evening setting out the Government’s latest position on coronavirus, Scott Knowles, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), said: “After a significant national effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus, businesses will welcome the news that enough progress has now been made for Government to take a few precautionary steps towards reopening the economy.

“However, while it’s good that the sacrifices employers and employees have made have helped to bring the rate of infection down, it’s clear there is much more to be done to control the pandemic further.

“As such, the need to restart the economy and build a recovery that is both swift and sustainable needs to be balanced carefully against protecting public health and keeping employees – especially key workers – safe wherever possible.

“In order to achieve this, Government needs to work closely with businesses and their employees to ensure the transition back to work happens smoothly, effectively and, crucially, safely.

The chamber have also taken the opportunity to highlight the work needed to be done on controlling the virus further.

“Although last night’s statement was light on detail, we expect full clarification on the guidelines to emerge this afternoon, which will hopefully give employers and employees returning to the workplace a better idea of what they need to do to ensure they remain safe and follow the guidelines.”

The Prime Minister is expected to clarify more details around the latest lockdown procedures when he addresses Parliament later this afternoon to fill in the gaps.

East Midlands Chamber reacts to Government's plans to get some people back to work