Ironically, on May Day 2020 many working people are unable to work but, if the EMA has its way, it won’t be long before businesses that are still in business may open their doors.
“We’ve already seen a number of businesses going to the wall and a significant jump in the numbers of unemployed – we know that more businesses are certain to fold,” Brett O’Riley from EMA (Employers and Manufacturers Association) says. “Unless there’s a compelling reason not to, the Government should announce on May 11 that we are moving immediately from Alert Level 3 to Alert Level 2.”
Although Mr O’Riley agrees that the Government needs to protect the health of New Zealanders, the health of our economy is also a pressing concern.
“The health arguments have rightly and understandably held sway… but it’s time for business to start recovering its health,” he says.
“Businesses have complied well with Levels 4 and 3. It’s now time to trust them to continue work within Level 2 guidelines, allowing the bulk of the economy to get back underway while maintaining the required vigilance under the health guidelines.”
The alternative could put numerous livelihoods at risk, Mr O’Riley contends.
“With no sign yet of any cashflow assistance package from the Government we’ll see many more SMEs and some larger companies make the tough decision to close if there is a further extension of Alert Level 3 restrictions.”