Most firms able to restart with three weeks' notice as coronavirus measures lifted, survey shows

Most firms can restart their business with up to three weeks' notice and are confident of implementing social distancing measures or remote working, new research has suggested.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said its survey of 600 companies found that 70 per cent had furloughed staff, showing how the job retention scheme had prevented redundancies.

Nine out of 10 of those questioned said they would need three weeks or less to reopen, as and when the Government eased restrictions.

Three out of four said they could implement social distancing measures and almost as many were confident of making provisions for remote working.

However, one in five said this was not applicable to their business.

Three out of five said they could stagger arrival times.

BCC director general Dr Adam Marshall said: "The job retention scheme has been successful in its aim to protect livelihoods and its extension will come as a huge help and a huge relief for businesses across the UK.

"The Government should continue to listen to business and evolve the scheme in line with what's happening on the ground.

"Further, phased support may yet be needed for companies who are unable to operate for an extended period, or those who face reduced capacity or demand due to ongoing restrictions.

"Government guidance signals big changes for the way that many businesses operate, and some firms will now need time to plan and speak to their employees so that they can return to work safely.

"Alongside this guidance, businesses urgently need clarity on the future of Government support schemes, which must be adapted to help those firms who need to remain closed for an extended period or face reduced capacity or demand."

A Government spokesman said: "It is fantastic to see so many firms ready to get back to work and fire up the engines of the economy.

"To ensure this happens safely we have published comprehensive guidance for a variety of different workplaces and welcome businesses supporting their staff to work at home.

"This remains a challenging period for businesses and so we have extended our Job Retention Scheme, which already supports more than 7.5 million jobs and almost a million businesses.

"Firms can also continue to draw upon the Government's business loan schemes, as well as the various grants and tax deferrals we have introduced.”