Wales announces tougher measures to start on Christmas Day

The Welsh Government has announced plans to go into level 4 lockdown on Christmas Day to control the rise of Covid infections.

The announcement means many businesses will be forced to close, including those in the hospitality industry, non-essential retail and close contact services. Wales has also announced that only two households will be allowed to mix indoors during the Christmas period.

Alan Price, CEO of BrightHR, said: “Employers should remember that the furlough scheme remains available to all eligible businesses and should consider if the scheme could help them to retain staff through this difficult period. As a reminder, companies can furlough staff for the first time, even if they have never made use of the scheme before.

“Meanwhile, people will be told to stay at home as much as possible unless travelling for essential purposes, such as for work. Guidance on homeworking, however, will not change from what it has remained in Wales since the first lockdown back in March; everyone who can work from home should do so.”

Northern Ireland has announced a six-week lockdown starting on Boxing Day. Meanwhile, in England and Scotland announcements have been made about more regions going into tougher restrictions. Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and East Lothian will all move from level two to level three of Scotland’s five-tiered system on Friday. In England, many areas of the south will move into tier 3 from Saturday.

• Vote  
• 0
• 0
• You already voted!