Nottinghamshire businesses 'left in lurch' by Tier 3 lockdown, trade chief says

All off Nottinghamshire will go into Tier 3, the toughest of the Covid 19 restrictions, it was announced on Wednesday, following talks with the Government and council leaders.

The ‘Very High’ alert measures come into force at one minute past midnight on Friday, October 30.

Mansfield and Ashfield politicians express 'disappointment' at Tier 3 restrictions

Scott Knowles, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) chief executive has spoken out over the handling of the Tier 3 restrictions imposed on the region.

Mr Knowles said: “The Government’s handling throughout this episode has been nothing short of abysmal, leaving a state of confusion among communities and businesses in Nottinghamshire.

“Last week was filled with rumours, hearsay and leaks about the possibility of Nottingham, as well as the areas of Broxtowe, Gedling and Rushcliffe, going into Tier 3 lockdown but the lack of confirmation from the Government created huge uncertainty over the weekend.

“It wasn’t until Monday when an announcement was finally made – by local leaders, rather than Westminster – and we said it was vital to provide clear communication to businesses in the days before the restrictions came into force.

“Yet there has been almost zero clarity from Government since then, leaving businesses in the lurch when it comes to planning ahead, particularly as there have been suggestions of additional measures on top of the standard Tier 3 restrictions but without any further details.

“To then belatedly add the rest of Nottinghamshire to Tier 3 and delay the start of the restrictions has made the county feel like an afterthought throughout this entire process. This is people’s lives and livelihoods that are being affected and they deserve better from their Government.

“We have already seen earlier in the pandemic how Leicester has been effectively forgotten by Westminster – at one stage the city was an actual footnote in a late-night tweet from the Health Secretary as he provided an update to its local lockdown situation – and it feels like a similar scenario is unfolding in Nottinghamshire.

“Everyone wants to do the right thing and we understand the public health reasons for these restrictions, but the way this situation has been handled is unacceptable.”

Bassetlaw leader says Tier 3 was a result of ‘stark’ pressure on hospitals