UK businesses fear omicron will worsen staff shortages and derail recovery

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy UK businesses have warned that the "tidal wave" of omicron Covid cases spreading across the country will derail their recovery and worsen an acute shortage of labour. "Manufacturers are more at risk than other businesses because they aren’t able to work from home,” said Verity Davidge, policy manager of trade body Make UK. While that may help to avoid a repeat of the “pingdemic” in the summer, many businesses are nervous about employees continuing to come into work if they are showing symptoms, Ms Davidge said. “The UK Government needs to understand the severity of the situation for pubs, social clubs, brewers, and cider makers,” said Nick Antona, chair of the Campaign for Real Ale “Before the announced move to Plan B restrictions in England, the sector was already facing an employment, supply chain, and cost of goods crisis, as well as trade remaining below pre-pandemic levels.