Business owners operating in Bradford, Calderdale and Kirklees Council areas face more uncertainty after the Government announced the return of lockdown restrictions.

The new restrictions, which come into effect from Tuesday (22nd), prohibit people from mixing with others outside of their household, although individual households may still form a support bubble with one other.

And while the restrictions do not directly affect business, the changes are likely to pose challenges for many sectors, as well as for employees who may be faced with dramatic changes to personal circumstances.

Health secretary Matt Hanock says the measures are necessary to stop the fast rise of cases across the region.

He said: “I know these restrictions will make every-day life harder for many, but I know that residents will work together and respect the rules so we can reduce rates of transmission.

“I urge local people to isolate and get a test if you have symptoms, follow the advice of NHS Test and Trace, and always remember ‘hands, face, space’.

“By sticking to these steps, we will get through this together.”

Kirklees in particular has seen a sharp rise in infections according to the latest figures, with 311 new cases reported between 7 and 14 September. The overall case rate is now recorded as being 70.7 per 100,000 people.

Meanwhile, cases in Bradford have actually dropped, but wards throughout the Council are still a part of the new regulations.

The new measures do not currently affect Leeds, although the Government has issued warnings following a rise in cases in and around the city.

Ward-by-ward restrictions throughout West Yorkshire are expected to be announced in the coming days, in line with the Government’s recent decision to ‘hyper-localise’ the rules.

The new guidelines are in addition to the ‘rule of six’ introduced nationally at the start of the week, which has posed particular challenges for operators in the hospitality sector, including many local bars, cafés and restaurants.

In recent months, Cooper Accounting has worked directly with sole traders, partnerships and companies battling through the obstacles posed by the Coronavirus pandemic.

We’re here to help the local business community understand the incentives and options available, as well as manage broader cashflow challenges.

Get in touch today for an informal chat.