Business bosses say firms in south Essex have shown they can adapt quickly before and will do again – as the Prime Minister urges employees to work from home.

David Burch, Director of Policy at Essex Chambers of Commerce said businesses also warned businesses will struggle to restart after closing down, as Boris Johnson said workers who can should work from home.

David Burch, Director of Policy at Essex Chambers of Commerce, said: “Working from home was something that many Essex businesses were able to implement relatively easily, some are still operating such a policy for all or some of their staff.

“There are some businesses though for which that isn’t an option and we hope the Government will recognise this and accept that they will have put in place the necessary measures to ensure the safety of their employees, customers and the general public. Businesses need certainty and not ever changing regulations every few months.

“Most Essex businesses have got through the lockdown but the Government and MPs need to remember that it’s easier to shut down a business than it is to start it up again”