Dear Chamber Member,

I hope you, your families, friends and colleagues are all well.

With some outline on when businesses may be reopening in the Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business, the focus has shifted to operational considerations. However, to define our recovery locally, nationally and internationally, it is essential to have the appropriate blend of public safety measures, business supports and capital investment stimulus. By setting out a clear national Return to Work Safely Protocol, we are one step closer to recovery. 

As with all COVID-19 measures so far, this is a fast paced trial being put straight into practice and it is equally essential that an appropriate balance is struck. It must be workable in practice, to truly incentivise a vigorous and resilient recovery.

As we approach implementation, we encourage Government to remain consultative and collaborative in ensuring the Protocol is a success. We will engage actively with our sector groups, via our Sustainable Cork Programme, and have the best information and training services available to our members to ensure this Protocol adds meaningful value on our recovery journey.

We encourage all employers to carefully consider the contents of the protocol as they plan their next steps. As Cork Chamber is represented via Chambers Ireland on the forum which guided the development of the Return to Work Safely Protocol, we welcome your feedback and comments - your views shape our agenda.

Tomorrow's webinar Return to Work Safely Protocol Update will address the key issues to guide companies in their preparations, and we invite you to register free here. In the coming weeks we will bring further updates and information to aid your return to work, and our training & events will focus on the aspects relevant to challenges of reopening business. 

The Return to Work Safely Protocol is available for download from our dedicated business supports page *click here*. 

Please share your thoughts with me on what challenges are facing your business in preparing to reopen, on email <HERE> or 087 9471858 or with any of the team at Cork Chamber.

Take care,