NIRC welcomes reopening of garden centres

NIRC has welcomed the announcement that garden centres will reopen in Northern Ireland on Monday 18th May.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Northern Ireland Retail Consortium director Aodhán Connolly said:

“We welcome this positive step to open another sector of retail to help keep jobs sustained, the economy going and to meet the needs of communities across Northern Ireland. Our members in pharmacy, pet food, and grocery retailing have already shown during the coronavirus crisis that it is possible to operate safely and responsibly in this new environment, regardless of the size of premises. They’ve invested significantly over a short period in social distancing and other hygiene measures in order to protect staff and customers.

“Drawing on that experience, NIRC and trade union USDAW have provided non-essential retailers with detailed guidance, putting them in the best possible position to operate safely once government permits trading again. What is needed now in Northern Ireland is some clarity on a timeline and an ability to look at reopening on a case by case basis if safety requirements can be met. The safety of our colleagues and customers remains our key priority”