Covid Causing Headaches For Businesses Around The Country

Tuesday, 4 January 2022 13:00

By Caoimhe Harney

Many people are close contacts.

Businesses across the country are dealing with staff shortages due to COVID-19-related absences.

Many workers are unable to attend as they are symptomatic or a close contact of a confirmed case.

Staff shortages are impacting businesses in many sectors across Ireland, as the omicron wave continues to surge.

Some small businesses in the hospitality sector are considering closing their doors for January, as they haven't the staff levels to operate at usual levels.

Other businesses are reporting that supply chain issues have become evident as well.

Meanwhile, one transport business in the Midlands has reported 30 percent of staff are unavailable due to guidelines around isolation and restriction of movements.

Ger Hyland, of Hyland Transport in Laois, has reported that around a quarter of those are close contacts.

Business group Ibec has called for shortened isolation periods for critical workers of essential businesses, saying many are facing significant challenges in the coming week.

More from National News

One-Month Road Closure In Catherinestown To Start Next Week To Facilitate Maynooth Pipeline Works

The road will shut from the junction with the L5050 at Catherinstown to the L1015 at Kellystown from November 10th to December 6th.
Commuter Chaos On M7/N7 Renews Calls For Standby Emergency Response Team During Morning Gridlock

Minister for Public Expenditure and Infrastructure Jack Chambers said he would ask Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and the Minister Of Transport to better resource the response to certain incidents.
Two Men Arrested In Connection With Fire At An IPAS Centre In Co. Louth

Residents had to be evacuated by the fire service after the blaze broke out on Halloween night.
Thousands Of Workers Could Get Tax Back In Time For Christmas, Says Financial Advisor

People can also claim on GP visits, prescriptions and rent - along with flat rate expenses for certain professions.
Tension In Fianna Fáil Over Alleged Rebel List, With Kildare TD Sean Ó Fearghaíl Labelled Part Of Old Guard

At a private parliamentary party meeting last night, Kildare South TD Seán Ó Fearghaíl said he was surprised to be described as part of an “old guard”, noting he is almost the same age as the party leader.
Exclusive: Cllr Bill Clear To Join Independent Ireland After Months Of Discussions

According to a source, Cllr Clear's decision to join the party was “common sense” because his views align with the party's "centre-right" positioning of the political spectrum.
WATCH: Car Linked To Attempted Naas Robbery Spotted In Newcastle - Gardaí Warn Public Not To Approach

Gardaí are urging the public not to approach the occupants and to contact them immediately with any information
Court Hears Gardaí Medically Advised Not To Speak To Alleged 10-Year-Old Victim Of Sexual Assault At Citywest

The 26 year old man accused of the offence has appeared in court for the third time