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Covid-19 Inquiry: Business leaders detail struggle with vaccine mandates and finances

The article from RNZ, titled "Covid-19 inquiry: Business leaders detail struggle with vaccine mandates and finances," provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges faced by New Zealand businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly in relation to vaccine mandates and financial difficulties. The article is based on submissions made to the Covid-19 inquiry, which was set up to examine the government's response to the pandemic and its impact on various sectors of society.

One of the key themes that emerges from the article is the significant financial strain that businesses experienced during the pandemic. Many businesses reported a sharp decline in revenue due to lockdowns, restrictions on trading, and a general slowdown in economic activity. This was particularly acute for businesses in the hospitality, tourism, and retail sectors, which were heavily reliant on in-person interactions and were hit hard by the restrictions put in place to control the spread of the virus.

In addition to the direct financial impact of the pandemic, businesses also faced challenges in accessing government support. While the government did introduce a range of financial assistance programs, such as the wage subsidy scheme and the small business cashflow scheme, many businesses reported that these were insufficient to meet their needs. Some businesses found the application process for these schemes to be overly complex and time-consuming, while others felt that the eligibility criteria were too narrow and excluded many businesses that were in genuine need of support.

Another major challenge for businesses during the pandemic was the introduction of vaccine mandates. The government mandated that certain workers, particularly those in high-risk settings such as healthcare and border control, had to be vaccinated against Covid-19. This led to significant disruption for many businesses, as they had to navigate the complex legal and ethical issues surrounding vaccine mandates and deal with the practical challenges of implementing them in the workplace.

Some businesses reported that the vaccine mandates led to staff shortages, as some employees chose to leave their jobs rather than get vaccinated. This was particularly problematic for businesses in sectors that were already struggling to find and retain staff, such as healthcare and aged care. Other businesses reported that the mandates created tension and division within their workforce, as some employees felt that their personal beliefs and choices were not being respected.

The article also highlights the challenges that businesses faced in adapting to the rapidly changing environment during the pandemic. Many businesses had to quickly pivot to new ways of operating, such as moving to online sales or implementing contactless delivery systems. While some businesses were able to successfully adapt to these changes, others struggled to keep up with the pace of change and found themselves falling behind their competitors.

In addition to these operational challenges, businesses also had to navigate the complex and ever-changing landscape of government regulations and guidelines. The government introduced a range of measures to control the spread of the virus, such as lockdowns, social distancing requirements, and mask mandates. While these measures were necessary to protect public health, they also created significant uncertainty and confusion for businesses, many of whom struggled to understand and comply with the constantly evolving rules.

The article also touches on the mental health impact of the pandemic on business owners and employees. Many business owners reported feeling overwhelmed and stressed by the challenges they faced during the pandemic, while employees also struggled with the uncertainty and disruption caused by the virus. This was particularly acute for businesses in sectors that were heavily impacted by the pandemic, such as hospitality and tourism, where many workers lost their jobs or had their hours reduced.

Despite these challenges, the article also highlights some of the positive aspects of the government's response to the pandemic. Many businesses praised the government's swift action in introducing financial support programs and its efforts to communicate with the business community during the crisis. Some businesses also reported that the pandemic had forced them to innovate and adapt in ways that had ultimately made them stronger and more resilient.

Overall, the article provides a detailed and nuanced picture of the challenges faced by New Zealand businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic. It highlights the significant financial strain, operational challenges, and mental health impacts that businesses experienced, as well as the difficulties they faced in navigating vaccine mandates and government regulations. At the same time, it also acknowledges the efforts made by the government to support businesses during the crisis and the resilience and adaptability shown by many businesses in the face of unprecedented challenges.

Read the Full rnz Article at:
[ https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/566219/covid-19-inquiry-business-leaders-detail-struggle-with-vaccine-mandates-and-finances ]