A few days ago reading the runes from Downing Street we mistakenly assumed that the appointment of six ministers to accelerate the easing of lockdown would speed matters up, wrong.
At least wrong for hospitality.
We labelled the six ministers as a ‘task force’ but we can now view the actions of the six and will let readers do their own labelling.
Thinking more about yesterday’s briefing from Downing Street on reflection it seems that the media questioning focus anticipated the Government’s intransigence. On both social distancing and timelines.
Watching as many do on a daily basis the tone of the briefing often says as much as the words, and the tone yesterday from Business Secretary Alok Sharma was stark. Social distancing of 2m and hospitality businesses reopening before, or on, 4th July now seem solid on social distancing and vague on hospitality businesses reopening.
As always clarity of communication is what is needed, knowing what you face and when you are likely to face it are both prerequisites to action. Neither were given.
The trouble with communication that does not specifically address an issue or answer a question is that it leaves the answer open to interpretation.
Reports are already suggesting that McDonald’s are planning the opening of 11 restaurants in Roadchef service stations on 17 June, allowing customers in for the first time since lockdown. We are looking into this further but at present have no idea how McDonald’s plan to navigate this within current guidelines.
In a matter of hours since the Government briefing yesterday, it would seem that mixed messaging has not only been sent, but also received. Don’t panic Mr Johnson.
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