Sir, – Now that there appears to be easing of lockdown restrictions, as a society we should prepare for the failure of many businesses.
Patterns have changed, habits also, which will impact on small – and not so small – generally family-owned outlets.
These will occur in rural and in urban centres.
Government agencies and financial institutions should now prepare for this eventuality, as we as a country should mentally prepare for this societal change which will effect each of us.
The local small shop will disappear.
That butcher will close, that independent clothes outlet won’t be viable.
If we plan to assist these hit by inevitable closures, we will assist those suffering the sleepless nights, the fear of losing maybe the family home, along with the business.
It is timely and prudent to prepare for this major unprecedented upheaval in our society, and assist in winding down unprofitable firms.
In this manner we will control and decide transition to the “end”. It will still be painful, and expensive, but also humane.
We need to help each other after the Covid business wipeout.
This surely deserves consideration. – Yours, etc,
LIAM GEARY,
Tralee,
Co Kerry.