94 per cent of businesses in Galway expect a decline amid coronavirus crisis

By Anamika

94 per cent of local business, during the period of the next three months expect that their revenue might decline drastically due to the coronavirus concerns.

Galway Chamber Chief Executive Kenny Deery said: “the longer-term impact on the economy is now a key concern. However, some sectors are projecting more positively, such as the med-tech and life science clusters in Galway.”

During the initial phase of the widespread pandemic various industries were seeking measures to combat. But, as the day passes and the threat increases, retail industry approaches various creative ways to meet customer demands.

Various outlets such as Dunnes, Centra, Aldi and Tesco encourage contactless payments, cut back on store hours, two metres distance on shopping line as well as installation of protective glass at tills.

In efforts to stop community transmissions, schools and “non-essential” stores are already facing closure. Digital, transport, and agrifood have also raised issues concerning staffing due to the closure during this global pandemic.

The coronavirus outbreak costing human life has also disrupted various industries across Ireland leading to redundancy. Several workers fear layoffs, as Ibec CEO Danny McCoy said:

“It is inevitable that we will see extensive job layoffs over the coming days and weeks. Many of those losing their incomes will be in lower-paid sectors of the economy and self-employed.”

At such uncertain times retail workers are battling with the reality of already being vulnerable to the virus itself. Additionally, with a heavy reliance on automation which already striked lower tier workers pre-pandemic. There is an immense need for technology more than ever over fears of the outbreak.