The UK’s shadow transport secretary, Labour’s Jim McMahon, has criticised the government’s decision to allow high-value business travellers to enter the UK without quarantining.
McMahon said, “If this government was serious about supporting the economy and jobs it would bring forward a proper package of financial support for businesses and the self-employed and a comprehensive plan for airport testing.
"Instead we have Tory ministers announcing loopholes for those they consider 'high-value.’
"With this government it is always one rule for some and another rule for everyone else."
The industry, meanwhile, has cautiously welcomed the news.
Abby Penston, CEO of the Focus Travel Partership, said: “[This] is exactly what the business travel sector needs at this time and is welcome. But there is a catch – it only applies to ‘high value’ business travellers.
“Unfortunately the new rule does not include those in middle management or even those representing small businesses, which fuel this economy and will be key to unlocking recovery.”
Chris Galanty, global CEO for Flight Centre’s business travel divisions, said: “The transport secretary’s announcement that ‘high value’ business travellers will be exempt from quarantine is welcome news and a major step in the right direction for getting business travel and the economy moving.
“We have been urging the government for several months to recognise the value that business travel brings to the UK economy by exempting business travellers from quarantine, so it is gratifying to see that our industry is being heard. This decision will certainly unlock travel for business travellers at management and C-suite level.
"But the criteria for ‘high value’ still means that many business travellers, who are vital for the successful operation of their company, will still need to quarantine. We need to see measures in place that facilitate safe travel by any employee who needs to travel for business purposes.”