Health and UK economy are inextricably linked says Sheffield business leader

As we enter into yet another set of restrictions comes the realisation that health and the economy are inextricably linked.
Graham Moore, Westfield Health honorary life presidentGraham Moore, Westfield Health honorary life president
Graham Moore, Westfield Health honorary life president

At a personal level, you can have all the wealth in the world, but that is no substitute for poor health.

That is why keeping everyone safe and healthy has a quantifiable benefit to economic prosperity.

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That would be accepted by most people. However, there is, of course, a balance to be struck and that is where the national debate ensues.

Job losses are expected as Debenhams is on the brink of collapse. Debenhams, The Moor. Picture: Chris EtchellsJob losses are expected as Debenhams is on the brink of collapse. Debenhams, The Moor. Picture: Chris Etchells
Job losses are expected as Debenhams is on the brink of collapse. Debenhams, The Moor. Picture: Chris Etchells

In an ideal world, we would wish both good health and prosperity too, but during the twists and turns of the pandemic it is not always possible in equal measure.

We cannot allow freedom to associate, to work freely and educate our children etc., without restrictions without consequences to our health .

The coronavirus is all pervasive and it has to be respected as it proliferates by human contact necessitating unprecedented restrictions that inevitably affect the way we live, our mobility, how we shop, access leisure facilities and how we respond to the needs of the elderly and schoolchildren etc.

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Obviously we cannot overlook the mental and financial consequences of losing jobs, livelihoods, disruption of education and last and not least compromising access to non-Covid-19 challenges by an NHS diverted by responding to the pandemic.

However, while we have to prioritise keeping everyone safe even with associated economic damage, it is only acceptable when it is seen to be both proportionate and fair, together with making sure that adequate financial support to alleviate the personal consequences of this are available.

The loss of jobs and businesses blighted cannot be underestimated and we have to demonstrate that the measures to protect our lives, have to be well communicated together with the success criteria.

However, the lessons of the twists and turns of this virus is that, whatever the restrictions are mandated, they are complied with by sufficient people to make them effective.

Hopefully we can now have optimism that new vaccines on the horizon will bring much-needed relief to our economy and alleviate risk to life and livelihoods.

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