Responding to today’s announcement of the UK Government’s ‘living with Covid’ plan, which removes all remaining domestic Covid restrictions in England, Kitty Ussher, Chief Economist at the Institute of Directors, said: “Business leaders will be hopeful that today’s announcement means the worst of the pandemic is behind us, but will still want to do the right thing to ensure the safety and trust of their staff and customers. “It is up to individual businesses to determine their own arrangements in the way that works for them. In this regard, keeping lateral flow tests free until 1st April, and longer for vulnerable groups, will be welcome. However, we will consult closely over the coming weeks on whether tests need to remain free for everyone for longer to help firms maintain the full confidence of their customers, clients and staff on the safety measures they have in place.”