SvD: Freedom Day - feelings among Swedish companies divided

19 July 2021

Today, 19 July, the UK has lifted most of its restrictions. It has been a long-awaited day, but the delta variant worries Swedish companies and the feelings of opening up are divided. Peter Sandberg, Chief Executive of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the UK, shared some of his thoughts in the large Swedish daily, Svenska Dagbladet. 

The Swedish companies that Sandberg has been in contact with are worried about the increased infection rates. Especially the spread of the delta variant. At the same time, he emphasizes that many companies have been working with restrictions for a long time - and longs to return to a more normal everyday life.

- Previously, the responsibility has been laid on the authorities that set up laws and regulations. Now the responsibility falls on the individual. Last week we had meetings with some of the large Swedish companies here, and they have a myriad of alternatives for how they plan to open safely, he says. 

The companies have mainly discussed what it will be like for the staff, and they prioritize a safe working environment. Although office work is now allowed, several of them will let their employees work from home until the end of the year. 

Read the full article in Svenska Dagbladet (in Swedish).