Ableworld store in Kinson image

Following the announcement that Ableworld would share any ‘essential’ retail clarification with dealers ahead of the “firebreak”, the mobility retailer has confirmed that it has received some responses from the Welsh Government.

Earlier this week, the Welsh government confirmed that a national, temporary “firebreak” lockdown will be imposed from Friday 23 October until Monday 9 November.

Under the firebreak lockdown, all residents will be required to stay at home and work from home wherever possible, while those in critical jobs and those for whom working from home is not an option will be allowed to out.

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Mike Williams, Managing Director of Ableworld, approached the Welsh government for clarification regarding if mobility retailers are deemed ‘essential retail’ and confirmed he would share any feedback with the industry.

Further to Ableworld contacting the Welsh Government, Mike says the mobility retailer has received a number of positive responses from members of the Senedd along with the Leader of the Welsh National Party Neil McEvoy.

Mike said: “We are really pleased, we have received positive comments from a number of Representatives, including a spokesperson for Neil McEvoy, passing on their appreciation for the services we provide and supporting vulnerable customers in Wales.

“They have confirmed after speaking with our stores in Cardiff and Bridgend that we are able to remain open, as we did during the UK lockdown earlier this year. They have said they have no reason to believe that the fire breaker guidelines will be any different from the original lockdown guidance, they also recognise that we provide access to support for vulnerable customers including mobility equipment, equipment repairs and stairlifts.

“This reinforces the original feedback we received from Matt Hancock, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, in March and as such we feel this confirms mobility retailers who offer essential services in Wales can remain open if they wish to. We hope other mobility retailers find this information useful.

“We know this news will be a great relief to our customers as we have already received numerous questions of whether we are able to remain open to support them over the coming weeks and I am really happy it looks like we can. We will open our normal trading hours throughout these difficult times and also offer our free delivery service for those struggling in their Homes and Care Homes.”

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