A survey by the Australian Retailers’ Association has revealed that three-quarters of Aussie retailers have been impacted by staff isolation due to the Omicron variant, with staff shortages ranking higher than supply chain issues as the biggest issue retailers are currently facing.
“We’ve entered an unprecedented staffing challenge as more people are infected with Covid than at any stage before in the pandemic,” said ARA boss Paul Zahra.
“This builds on an existing skills crisis within the retail and hospitality sectors. Many retailers are having to limit trading hours or close stores altogether because they don’t have the staff available.”
ARA also called for the government to give free Rapid Antigen Tests for frontline retail and distribution centre workers.
