Business suffered over long holidays

Six days off work between 18 April and 7 May left empty seats in business offices and holes in the pockets of business owners around Randburg.

According to Linda Blackbeard, manager of the Randburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), corporations suffered more than retailers during the period involving five public holidays and voting day.

“Retail business was not affected as much but for corporations productivity levels dropped,” she said, explaining that during the public holidays many people visited shops and retail outlets, but often no work took place at corporations.

Not only this, but people were “in holiday mode and not work mode”, and the time that workers did spend at work was less productive.

The combination of these factors meant that small businesses also suffered greatly.

“A lot of our members commented that the public holidays should have all been in one week instead of continuous mid-week interruptions.” Blackbeard added.

Details: Randburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry 086 101 9218.