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The Federation of Small Businesses has said more action is needed to support firms as the coronavirus pandemic rolls on.

The Welsh Government has said it will only ease restrictions in Wales when the time is right.

The next review of the regulations in Wales, which will take place on the week beginning March 8, will consider the restrictions around non-essential retail and close contact services, such as hairdressers.

There is the possibility of re-opening self-contained accommodation for Easter.

Commenting on the latest review of the restrictions, Ben Francis, FSB Wales Policy Chair said: “We welcome the more hopeful tone struck by the First Minister on the progress in tackling coronavirus, brought about by the impressive efforts of frontline staff in administering the vaccine, the tireless work of the NHS in Wales as well as the sacrifices made by thousands of smaller businesses across Wales which have been asked to close their doors over recent months to reduce transmission.

“We also welcome that the First Minister was able to respond to our call to signal some hope for non-essential retail and close-contact businesses in suggesting that they may be considered for reopening as part of the next review.

“However, the outlook for hospitality and tourism businesses remains worryingly uncertain and these and many other businesses are facing difficult times and tough decisions about their futures with all the possible impact on livelihoods associated with that.

“What is needed now from Welsh Government is urgent action in three areas; firstly a commitment to an extension of the small business rates relief support for the coming year similar to that announced for businesses in Scotland this week by Scottish Government.

“Secondly, clear engagement with affected sectors and detailed guidance for businesses to understand what is required of them ahead of reopening to allow them to plan now, and hit the ground running when the moment to reopen comes.

“Thirdly, Welsh Government needs to detail as a priority, what further grant support will be available to businesses such as hospitality and tourism businesses, so impacted by this prolonged lockdown and which are in deep fear of a loss of Easter trade.”

He added: “We accept these are difficult decisions for the Government to make and Welsh businesses will continue to play their part in helping Wales tackle this awful virus and its impacts. However, recovering the economy and communities in Wales will depend on our smaller businesses and so support and attention is needed now to assure that they are in a position to do that.”

A Welsh Government spokesperson told BBC Wales it will move to the alert level three in “gradual steps, assessing the impact as we go along”.

“We recognise everyone wants certainty and to be able to plan for the future, and that businesses want to be open and trading – we want that to happen as soon as it is safe to do so,” the spokesperson said.

“We are actively reviewing our options for providing further support for firms aligned to the review process and have active planning in place to extend if required.”

The Welsh Government has provided £650m to help businesses through the December to March period in addition to a £180m support fund for the tourism, hospitality and leisure sectors.

Russell George MS – the Welsh Conservative’s Shadow Minister for Economy, Transport and Mid Wales – has backed calls from the Federation of Small Businesses for clarity over when lockdown will be lifted.

He said: “We need to rebuild our disrupted economy, safeguard jobs, and give vision and hope to all in Wales – not least of whom are small businesses owners, the backbone of the Welsh economy.

He added: “Labour ministers must act immediately to save Welsh jobs, extend the business rates holiday, and provide a clear roadmap to recovery for Wales.”