Operations at over 40% of industrial enterprises not affected by quarantine in Ukraine – poll

The coronavirus pandemic in the initial stages did not affect (except for the introduction of additional measures toward employees' health protection) the work of 41% of Ukrainian industrial enterprises, says a recent survey.

The research by Resource Efficient and Clean Production Center, conducted from April 20 to May 8 among 82 industrial enterprises, says about 37% of enterprises reduced output and 21% put it on full halt.

The coronavirus pandemic had no effect on the work of 58% of large enterprises. At the same time, 59% of medium-sized enterprises reduced output, and 35% of smaller ones ceased production altogether.

The survey also showed that 67% of industrial enterprises identify employees' logistical issues the main negative factor; 59% point to the additional costs for personal protective equipment, and 59% - the issue of marketing their products.

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Some 45% of enterprises have stated their readiness to resume work in post-quarantine period, albeit with some complications, while 32% are ready to resume full-fledged work immediately.

According to the poll, 63% of companies believe tax cuts would best help them resume work; 59% believe that consulting assistance to find new markets and supply channels is most relevant, while 39% identify loans and grants available as the most effective assistance in resuming full-fledged work.

Also, 80% of enterprises did not start additional production of coronavirus PPE (masks, antiseptics, etc.) and only 11% of surveyed enterprises produced PPE to cover own needs.

The survey was conducted among 82 industrial enterprises, 35% of which are large ones, 33% - medium-sized, and 32% - small.

As UNIAN reported earlier, the decline in industrial output in Ukraine in June 2020 slowed down to 5.6% year-on-year after dropping by 12.2% in May.