There will be “no changes” to the government’s furlough scheme or other economic support despite a four-week delay on lockdown easing, the government has confirmed
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham tweeted:
“If you are extending the restrictions, you should extend business support, particularly for those most affected. Simple as that.”
The Night Time Industries Association has said the delay to the roadmap is “devastating” and will “drive confidence in the sector to a new low”.
Michael Kill, chief executive of NTIA, said: “This is a hugely devastating blow for the very industries that have been hardest hit by this pandemic; in a very real sense, the Prime Minister has ‘switched the lights off’ for an entire sector.
“Many businesses have not survived this pandemic and others are on a financial cliff-edge, unable to operate viably. Hundreds of thousands of jobs have already been lost, a huge pool of creative talent has been swept away, and we have been left to suffer extreme financial hardship.
“This delay will drive confidence in the sector to a new low, culminating in more of our workforce being forced to leave the industry, and customers, who have been starved of social engagement, attending illegal unregulated events in place of businesses that are well-operated, licensed and regulated.”
Tony Danker, CBI Director-General, said:
“Public health comes first, so while a delay is regrettable, it’s understandable.
“Most businesses favour certainty and irreversibility over speed, as lifting and then reimposing restrictions would be a nightmare scenario for many firms.
“But we must acknowledge the pain felt by businesses in hospitality, leisure and live events. At best they’re operating with reduced capacity hitting revenues, and at worst, some aren’t open at all.
“Continuing restrictions means the Government must urgently revisit the support available. That starts with holding back on the tapering of business rates relief and extending the commercial rent moratorium for those sectors most impacted. A solution must also be found for the hard-pressed international travel sector.
“Above all, we must now learn to live with the virus, with a growing focus on the data for long term hospitalisations and deaths but also vaccine coverage. Firms do require greater clarity and guidance on the future of the Government’s support for workplace testing, which is helping to keep staff and workplaces safe.
“Ultimately, rapidly vaccinating citizens – both at home and abroad – remains the best way to safeguard economic growth.”
