Greater Manchester’s Nightime Economy advisor Sacha Lord has welcomed the measures announced by the Chancellor but believes that things need to move faster.
In a statement released this evening Lord said”
”From a business perspective, the grants, interest-free loans, and the abolition of business rates are welcomed and will now be needed more than ever.
However, with the immediacy of the measures being introduced tonight, much more needs to be done to support all workers across leisure and hospitality, and I would like to see these measures being implemented much much faster. I fear it will not be sustainable for many businesses to hold on until the end of April.
I stress that paying staff wages and job retention is key, and I urge all operators to access the Government options available to them at gov.uk/coronavirus.
I also urge, where possible, for food and beverage operators to implement takeaway and delivery facilities. We will be providing guidance to businesses switching to these methods shortly.
I will be asking for clearer advice and options available for the self employed. While they have access to Universal Credit payments in full, at a rate equivalent to statutory sick pay eligible to employees, this sadly does not go far enough.
To all leisure and hospitality operators across Greater Manchester, I stand by you and together with the GMCA, I am working hard to ensure businesses receive as much help as possible, and are supported during this economic emergency.
To the NHS staff, thank you for your ongoing commitment and effort in the face of adversity. This will be remembered.”
