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Lifting lockdown: More support needed to help businesses

Business groups have called on the government to extend its coronavirus (COVID-19) support through to the end of the roadmap for lifting lockdown restrictions.

The roadmap for lifting lockdown will see all pupils in England’s schools return to class from 8 March. Meanwhile, shops, hairdressers, gyms and outdoor hospitality, as well as self-contained holiday accommodation, can re-open on 12 April. From 17 May cinemas, museums and hotels will also re-open.

The final step from 21 June will potentially see all legal limits on social contact removed.

Tony Danker, Director General of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), said: “We now need to turn this roadmap into genuine economic momentum. The Budget is the second half of this announcement extending business support in parallel to restrictions will give firms a bridge to the other side.

“This is particularly needed for sectors who will have to wait for up to three months to re-open and have an anxious ten days ahead before the Budget.”

Natalie Gasson-McKinley, Development Manager at the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said: “The Chancellor must deliver on the Prime Minister’s whatever it takes pledge at next week’s Budget. On one side of the coin we have continued restrictions on the other, we need corresponding business support.

“Whatever it takes means bringing those overlooked by current support measures into the fold, including suppliers, directors and the newly self-employed. Upwards of a million small business owners and sole traders are currently receiving no direct help whatsoever.”

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