Covid-19: Firms warn of ‘catastrophic’ impact of new coronavirus rules
Rural firms often with a high proportion of hospitality businesses are very susceptible to the impacts of the more acute lockdown approaches associated with our current covid regime. This article points out more widely the lobby in favour of adequate support for businesses forced to close or operate in a defacto closed environment. This article tells us:
Firms are calling for more financial support to avoid “catastrophic consequences” from tougher coronavirus restrictions.
Without more help there could be mass redundancies and business failures, the British Chambers of Commerce warns.
Its call for a new approach comes as tougher restrictions are imposed on large parts of the UK.
The government said it had already put in place support worth more than £200bn to help firms cope.
“We know this continues to be a very difficult period for businesses,” a spokesman said. “That’s why we have put in place a substantial package of support.”
The government has already announced extra support for firms affected by new measures to control the virus, including providing two thirds of workers’ wages where firms have been told to close. Firms will also receive grants of up to £3,000 per month.
There is additional funding for local authorities and devolved administrations.
The director general of the BCC, which represents 75,000 firms of varying sizes across the UK, has written to the prime minister calling for a new set of criteria to be applied before imposing tougher restrictions.
“The situation for business grows graver by the day,” Adam Marshall wrote.
“Enhanced support must be given to those facing the indirect impacts of restrictions and closures – in supply chains, tourist destinations and town and city centres.”