Commenting on the Chancellor’s announcement of further support for businesses and jobs as Coronavirus restrictions increase, BCC Director General Adam Marshall said:
“This is a very significant improvement in the support available to businesses struggling with the impact of increasing restrictions across the UK.
“Chambers have been campaigning for greater support for businesses experiencing big falls in demand as a result of new restrictions, and a number of the steps announced today, including the lowering of employer contributions and the number of hours worked needed to qualify for the scheme, respond directly to our calls.
“Backdated grants for hospitality firms in tier two and enhanced grants for the self-employed will go some way to alleviating pressure on many of those who have been particularly vulnerable to the economic impact of the pandemic.
“Chambers have called for support to be truly commensurate with the restrictions imposed on businesses as part of our five tests for Coronavirus measures. The true test of these reforms will be whether they help businesses on the ground get through the difficult months ahead. Chambers of Commerce will continue to work with the Treasury to ensure that support is responsive and preserves businesses and livelihoods.”
Also commenting on Rishi Sunak’s announcement today, Nova Fairbank, Head of Policy for Norfolk Chambers of Commerce said:
“Whilst Norfolk remains in the lowest Tier – Medium Risk and therefore does not currently qualify, we do welcome the availability of additional support, should Norfolk’s risk increase and further restrictions. We are particularly pleased that our hospitality and leisure sector and the self-employed have also been given more support.”
