Business needs help now, says Chamber, as Oxford vaccine rolls out

Matt Hancock warned today that he does not rule out another national lockdown as the West Midlands returned to work under recently-imposed Tier 4 Covid-19 restrictions.

The region was moved into the current highest tier over the Christmas period as the country was given new hope today with the start of the roll-out of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine.

But there was confusion as primary schools re-opened today with advice from teachers ' unions that it was not safe for staff to be in work. Secondary schools were staying closed this week except for vulnerable and key workers ' children with most students due to be given on-line tuition.

The West Midlands was moved into Tier 4 over Christmas with Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) demanding that the government introduce additional support now to save businesses and jobs.

Health Secretary Mr Hancock announced the decision in the House of Commons after infection rates in lower tier areas of England had risen rapidly in the previous seven days, according to government data.

Tier 4 restrictionsnow apply to Birmingham, Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Solihull, Warwickshire and Staffordshire. Tier 4 rules include a "stay at home" order, and mean businesses such as hairdressers and gyms must close.

Paul Faulkner (pictured), chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC), said: "We are dismayed at the continuing lack of additional support for businesses, despite the continuing escalation in cases and measures.

"As Mr Hancock says, the vaccine provides a route out of pandemic restrictions by the Spring. That's still another quarter or more of no or little trade for businesses required to close and their supply chains - over 12 months of Covid lockdowns or restrictions in total. It's an impossible situation for many businesses to survive without further support.

"There's light at the end of the tunnel, but businesses need the Government to keep laying down the tracks in order to reach it.

"We will continue to call on the Chancellor to back our businesses by enhancing grant support for the most impacted businesses with higher overheads and take urgent action on VAT and business rates reliefs and other key measures. Businesses need to see a viable way through these short term, but financially brutal, conditions.

"Furlough is a lifeline for many - but it's not free and businesses that cannot trade for any significant length of time cannot afford to keep paying national insurance and pension contributions. The Government must take action now in order to save businesses, save jobs and in turn, ensure higher tax returns and lower defaults on government backed loans for years to come.

"Christmas may be over but local businesses still need our support. Whether its gifts, treats or alternatives to the weekly shop, if you can, please continue to keep local businesses front of mind when deciding how to spend, as we continue to navigate through these extraordinary times."

Read more about the GBCC's #BackOurBusinesses campaign here.