Covid measures announced: Chamber sets out action plan

Birmingham has been designated as a Strengthened Support Area to tackle a rise in delta variant cases.

The announcement came with confirmation that phase 4 of the Government 's roadmap will not go ahead from 21 June.

The Prime Minister confirmed a four week delay to lifting of all restrictions in England beyond the original date of 21 June. Current restrictions will remain the same across many areas including capacity limits for sporting events, pubs and cinemas. Nightclubs will remain closed and event pilots such as Euro 2020 and some theatrical performances will continue.

Mr Johnson remained “confident ” that no delay beyond 19 July will be needed as he explained that greater time is required to allow more people to be vaccinated and receive second doses as cases of the Delta variant continue to rise.

It was announced that wedding and funerals can still go ahead with more than 30 guests as long as social distancing rules remain in place. In addition, the PM confirmed there will be a review after two weeks and the Government will reserve the possibility to lift all restrictions at that time.

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) are calling on the Government to take steps to support those businesses impacted by remaining restrictions, including:

• Review the planned reduction in Government contribution to furlough payments from the 1 July
• Urgently bring forward the Business Rates Discretionary Relief Fund announced in March but still awaiting Parliamentary approval
• Top up Additional Restrictions Grant support to enable local authorities to direct further support to the most impacted businesses
• Bring forward a government backed insurance scheme for live events to support confidence in the sector
• Follow the evidence from the live event pilots programme on supporting a safe return to major live events
• Urgently bring forward solutions to resolve the issues which are likely to materialise for both landlords and tenants when commercial protection for tenants end on 30 June
• Offer positive reassurance that Stage 4 of the roadmap will definitely go ahead as planned in order to offer businesses and their customers the confidence they need to effectively plan for the Autumn period

They are also calling on businesses to play a key role in controlling the spread of COVID-19 and the new variant by:

• Encouraging their employees to take twice weekly lateral flow device tests in line with government recommendations
• Supporting employees in attending vaccination appointments
• Continuing to strictly follow COVID regulations in the workplace

As an area receiving a 'strengthened support package ' Birmingham will receive specialist support in order to ramp up vaccination take up, testing and support for those that are self-isolating.

Birmingham City Council announced that surge vaccinations will take place in 15 wards where Covid-19 rates are rising and vaccine take up has been low. These include Newtown, Soho & Jewellery Quarter, Alum Rock, Birchfield, Bordesley Green, Aston, Sparkbrook & Balsall Heath East, Lozells, Small Heath, Balsall Heath West, Heartlands, Ward End, Bromford & Hodge Hill and Handsworth Wood.

The 15 wards will also see an increase in lateral flow doorstep testing and PCR testing made available for schools and universities. In addition, further support will be on offer for those who have to isolate via the Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme.

It also comes with government advice, but no new regulations or requirements, for individuals to minimise travel and prioritise socialising outdoors.

Commenting on the new developments, the GBCC highlighted both the “real positivity ” in the economy and ongoing impacts for “the hardest hit sectors ”.

Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of the GBCC, said: “Across so many areas of the economy there is real positivity bubbling, with our Quarterly Business Report revealing confidence, order books and recruitment drives growing a-pace.

“However, today is a stark reminder that there is still a pandemic on and we all have a role to play in tackling it.

“For individuals the mantra is - hands, face, space, ventilation and support your local businesses.

“For employers it 's taking a responsible approach to encouraging employees to take regular, free, rapid Covid tests, supporting attendance at vaccination appointments and sticking to Covid guidelines.

“It is also a stark reminder that many of our much loved businesses - particularly in the live events, hospitality and travel sectors and their supply chains - remain severely impacted by current regulations.

“They need urgent action from the Government across the measures outlined to restore confidence, save jobs and get in much needed cash to cover overheads.

“If businesses start to see trade impacted by Birmingham 's designation as a Strengthened Support Area and the loose guidance on travel and socialising associated with it, we will be urgently escalating the need for immediate action. After the past 15 months of unimaginably challenging conditions for the hardest hit, there is no room for unintended consequences or delay here. ”

Erica Love, director at Culture Central said: “The announcement of the four week delay in stage 4 of the roadmap is another blow to the already hard hit Cultural, Music and Events Sector. This delay will mean significant ongoing financial hardship and uncertainty for many organisations and individuals.

“While we understand the need for the delay, these sectors need immediate support and information; those planning large events and those unable to operate within the restrictions will have very difficult decisions to make.

“Certainty around the date is vital to the viability of future events along with extension of the current furlough rate. We also ask the Government to reconsider the implementation of a backed insurance scheme and we look forward to announcements about the next round of Cultural Recovery Funding. ”

Raj Kandola (pictured), head of policy at the Chamber, added: “Over the coming days, we will continue to keep our members informed of the latest developments and lobby on their behalf.

“I would encourage businesses looking for the latest local intelligence on business sentiment and guidance on COVID support and regulations to join us at our upcoming events.

“Birmingham City Council 's public health team will be joining us at our Quarterly Business Report for Q2 launch event for a status update and on a webinar on unlocking safely for direct advice and guidance for businesses. ”

The Quarterly Business Report Q2 Briefing Breakfast: The Road to Recovery in Greater Birmingham will take place on the 24th June as a free webinar, find out more and register here.

Unlocking Safely - COVID Support and Guidance for Businesses with Birmingham City Council will take place on the 28th June as a free webinar, find out more and register here.

For more information on the Government support available for businesses and the latest guidance and peer learning visit the GBCC 's COVID support hub here.