Government expected to postpone easing Covid restrictions

The Government will confirm plans to postpone implementing 'Step 4 ' of the roadmap out of lockdown later today, according to reports.

The announcement is expected to confirm a four-week delay from 21 June to 19 July.

However, some measures may be announced today on relaxing the 30 guests cap on weddings.

The Chamber urged the government to bring forward 'targeted support ' for impacted businesses and implement learning from the 'successful Event Research Programme '.

Under the Prime Minister 's roadmap out of lockdown, 'step 4 ' would see a total removal of all legal limits on social contact. It had been allocated a 'not before ' date of 21 June.

However, recent days have seen significant rises in Covid-19 cases driven by the delta variant.

An announcement confirming the postponement is expected to be made by the Prime Minister in a press conference later today.

While England remains under Stage 3 guidance, nightclubs must remain closed, weddings are capped at 30 guests, hospitality venues must accommodate social distancing and live indoor events such as business events and theatre performances must operate under capacity caps alongside other COVID regulations.

The guidance for businesses remains 'work from home if you can '.

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) highlighted both the “positive sentiment ” in the business community and “incredible hardship ” for the hardest hit sectors.

Raj Kandola (pictured), head of policy said: “Positive sentiment has been building across the business community since the national restrictions began to ease. Early analysis from our latest Quarterly Business Report survey reveals a largescale increase in domestic demand for local firms and profitability projections.

“Nevertheless, there are still a number of businesses that are suffering from incredible hardship, such as nightclubs and those in the live events sector and their associated supply chains. We would urge the Government to follow the evidence from the successful Event Research Programme to find safe options for continuing to reopen this sector.

“If, as expected, we do not see a full easing of COVID rules announced this afternoon we will need to see the Government respond with targeted support. This is particularly important as in just under 3 weeks ' time protections from evictions for commercial tenants are set to end at the end and the government contribution to furlough is set to decrease.

“We will be publishing an action plan for businesses shortly after the expected announcement and will continue to champion and support our members over the coming weeks and months. ”

Marija Erzen, co-owner of Chamber member Solutions2 UK and vice chair of the Event Suppliers and Services Association, said: “We 've been unable to legitimately generate income from the events and exhibitions industry for 15 months already due to Covid restrictions, further extension to these will be disastrous for us and many like us.

"In addition to continued access to furlough at its current level, grants in the shape of Additional Restrictions Grants and the speedy roll out of the Business Rates Discretionary Relief Fund will be more important than ever in helping our business survive.

"Sustainable recovery for our sector will take much longer, a government backed insurance scheme is vital and if need be a staggered approach to stage 4 which enables business events to open in the safe way we have proven is possible.

"Without all of this urgent action further job losses are inevitable and ultimately an entire industry will collapse. ”

The Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce are holding a number of events over the coming weeks on local business sentiment and Covid-19 advice and guidance:

The Quarterly Business Report Q2 Briefing Breakfast: The Road to Recovery in Greater Birmingham will take place on 24 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 28 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.