Government must now press ahead with guidance for unlocking - Chamber

Business leaders have called on Sajid Javid to press ahead with guidance for the easing of restrictions after the new Health Secretary said England remains on course to full unlock on 19 July.

Addressing the House of Commons for the first time since replacing Matt Hancock in the role Mr Javid told MPs that ministers "see no reason to go beyond" that date.

He added: "We also know that people and businesses need certainty, so we want every step to be irreversible."

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce said it was encouraging to hear the Health Secretary acknowledge the business community 's need for certainty.

The Chamber said he must now publish guidance on social distancing beyond July - as well as reiterating the need to provide more support for firms who are still suffering as a result of the pandemic.

Raj Kandola (pictured), head of policy at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: "It was pleasing to hear the new Health Secretary acknowledge the need for certainty so businesses can go ahead and plan effectively for the coming months.

"In line with this sentiment, we would urge the Health Secretary to now press ahead with publishing the guidance on which restrictions related to social distancing are likely to be in place beyond July.

"Given his previous Cabinet position, we would also expect Mr Javid to reiterate to the Treasury the need to help those businesses that are still suffering from incredible hardships - particularly those in sectors which have been forced to close through no fault of their own.

"As a Chamber, we will continue to work hard on behalf of those businesses to ensure their voice is heard and reflected in the policy programmes which have been created to help businesses get through this awful crisis."

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