PM 's roadmap must avoid 'yo-yo lockdowns ' - Chamber

Setting out a clear plan for the reopening of key industries and avoiding future “yo-yo lockdowns ” must be Boris Johnson 's top priority when he sets out his 'roadmap ' today.

That 's the view of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, who are calling on the Prime Minister to establish a clear timeline to reopen sectors such as hospitality, accommodation, live events and travel and tourism - many of which have been unable to operate for nearly 12 months.

Mr Johnson is expected to provide an overview of a phased reopening of the economy later today.

The Chamber says reopening plans must be matched by sector-specific support packages to ensure firms that are furthest from unlocking are able to remain in business.

Chief strategy officer Henrietta Brealey (pictured) added that greater support for workplace testing - particularly for companies with less than 50 employees - is also a measure the Government should consider.

Ms Brealey said: “Businesses across significant swathes of the economy desperately need clarity on their futures. Many have been closed or operating at vastly reduced levels of trade since 25 March 2020.

“These businesses have entered 2021 stretched to the limit and anxious to get back to business before their remaining resources run out.

“It is essential that alongside a clear plan for reopening, the Government bring forward sector specific support packages to ensure that those businesses set to operate under significant restrictions, or be among the last to reopen, are supported through this time.

“Saving previously viable businesses and jobs through this short term dramatic disruption will result in a stronger economic and social outlook (and associated higher tax returns and lower defaults on Government backed loans) for many years to come.

“However, our members also tell us that they need stability. Re-opening and closing again at short notice is highly disruptive and costly. We need the Government to be confident that the virus is under control to avoid future yo-yo lockdowns like those seen this winter.

“It is clear that workplace testing will be a key part of keeping the economy open moving forwards. While businesses with over 50 employees can register to order tests through a gov.uk portal, further support will be needed for the many hundreds of thousands of small and micro businesses to deliver workplace testing. ”

The Chamber are also calling on key stakeholders, such as local authorities, to be ready to support hospitality businesses by enabling innovative use of public spaces if, as suggested by media reports, outdoor hospitality is among the first measures to return.

They warned against a return to a “one household rule ” for hospitality, as seen under the former 'tier two ', saying it is “unviable ” for many businesses.

They also urged the Government to keep the guidance simple, accessible and consistent across the country and to give businesses sufficient notice of any changes to regulations.

Ms Brealey added: “We have seen reports in recent weeks that Boris ' roadmap is likely to see a return to outdoor hospitality first. We would urge local stakeholders, particularly local authorities, to use this as an opportunity to support businesses without outdoor space with innovative use of public spaces.

“We would also encourage the Government to learn from some of the challenges of the previous tiers system and avoid a return to the one household rule seen under tier two which our members warn is unviable for hospitality.

“We know this is a fast evolving situation and at the heart of it, lives are at stake. Where possible, we would urge the Government to provide businesses with enough notice of potential changes to allow them to plan, restock and manage staffing effectively. ”