Support for impacted firms critical as Plan B is introduced - Chamber

It is critical that the government steps up support for businesses impacted by new Plan B restrictions, business leaders said today.

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce has set out an action plan for the government to help affected firms after Prime Minister Boris Johnson enacted the new restrictions last night in a bid to tackle the spread of the Omicron variant.

Under the Plan B restrictions, people will be advised to work from home if they can, while face masks are to become mandatory in most indoor venues.

The NHS Covid pass will also be required for entry into nightclubs and venues where large groups of people gather.

The passes will still work for people who have had just two doses of a vaccine, although this will be kept under review.

There is also a change in rules for Covid contacts - with people now required to take daily tests rather than having to isolate.

Following the announcement of the new restrictions, the GBCC is calling on the government to:

• Consistently review the need for additional financial support for businesses that are likely to suffer a drop in demand as a result of the latest measures
• Offer clear and practical advice for businesses that are expected to implement Covid pass entry into indoor and outdoor gatherings in less than a week
• Roll out the Business Rates Relief Fund before Christmas so local authorities can help impacted businesses as soon as possible
• Maintain a longer term reduction of VAT in place beyond March to help those hospitality and non essential retailers likely to suffer as a result of lower footfall in city centres
• Reduce the cost of PCR testing for international travellers in a bid to maintain demand in the aviation and travel industry
• Reintroduce free testing kits for businesses as more individuals are expected to take daily tests

Henrietta Brealey (pictured), chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “These measures are being implemented at very short notice during a critical trading period for our non-essential retail, hospitality, live events and travel industries and their supply chains.

“These sectors are still recovering from past lockdowns and will be among those most impacted by the winter Plan B and any associated falls in footfall or consumer confidence coming from them.

“It is critical that the Government steps up to support impacted businesses. The action plan that we have set out would offer a short-term, proportionate and practical lifeline to those anxious about what the future may hold for their business.

“The GBCC will continue to keep our members informed while also standing up for their interests. We look forward to meeting local MPs tomorrow to share GBCC members ' perspectives on these latest developments. I would encourage Chamber members to reach out to share what Plan B means for them so that we can best represent the local business community.

“If the last 21 months have taught us anything it 's that the COVID-19 situation can change rapidly - sometimes for the upside as well as the down. Regardless of what happens, I would encourage our readers to help keep business moving by supporting local businesses this winter. ”

Raj Kandola, head of policy at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “The continual uncertainty generated by the spread of the Omicron variant coupled with mixed messaging from Government on tightening restrictions put a number of businesses in a difficult position.

“In light of this, it 's essential the Government uses existing measures within its armoury to target those businesses that need the most support across a range of sectors.

“In particular speeding up the rollout of the Business Rates Relief Fund and maintaining a long term reduction in VAT will offer a welcome boost to those operating in hospitality and retail - particularly as many are struggling with massive overheads.

“In addition, these cost pressures will be magnified over the coming months when Covid loan repayments are due - it 's another element that we 'll be consulting our members on as we further refine our action plan over the coming days.

“Wary of facing another 'pingdemic ', it seems the Government will place their faith on further testing to avoid length isolation periods - businesses have a part to play in this process and bringing back free test kits for businesses would play a huge role in fulfilling this key objective.

“As data from our latest Quarterly Business Report reveals confidence is building across the business community and time is of the essence if we are to ensure that this positive momentum is preserved. ”

You can refer to our COVID-19 Support Grid today to find out more about the help that's available.