New lockdown restrictions a ‘bodyblow’ to West Mids businesses

Local business leaders have been reacting to the news that England has been placed under a seven-week lockdown.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson last night (January 4) announced that the lockdown would come into effect immediately because of soaring positive test results for coronavirus.

Under the new restrictions, all schools will be closed as well as non-essential retailers.

Any relaxation of the rules will not come into effect before 22 February.

Meanwhile, the UK has been placed under Level 5 alert by the Joint Biosecurity Centre, which means that there is a “material risk of healthcare services being overwhelmed”.

Business leaders in Coventry and Warwickshire have urged the Government to increase support for firms to get them through the devastation of the latest lockdown.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has also called for the vaccine roll-out programme to be ramped up following the Prime Minister’s announcement.

Louise Bennett, CWCC chief executive

Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “These are extremely worrying times for everyone, and businesses which have just returned from the Christmas break will be extremely concerned by these new lockdown measures.

“We would, therefore, strongly urge the Government to announce a new package of realistic support for businesses which addresses the serious cash flow issues so many are experiencing.

“While the extension of the furlough scheme until the end of April is welcome, covering the ongoing costs of fixed overheads is still a huge challenge. Urgent support is needed so they can get through to the end of the crisis and help the UK restart, rebuild and renew as quickly as possible.”

Richard Sheehan, chief executive of Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We understand why the Prime Minister has felt compelled to act on this spiralling threat to public health.

“What is slightly worrying, however, is the baffling lack of additional support announced for the businesses which are going to be severely affected by these new restrictions.

“Make no mistake, the lockdown is a bodyblow to the Shropshire business community, at a time when they are already reeling from lost trade over the crucial festive period.

“There will be many firms in Shropshire which now find themselves in a precarious financial position, and face a period of further hardship and difficulty.”