Business leaders demand scientific evidence from Government for lockdown

Business leaders are voicing concern about a “lack of clarity” from the Government over what form restrictions will take when the current lockdown ends in England.
Deserted streets have become a familiar sight during lockdownDeserted streets have become a familiar sight during lockdown
Deserted streets have become a familiar sight during lockdown

The British Chambers of Commerce has submitted a freedom of information request to the Business Department to determine what evidence base, if any, was used to inform Government guidance on the closure of businesses from November 5.

The business group urged the Government to publish its approach to national coronavirus restrictions in England without delay, providing firms with at least one week’s notice ahead of December 2, when the current lockdown is due to end.

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Ministers are also urged to provide scientific evidence for any continuing restrictions on specific business sectors.

Babs Murphy of the North&Western Lancashire Chamber of CommerceBabs Murphy of the North&Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce
Babs Murphy of the North&Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce

The BCC said it wants to see an economic assessment of the impact continued business restrictions and closures are having on communities and the wider economy.

The Government is also pressed to explain why businesses in a number of sectors have been forced to close despite taking “considerable steps at huge expense” to comply with Covid-secure guidance, including leisure, non-essential retail and beauty.

Babs Murphy, Chief Executive of the North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, said: "Businesses are reporting that they are tired of cliff edges and deadlines, while they are still grappling with fundamental challenges as a result of COVID 19.

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"Nine months into the pandemic, business communities are still crying out for timely information and a clear strategy from government so that they can survive and rebuild."

Tom KerridgeTom Kerridge
Tom Kerridge

BCC director-general Adam Marshall said: ““Delays and imprecision mean people lose their livelihoods.

"Firms are taking difficult decisions every day about their futures, and are tired of being left to rely on speculation and rumour.

“The Government must urgently set out the exit plan for the end of national restrictions in England on December 2 and make it crystal clear which businesses can operate, and under what conditions.

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“Businesses have played their part by working hard and spending hundreds of millions of pounds to become Covid-secure, in line with official guidance.

“We must see the evidence for why many were forced to close again on November 5 and absolute transparency on what may happen from December 2.

“Business communities – whether in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland – cannot take another year of rushed stop-start restrictions from governments while vaccines are rolled out.”

Celebrity chef and pub owner Tom Kerridge told Sky News that many businesses in the hospitaltiy sector were already "on the brink" and the industry needed clarity about when and how it could reopen.

Bookings needed to be taken and stock replacing.

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He said: "All these rumours that are flying around are no good for business. None of us can operate without firm decisions."

Paul Foster, Development Manager with the Federation of Small Businesses, said: ""Small businesses need clarity about what their situation will be post-December 2.

"Many are approaching what would normally be their busiest time of the year and are unsure whether they will even be allowed to open. Hospitality sector businesses cant just reopen overnight, it takes time to get venues ready, staff rotas agreed and food and drink in stock.

"Other service sector businesses such as hairdressers are taking provisional bookings but are unable to plan with any confidence."

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Warren Smyth, chief executive of Abbeycroft Leisure, a not-for-profit social enterprise that oversees 19 leisure and fitness centres across Suffolk and employs around 600 people, said: “We are planning to open on December 3.

“Our staff, services and facilities are lined up to reopen at that point. If we get a change of tack the day before, the impact on business and customer confidence will be significant.

“We have worked hard to support our customers to keep healthy and active, which is even more important than ever this year.

“We need clarity and a plan to help with our recovery and the future health of both our communities and our businesses.”

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The CBI also called for “clarity” on a lockdown exit strategy and guidance, with at least seven days warning to help businesses prepare as well as boosting consumer confidence.

Forward guidance was needed on what to expect from December 3 to help businesses protect jobs, said the CBI.

Josh Hardie, acting CBI director general, said: “Business and government have learnt many hard lessons this year. Now it’s time to use them to our advantage.

“As the end of lockdown 2 in England approaches, planning and preparation is everything if businesses are to hit the ground running.

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“For many firms, the start of December is their most important trading period. A clear, well-communicated exit strategy can help them salvage the best from a bad year.

“Public health must always be the number one priority, but that shouldn’t come at an unnecessary cost to the economy.

“We saw in Wales how forward guidance before the end of the circuit-breaker helped. It avoided an unnecessary scramble of firms struggling to work out if and how they can have premises open at the eleventh hour. Let’s learn from that.”

A Government spokesman said: “At each stage of the pandemic, the Government has sought to suppress the virus whilst protecting people’s jobs and the economy.

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“Our approach has always been guided by scientific and medical advice, which was clear that transmission was rising across the country and we risked the NHS being overwhelmed if decisive action was not taken.

“The national measures that are currently in place were bought in to drive down the R rate, protect the NHS, and save lives.”

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