The relentless lock down measures being imposed across England continues and will see Berkshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Hertfordshire all will move up a tier, along with most of Surrey, East Sussex, Cambridgeshire and Hampshire.
Hospitality businesses in these regions will join many of their counterparts first thing 19 December.
The Chancellor announced yesterday that the furlough scheme has been extended until the end of April 2021 with the government continuing to contribute 80% towards wages. This however will not be sufficient to stop all too many hospitality businesses from closing never to reopen.
UKHospitality Chief Executive Kate NichollsCommenting on the announcement by the Chancellor, UKHospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said: “The extension of the furlough scheme with full Government contribution through to April and the longer period for applying for business loans are, of course, very welcome.
“However, with yet more of the country having been served notice of moving into tighter restrictions and 72,500 of Britain’s 110,00 licensed premises unable to open and a further 12,500 wet led venues with little chance of reopening, more will be needed to safeguard jobs and businesses in a sector being seemingly singled out to bear the brunt of Covid measures. Without additional business support to accompany this extension, there will inevitably be more widespread business failures and job losses.
“The extended period for business loans applications is much appreciated but the sums available are insubstantial and eligibility rules are too narrow. Too many hospitality businesses will still be fighting for survival. To instil the business confidence necessary to plan for survival, we urge the Government to commit to a business rates holiday to cover the period of 2021/22 and a VAT cut extension through to end of 2021. Such measures will give a vital lifeline to many businesses and enable them to play their role in the economy’s recovery later in 2021.”
As 2020 draws towards its close the Government has done much to help an industry in distress, and that is much appreciated. 2021 will require even more assistance to minimise further damage, and support the investments made from going to waste.
An open letter from the UK catering industry backing: Minister for Hospitality
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Hospitality & Catering News: Hospitality closed for Christmas and in need of sustained support from Government: esoteric Brexit– 18 December 2020 – Hospitality closed for Christmas and in need of sustained support from Government.
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