“Boris Johnson has addressed the commons earlier this week to announce the planned roadmap to easing lockdown restrictions. The Prime Minister stressed that each stage of a new 4-stage plan will be driven by “data not dates”. The PM says there will be “at least” five weeks between each of the four steps. The longer-term plan’s progression is subject to governments 4 test and will need to be consulted before moving to the next step of the plan.
“For many businesses the important dates will be April 12 where non-essential retail, hairdressers and nail salons will reopen along with gyms and hospitality businesses will be allowed to serve people outdoors with no curfew or ‘substantial meal’ requirement. Pubs and restaurants will have to wait until step 3, set to take place from May 17, to serve people indoors.
“The PM also stated that free testing kits for workers will be extended until the end of June. He says the government will not “pull the rug out” from businesses in terms of the support they will receive from government – with more details to be announced at the upcoming Budget.
“The roadmap to recovery should give businesses hope that this latest lockdown will indeed be the last that they will face. This longer-term plan is something that many businesses have been pleading for and should provide confidence, stability and encouragement.
“With the budget statement next week, it will provide government with an opportunity to expand on details of the financial support structure for businesses. With many businesses having to wait until April, or even longer in some cases before they can re-open, support and a longer-term plan is vital.
“Government have already announced a new online VAT Deferral New Payment Scheme to pay their deferred VAT payments from last year, in smaller amounts.
“An extension to the business rates relief, possible extension of the furlough scheme and the VAT cut for hospitality businesses all should be areas of key consideration in the Chancellors budget statement.”
For information on the support and guidance available to businesses please visit our Coronavirus Business Support Hub here www.hwchamber.co.uk/support/advice/coronavirus-information.