Dorset Chamber responds to the announcement of new national lockdowns in England, Chief Executive Ian Girling said:
“It’s been clear that each time restrictions are relaxed, we see a resurgence of infection rates.
“The rapid escalation of infections over the last few weeks is extremely concerning and we support the new lockdown announced by the Prime Minister; it’s clear a more drastic course of action is necessary.
“We fully recognise the impact of this on businesses and individuals and we will continue to lobby for support for businesses in these very difficult times.
“Dorset Chamber is here to help and we’ll continue to do our best to support, protect and connect our members through our online events as well as offer a free business information and signposting service through the Dorset Gateway, delivered by Dorset Chamber in partnership with Dorset LEP.
Call 01202 714800 or visit dorsetchamber.co.uk. See our forthcoming events at www.dorsetchamber.co.uk/events
Commenting on the Prime Minister’s announcement of a new, national lockdown in England, and following the implementation of a lockdown in Scotland earlier today, British Chambers of Commerce Director General Adam Marshall said:
“Businesses will understand why the Prime Minister has felt compelled to act on the spiralling threat to public health, but they will be baffled and disappointed by the fact that he did not announce additional support for affected businesses alongside these new restrictions.
“The lockdowns announced in England and Scotland today are a body blow to our business communities, hard on the heels of lost trade during the festive season and uncertainty linked to the end of the Brexit transition period. Tens of thousands of firms are already in a precarious position, and now face a period of further hardship and difficulty.
“Billions have already been spent helping good firms to survive this unprecedented crisis and to save jobs. These businesses must not be allowed to fail now, when the vaccine rollout provides light at the end of this long tunnel. The financial support for businesses needs to be stepped up in line with the devastating restrictions being placed on them. Otherwise, many of these firms may simply not be there to power our recovery when we emerge once again.
“Enhanced support for businesses, a turbo-charged vaccine rollout, and delivery of existing promises on mass testing must be delivered to enable the UK to restart, rebuild and renew.