CBI responds to 21 June delay in England

Tony Danker, CBI Director-General, said:

“Public health comes first, so while a delay is regrettable, it’s understandable.

“Most businesses favour certainty and irreversibility over speed, as lifting and then reimposing restrictions would be a nightmare scenario for many firms.

“But we must acknowledge the pain felt by businesses in hospitality, leisure and live events. At best they’re operating with reduced capacity hitting revenues, and at worst, some aren’t open at all.

“Continuing restrictions means the Government must urgently revisit the support available. That starts with holding back on the tapering of business rates relief and extending the commercial rent moratorium for those sectors most impacted. A solution must also be found for the hard-pressed international travel sector.

“Above all, we must now learn to live with the virus, with a growing focus on the data for long term hospitalisations and deaths but also vaccine coverage. Firms do require greater clarity and guidance on the future of the Government’s support for workplace testing, which is helping to keep staff and workplaces safe.

“Ultimately, rapidly vaccinating citizens - both at home and abroad - remains the best way to safeguard economic growth.”