CBI Scotland responds to latest Covid review

Tracy Black, CBI Scotland Director, said:

“The announcement of indicative dates for reopening some of Scotland’s hardest-hit sectors provides a welcome steer for a business community that has been starved of hope for too long. Having already lost out on festive trading, hospitality, leisure and non-essential retail firms will be looking to the weeks ahead with cautious optimism.

“While tentative steps out of lockdown will be a boost for business, we’re still some way off turning the page on the pandemic. Level three restrictions remain tough, especially if diverging from elsewhere in the UK, and a lag in demand will make trading conditions difficult for some time.

“Government support has provided a lifeline during an unprecedented twelve months, but with firms low on cash, confidence and demand, further support is needed. Restart grants will offer flexibility and help cushion firms during a precarious restart phase where jobs and livelihoods remain in the balance.

“A big effort is needed from both the Scottish and UK governments over the summer to support business and economic growth across the country.”