Our reaction to latest Covid announcements in England

Matthew Fell, CBI Chief Policy Director, said:

"The Government deserves credit for striving to keep the economy open and adapting to live with the virus.

"Despite this pragmatism, ‘Plan B’ measures have hit consumer confidence and dented demand. Recent financial support has given some businesses breathing space, but the Government must closely monitor the impact on all affected sectors and stand ready with further help if needed.

"Booster jabs are helping to reduce the severe effect of the virus on many people’s health. But with infection rates remaining high, the level of sickness and self-isolation is biting hard across the economy. It’s welcome that Government is taking extra steps to get tests to critical workers and easing PCR requirements, and it’s now vital that wider testing supply challenges are gripped.

"Testing and self-isolation measures have had a significant impact on demand for international travel, so the easing of these requirements is a very positive step towards the goal of a return to restriction-free travel.

"Looking forward, all businesses now need clarity on what the route map out of Plan B looks like as soon as it’s safe to roll back these restrictions."