Business chief slams 'woeful' response to coronavirus crisis
lack of clarity. It has created a heightenedsenseofalarmand widely damaged confidence.”
The level of support had fallen short of what was needed and the furlough scheme should heave been extended to cover self–employed people andthosewhotookupnewjobs in February/March.
"Many hard-working business people have had little to nofinancialsupportforthelast five months,” said Mr Ramsbotham.
"The furlough scheme should also be extended for certain sectors such as hospitality and available for potential local lockdowns in the future.
“WealsoneedGovernment tomakesureschoolsandnurseries are at the heart of its economic strategy. People need to have certainty in their childcare provision to be able to go to work."
The approach to tackling the virus had also been a failure, he said. “Our country’s ‘track and trace’ process is simply not fit for purpose. We have heard from Chamber colleagues around the world where Governments have devisedsystemswhichcreatereal confidencesopeoplefeelcomfortable to go about their business and visit hospitality and leisurevenues.Gettingthissystemrightiscrucialtousgetting the economy back on track.
“We also need Government tomakesureschoolsandnurseries are at the heart of its economic strategy. People need to have certainty in their childcare provision to be able to go to work.
Uncertainty around Brexit and the risk of a ‘no deal’ outcome was a ‘massive threat’ to business.
“Companieshaveprepared twiceforpreviousdeadlines,at tremendous expense,” said Mr Ramsbotham.
"Manydonothavethecashflow to do so again.”