Government condemned by industry figurehead

A leading business boss has condemned the way the Government has handled major announcements like the latest lockdown in England.

The head of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) Dame Carolyn Fairbairn hit out after Prime Minister Boris Johnson pulled out of an appearance at the group's annual conference.

Dame Carolyn said firms could not act on the basis of "speculation, leaks and surmise", demanded more clarity on the Government's strategy and called for ministers to improve the coronavirus testing system.

She also warned against ending the post-Brexit transition period without a trade deal at the end of the year at a time when firms in the UK and across Europe are battling the economic impact of the second wave of coronavirus.

In her final keynote speech at the organisation's conference, she said England's second lockdown will be "truly devastating for business", with many companies having already invested millions to make their premises Covid-safe.

She said that, compared to the first lockdown, there is likely to be "lower compliance" with the rules, political divisions and less trust and said ministers need to “provide financial support for the duration of the crisis”, provide clarity on triggers for easing lockdown and improve communications because "businesses can't act on the basis of speculation and leaks and surmise”.

On a post-Brex it trade deal, she said: "It would be unconscionable to unleash a nodeal Brexit on the countries of Europe, the UK and the European Union, as we are facing this vicious second wave."