CBI responds to latest government business support package

Dame Carolyn Fairbairn, CBI Director-General, said:

“The Job Support Scheme will be a welcome and much-needed successor to the furlough scheme and will protect many livelihoods when it begins. It’s right that businesses contribute if they wish to access this scheme. But with a tough winter ahead, significantly increased Government contributions to non-worked hours across all regions will do even more to protect people’s livelihoods.

“The missing middle of pubs, cafes and theatres in tier 2 along with other businesses across the UK who are seeing demand fall away, but with little extra support, will be relieved to see that anomaly come to an end.  

“Meanwhile it’s great to see the extra grant funding give local authorities the discretion to target where support is needed most.  

“This is a big step towards a more standardised approach of support for areas going into tiers 2 and 3 and those businesses that face tough times who operate within them.  It will be critical to get the buy-in of all regions in England, rather than negotiation on a case-by-case basis.

“Looking beyond the immediate fire-fighting, the Chancellor will need to look at ways of stimulating business investment and innovation which will be key to how the economy thrives once again.”