CBI responds to the Prime Minister's press conference

Dame Carolyn Fairbairn, CBI Director-General, said:

“The Prime Minister’s ambition for a programme of nationwide mass testing is exactly what will be needed to build confidence for the public and businesses before a vaccine becomes available.

“With infection rates rising, reducing the size of social gatherings at this stage makes sense.

“Firms are working hard to follow Government guidance, keeping offices, pubs and shops as safe as they can for staff and customers.

“Making the temporary collection of data in hospitality premises legally enforceable makes it clear that there is no wriggle room when it comes to public safety.

“Many businesses are still scrambling to survive following the initial impact of COVID-19 and will need targeted support to get through the autumn.

“A successor to the furlough scheme and allowing businesses to defer VAT for the second quarter are two effective ways to protect jobs and livelihoods.”