‘Don’t forget the economy’ says CBI ahead of quarantine review

Ahead of the government’s first review of its 14-day quarantine for international arrivals to the UK, the CBI has urged the Government to ensure that the needs of business are considered alongside holidaymakers.

Any changes to the quarantine policy will rightly be informed by public health needs, but it will be critical for jobs and the economic recovery that the government continues to review its position on travel to and from low-risk countries.

Ahead of Monday’s review, business would like to see:

• The creation of international travel corridors to low-risk countries, including to parts of the world that matter for business as well as popular holiday destinations
• Changes to government foreign travel advice from a blanket approach against travel, to a set of country-by-country risk assessments.
• A broader range of exemptions, to include travellers in the services industries and those building vital low-carbon infrastructure
• Britain showing leadership on the global stage by implementing international screening standards as well as influencing conversations about how these should develop going forward.
• A firm commitment to end the policy altogether as soon as the evidence shows it is safe to do so

Matthew Fell, CBI Chief Policy Director, said:

“All eyes will be on the government’s review of quarantine to see if Brits will be able to escape for a much-needed holiday this summer.

“Equally important will be the opening up of key destinations for business to help build momentum in the economic recovery.

“The travel sector has been disproportionately affected by the crisis. But right across the economy – from engineers to deal-makers – firms are chomping at the bit to restart service contracts and begin to win business for the UK in overseas markets again.”

25 June 2020

About the CBI: Across the UK, the CBI speaks on behalf of 190,000 businesses of all sizes and sectors. The CBI’s corporate members together employ nearly 7 million people, about one third of private sector-employees. With offices in the UK as well as representation in Brussels, Washington, Beijing and Delhi, the CBI communicates the British business voice around the world.

Media Contact: The CBI Press Office is available 24 hours a day on 0207 395 8239, or email: press.office@cbi.org.uk. Follow the CBI (@CBItweets) and CBI Economics (@CBI_Economics).