City-region leaders call for more support for businesses affected by Covid-19

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and council leaders from across the city-region have called on the Chancellor to provide targeted support to people and businesses impacted by Plan B Covid-19 advice and the ongoing effects of the Omicron variant.

During a meeting of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), council leaders and the mayor backed a cross-party call for economic support in light of significant losses being experienced by businesses following the reintroduction of new Covid-19 guidance.

More than 80% of hospitality businesses surveyed in Greater Manchester reported cancellations, including of Christmas parties, since the move to Plan B was announced at the end of November. Declining consumer confidence and lockdown fears over the Omicron variant have also hurt bookings for early 2022.

City-region leaders have called on Westminster for measures to be put in place to support businesses and their employees who are affected, including the hospitality sector, cultural and leisure venues, and taxi firms and drivers.

Speaking following GMCA reached agreement on the call for support on 17th December, Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: 

“Today we’re calling on the Government to recognise that if you change the advice you need to deal with the consequences.

“The Chancellor needs to ensure that people who have seen their incomes fall off a cliff due to their hours being reduced or being sent home are given the support they need to avoid Christmases being ruined.   

“Any support measures must also take the widest possible view. Hospitality is the most severely affected sector, but economic support needs to be targeted at all businesses who have been impacted by the change in advice.

“Action needs to be taken now to help the people and businesses facing a bleak Christmas.”

Under Plan B rules, people have been asked to work from where they can, and face coverings are being mandated on public transport and most other indoor settings. The Chief Medical Officer, Prof Chris Whitty also suggested during a press conference alongside the Prime Minister last week that people should ‘prioritise’ their social interactions and ‘think carefully’ when choosing to attend events.

Cllr Martyn Cox, GMCA portfolio lead for culture and Conservative leader of Bolton Council, said: 

“I fully support the GMCA’s call for further targeted economic support. This is a rapidly changing situation which has had a devastating effect on hospitality, the people who work within the sector and beyond.

“Leaders from the industry were hoping that a busy Christmas would help them recover some of the damage sustained during an incredibly difficult 2020. This period usually allows businesses to build a buffer for the quieter spell during first few months of the new year.

“Instead they’re now facing a crisis situation which demands crisis measures.”