We were amongst the first to recognise and praise steps taken last week by the new Chancellor, Rishi Sunak in his budget, the same budget, less than a week later needs urgent review.
Just as the government yesterday announced daily generic update briefings on COVID-19, businesses across the UK will need regular updates on the government’s financial policy, which needs to be sufficiently fluid to meet an ever faster changing economy.
With major airlines today announcing plans to all but ground flights and as such ground jobs, the impact is being felt with similar speed and effect throughout hospitality, as well as the many other sectors that make up UK PLC.
The health and safety of the nation comes first, but the wheels of commerce also need to keep turning.
Millions of people are employed across hospitality and need to see some support mechanisms being put in place to secure futures. Self-imposed social distancing is already biting hard on hospitality businesses across the UK, this is set to be followed by government imposing social distancing.
Government’s action to slow down the spread of COVID 19 will have to be set alongside robust and pragmatic reassurances for businesses operating in the sectors impacted most. The government does not want fear and panic fuelling uncertainty, causing further downward spiralling.