IoD welcomes irreversible plan to end lockdown

“The vaccine rollout has shown that there is light at the end of the tunnel for the UK and our economy, and today’s roadmap is another welcome step forward. But there is more work ahead for the Government.

Directors and businesses of all sizes have faced a very testing 12 months and it is vital that they now have the tools to emerge stronger from the pandemic. Business leaders will welcome the Prime Minister’s commitment to an irreversible ending of lockdown, but cashflow support needs to follow alongside the roadmap, with many small firms eager to see an extension to the furlough scheme and more discretionary grant funding.

It is crucial that businesses have clarity around how the Government perceives the UK is meeting its four key tests to help them plan, taking into considering the lead times they need to ensure workplaces are Covid-safe and so they can start rehiring.

We look forward to hearing more details in next week’s Budget and press the Chancellor to ensure that those who have worked so hard to keep their business going are not left behind when we are so close to the finish line.”