Small businesses call for clarity over Plan B

FSB national chair, Mike Cherry, has called on more clarity from the government in how small businesses are to continue operations under the new guidelines.

He said the new measures, including vaccine passports, and work-from-home orders will adversely affect small businesses already beset by supply chain disruption, inflation and shortages.

“We urgently need clarity around Plan B. Equally, the Government should explain what conditions would move us back to Plan A, whilst also outlining what Plan C would involve and the support measures that will be launched should more stringent restrictions take effect. Plans to control the virus need to be matched by plans to protect the economy and livelihoods,” Mr Cherry said.  

“Fresh rules introduced in recent days have meant renewed hard times for a lot of businesses, not least those in events, tourism and travel, whilst suppliers to hard-hit sectors are still waiting on allocation of the £1.5bn business rates relief fund announced months ago.

“Many small businesses have already spent thousands on making their premises safer for customers and staff since Covid struck. Amid a rise in abuse towards shop owners, and with small companies still cash-strapped, business owners simply don’t have the capacity to be enforcement officers for Plan B.”