Connect with us

Conservative Party

UK employers demand action now to survive #COVID crisis

SHARE:

Published

on

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. You can unsubscribe at any time.

A British employers group demanded immediate action from Finance Minister Rishi Sunak (pictured) after a record deterioration in business in the April-June period. The British Chambers of Commerce said on Wednesday (1 July) its quarterly survey of 7,700 firms found the share of companies reporting growth in sales was far below even the low point of the global financial crisis of 2007-08, writes William Schomberg.

“Our results demonstrate the need for swift and substantial action,” the BCC’s Director-General Adam Marshall said. “The UK cannot meander its way back to success in this era of uncertainty.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised on Tuesday (30 June) to fast-track infrastructure investment and slash property planning rules. The spending announcement of £5 billion ($6.2bn) amounted to around 5% of gross public sector investment last year, most of which had already been announced. Sunak is due to announce more details of the government’s plans next week, on top of the £133bn of emergency measures he has rushed out mostly to keep people in their jobs. However, Sunak has so far opted not to bring forward a major budget statement which is due in the autumn.

The BCC said its survey showed orders and investment intentions at record lows for services firms and manufacturers. Marshall called on the government to cut employers’ social security contributions and take other measures to help companies keep workers on their books after Britain’s huge state furlough scheme expires at the end of October.

Companies would need extra investment incentives and help to survive cashflow crunches in the form of wider relief from property taxes and more grants. The government should also take measures to stimulate consumer demand, Marshall said.

($1 = 0.8129 pounds) 

Advertisement

Share this article:

EU Reporter publishes articles from a variety of outside sources which express a wide range of viewpoints. The positions taken in these articles are not necessarily those of EU Reporter.

Trending