Commenting on the Chancellor’s announcement of further support for businesses and jobs as coronavirus restrictions increase, BCC director general Adam Marshall said:
“This is a very significant improvement in the support available to businesses struggling with the impact of increasing restrictions across the UK.
“Chambers have been campaigning for greater support for businesses experiencing big falls in demand as a result of new restrictions, and a number of the steps announced today, including the lowering of employer contributions and the number of hours worked needed to qualify for the scheme, respond directly to our calls.
“Backdated grants for hospitality firms in tier two and enhanced grants for the self-employed will go some way to alleviating pressure on many of those who have been particularly vulnerable to the economic impact of the pandemic.
“Chambers have called for support to be truly commensurate with the restrictions imposed on businesses as part of our five tests for coronavirus measures. The true test of these reforms will be whether they help businesses on the ground get through the difficult months ahead. Chambers of Commerce will continue to work with the Treasury to ensure that support is responsive and preserves businesses and livelihoods.”
Dr Liz Cameron, chief executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: “The UK Chancellor’s new business grant and job support scheme extension will be absolutely necessary to the survival of many businesses as CV19 restrictions are set to be in place indefinitely. The boost to the self-employed grant will be welcomed by many who have been at risk of not receiving the support that they need.
“Chambers of Commerce in Scotland and the UK have been campaigning for greater support for businesses experiencing big falls in demand as a result of new restrictions, and a number of the steps announced today, including the lowering of employer contributions and the number of hours worked needed to qualify for the jobs support scheme, respond directly to our calls.
“As the Scottish Government is set to confirm its own approach to a tiered system of restrictions, it is essential that consequential funding is delivered to where it is needed most to save jobs. This must also be tied to every stage of restriction as a matter of course and not in incremental, repeated tweaks.
“It is clear that this winter will be extremely difficult for employers, their employees and a sustained approach to jobs support into 2021 is critical.’’
The Chancellor's statement can be read in full here.