Angry Doncaster business chiefs demand cash help during latest lockdown

Doncaster Chamber chiefs have called for urgent financial aid to help hundreds of local firms which will be forced to close their doors again following last night’s announcement of a new ‘stay at home’ order.

Commenting on the Prime Minister’s announcement of a new, national lockdown in England, Doncaster Chamber CEO Dan Fell said: “Businesses will understand why Government has introduced tight new restrictions to tackle a spiralling health crisis.

"However, what they will not be able to fathom is why there was not one word in the Prime Minister’s address that acknowledged the catastrophic impact that this decision will have on thousands of businesses that – through no fault of their own – are already running on empty.

“It is now incumbent on Government to move at pace to introduce new and generous support packages for the business community.

"This includes help for those that, unfathomably and unacceptably, have not been able to access any support so far. This include many self-employed people who, like micro and small businesses, are the engine room of economies like Doncaster.

"If additional support is not forthcoming then the mid-term economic recovery will be threatened as the SMEs that are relied on to provide jobs, taxes and societal benefits may not be in existence.

“There is also anger in the business community at the lack of timeliness of this announcement given that many commentators have been predicting this scenario for weeks if not months.

"The closure of schools has a huge impact on business life with many vital workers now juggling their responsibilities as parents and employees.

"An opportunity has been missed to plan for this eventuality over the Christmas period with many firms now scrambling – following yet another needlessly late night briefing by the Prime Minister – to put contingency plans in place to support valued colleagues whilst endeavouring to keep the vital wheels of commerce turning.

“Finally, the silence from the Prime Minister last night and the lack of commensurate support packages for many businesses sends a very damaging message, not just to already beleaguered business communities but also to future generations of risk takers and entrepreneurs that will be vital to our economy in years to come.

"I urge the Prime Minister and Chancellor to act fast and to launch new and generous support packages before the end of this week. This, coupled with a vastly accelerated roll out of the vaccine, may provide just a glimmer of light at the end of an increasingly long and dark tunnel for the business community.”

Under the new regulations rolled out by the Prime Minister Boris Johnson last night, all non-essential businesses and shops will be forced to close, while all schools are likely to stay closed until after February half term.

Meanwhile, under the previous Tier 3 regulations, Doncaster’s pubs and restaurants and many other businesses were already shut.