Businesses in Liverpool have laid out seven issues they want to see addressed before the economy restarts following the coronavirus lockdown.
The Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, which represents over 770 city businesses, said it has worked its members and other associations both nationally and locally to bring "key practical issues" to the attention of government.
Alison Lobb, chair of the policy committee, said there has been much discussion over the past week about the "restart" phase, with .
Having gathered the views of members across our region, Ms Lobb has laid out seven issues the city's businesses say must be addressed straight away.
1. 'Tapering' support relief
The chamber said there will "undoubtedly" be a lag when work is being done but payment not being made, placing cashflow pressures on businesses for some time beyond lockdown.
In order to facilitate that and avoid redundancies, the chamber said there must be the following:
- An extension and adjustment to the furlough scheme, or an alternative support system, to enable a phased return to work where necessary.
- A focus on delivering appropriate and bespoke support provision for businesses emerging into ‘the new normal’ economy, regardless of what sector of business they operate in.
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2. Schools and childcare
It is all very well saying businesses can return to work, Ms Lobb said, but many people will be unable to work effectively - or at all - unless children return to full-time school.
The chamber wants to know how an amended furlough scheme can cover those employees until full-time school starts again, and whether alternative support can be offered to cover childcare costs.
3. Guidance to employers must be clear to mitigate risks
Ms Lobb said it's essential businesses in all sectors receive clarity about what measures need to be taken, whether through social distancing, PPE provision, testing of employees and risk assessments.
She said: "It is important to learn lessons, and avoid the confusion caused in the initial phases of lockdown by mixed messages from government regarding what businesses can and cannot do.
"As well as assisting businesses with planning this should also alleviate concerns about claims against employers if the virus is contracted in the workplace.
"There is also a real concern that if there is no firm guidance companies will interpret it themselves and create their own version of the 'rules', leading to a risk that unscrupulous employers could benefit over more ethically-run businesses, by putting their employees and customers at risk."
4. Clear information about when Covid-19 deferred payments will be due
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There is a "clear need" to establish when any Covid-19 deferred payments like VAT will be due, and whether these can be staggered - otherwise businesses will just have been "deferring a cashflow crisis".
Ms Lobb said a strong and healthy dialogue between businesses and government – nationally and locally – can help ensure that our tax system avoids crippling businesses' cash reserves further.
5. A 'clear strategy' and ability to 'move swiftly back to lockdown where necessary'
A big concern for members is the prospect of a sudden attempt by businesses and the general public to try to return to "normal" leading to a second wave of infection spikes and a consequential economic dip.
She said: "Coming out of lockdown is one issue, the need to have the agility to move in and out of lockdown is another."
6. Supporting the ‘forgotten 5%’
Ms Lobb said the city must know whether any consideration has ever been given to the "forgotten 5%" - which includes the self-employed who earn just over the £50,000 threshold for income protection support.
She is managing partner at law firm Morecrofts, and said: "The arbitrary setting of this threshold has caused many businesses a great deal of additional concern.
"At Morecrofts for example we have not been eligible for any support other than the furloughing scheme and like many businesses within the current climate, are unwilling to take on additional debt.
"We are living within our means, but that ramifications of that may affect our business growth and ability to create jobs, for years to come.
"Whilst economic shocks can cause immense distortion of the market and we should positively acknowledge the unprecedented levels of support quickly provided by government, I do find it troubling and distressing that businesses such as ours do not get the level of support that successful and positive contributions to the economy for over 200 years should engender.
"Many other professional services’ businesses will be in the same position. Focus upon the ‘Forgotten 5%’ within restart and recovery is vitally important."
7. Business voices 'must be heard'
Ms Lobb said: "Businesses are such an important part of our country’s recovery.
"Whether formally attached to a trade association like the Chamber of Commerce or not, the voice of business must be heard to enable concerns, issues or opportunities to be properly represented within the impending year ahead."