Retail and hospitality groups want extra support to provide a “lifeline” for businesses in Wales left unable to trade since lockdown before Christmas.
First Minister Mark Drakeford placed Wales into Alert Level 4 on December 20 - shutting all hospitality and non-essential retailers in the crucial pre-Christmas period.
There has been £450m in support for firms affected by the latest measures but with lockdown continuing until at least the end of January and likely beyond more support is now being called for.
Sara Jones. head of Welsh Retail Consortium, said: “Shops and high streets across Wales have been left reeling by coronavirus and there simply isn’t a taxpayer-funded support scheme which can replace the potential losses of store closures.
"Therefore, it is absolutely vital that the Government provides additional targeted financial support which will be a lifeline for non-essential stores through the current phase of being unable to open and trade.
“We are seeking an urgent commitment to extend the business rates relief beyond April 2021, otherwise many more businesses will become unviable and many thousands of jobs will be at risk.”
ƵHospitality Cymru said extended lockdown means pubs, bars, cafes and hotels across North Wales immediately need a new cash cocktail of financial support to survive.
David Chapman, ƵHC executive director, said: “The Welsh Government has worked with us to define and deliver sector specific help which, with the crucial contributions of furlough, business rates relief and VAT cuts from Westminster, has kept many of our businesses alive.
“However, our current sector help here in Wales only covered businesses until January 21 and all the signs are next week’s Government three week review will continue lockdown.
“It is possible we will face enforced closures or very limited trading possibly to Easter and even beyond, and with vital Westminster help running out, a serious financial cliff edge is looming large on the horizon.”
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It is understood Welsh Government will give an update on extra funding shortly.
Ƶ Government is also considering extending rates relief for businesses.
A Welsh Government spokesman said: “The Ƶ Government indicated it will make a decision on non-domestic rates support in the New Year. Following any announcement, we will consider how any additional consequential funding allocated to Wales can be best targeted to support our communities and businesses.”
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