The British Independent Retailers Association has welcomed new measures to further support businesses and protect jobs.
Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, has announced a raft of new schemes to preserve jobs and boost the economy in the aftermath of the covid-19 pandemic.
Measures revealed today included a new jobs support initiative – where the Government will top up employees’ wages – when the furlough scheme ends next month; an extension to the VAT cut for the hospitality and tourism sectors; and longer repayment terms for the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans.
Bira would, however, still like to see further schemes to support independent retailers still struggling in the economic crisis.
Andrew Gooadcre, Bira’s CEO, said: “We are supportive of further measures to support businesses and protect employment.
“But we are disappointed that there was no mention of an extension to the business rates holiday beyond April 2021.
“Now, more than ever, the independent retail sector need the Government’s help if it is to survive this crisis.”
Bira is campaigning for new measures to help independent retailers mitigate the impact of covid-19.
