Covid supports must be immediately reinstated

Small Firms Association Director, Sven Spollen-Behrens calls for the full reinstatement of Covid-19 financial supports in response to the recent Government announcement on the reintroduction of Covid restrictions.

Mr Spollen-Behrens said: “The small firms community is mindful of the need to adhere to public health guidelines, but if businesses are being forced to either close completely or deal with very significant turnover declines due to public health measures, the onus is on Government to ensure these businesses are adequately supported.

“Business has been told time and again over the past number of weeks that there would be no cliff edge in the pandemic supports However, businesses, particularly in the Experience Economy now find themselves at the precipice of that cliff. A reduction in venue capacity will make these events unviable and will likely lead to the cancellation of gigs, theatre, trade shows and other live performances.

“The EWSS must not be tapered off, CRSS must be extended while Covid restrictions remain in place. Furthermore, sufficient financial support must be put in place for the many small businesses who do not qualify for either scheme. Many small businesses depend on the Christmas trading season as a lifeline for the rest of the year. With this trading period now effectively gone, the state must step in to ensure a wave of permanent closures does not happen” Mr Spollen-Behrens concluded.