Response to the Chancellor's additional support for businesses

Today the Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced some additional support for businesses. Neil Carberry, Chief Executive of the REC, responded:

“The Chancellor's changes to the Jobs Support Scheme will see more firms use it as a realistic way to ride out the Covid recession. Local grant support in higher tier areas is welcome – and emphasises the need for all firms to talk to their local authority about the support available. But we are disappointed by the failure to address problems caused to the suppliers to hospitality and leisure businesses by the same fall in demand. Staffing firms in hospitality will be crucial to the sector's recovery and need support too.

“More can be done to protect jobs. Lowering the cost of labour by reducing employers National Insurance contributions will help boost hiring and keep people in work. Delivering an effective test, track and trace system is absolutely essential to helping our economy recover – and businesses are looking to Government to deliver on this.”

For more information, contact the REC Press Office on 020 7009 2157, 020 7009 2192 or pressoffice@rec.uk.com. Outside of regular office hours, please call 07702 568 829.