Commenting on the announcement that London is to move into Tier 2 of restrictions, Jasmine Whitbread, Chief Executive of London First, said:
“If tough action now means we can save lives and avoid a more severe lockdown later, then businesses in the capital will hope that these short-term measures will prevent worse to come.
“But for firms just starting to get back on their feet, these further restrictions will come as a severe blow. Transparency over how any measures are expected to reduce transmission and when they will be lifted as rates fall will be crucial for building confidence.
“The Government must not repeat the mistakes of the summer and must use this time to fix the track and trace system and put in further support for those businesses unable to trade, including extending business rate and VAT reliefs.”