John Baron MP highlights updated guidance on business closures

MP encourages businesses to help with national effort

The Government has updated its guidance as to which businesses and premises should remain closed during the current lockdown period. These include restaurants and pubs, bars, hotels, retail shops (with exceptions for essential services), hairdressers and nightclubs. A full list is available online (please see ‘notes to editors’ below). The Government has also set up hotlines for businesses if they believe they can help in the national effort against the virus.

John said,

“During this lockdown, only essential businesses should be operating as normal. This is to slow the spread of the virus, protect the NHS and save lives. Extensive support from the Government is available to keep businesses going and to protect the jobs of employees and the self-employed who are unable to work. A Business Support Helpline has been launched, which may be a useful first port of call (please see ‘notes to editors’ below).”

“If you believe your business could help with the current situation, the Government have established a registration portal (please see ‘notes to editors’ below). We all have a role to play to help our society and our economy through this testing time, and I encourage businesses to help where they can.”

Notes to Editors:

• The revised Government guidance on business closures is online at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/876281/260320_Revised_Guidance.pdf.

• The Business Support Helpline can be contacted on: 0300 456 3565.

• The registration portal for offers of help from business is online at: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/L5B32S/.