Statement on New Government Measures in Greater Manchester
3 years ago
Commenting on the new measures from Government now in force across Greater Manchester and other areas in the North of England, Chris Fletcher, Director of Policy and Communications at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said: "It should be made clear that these measures are squarely aimed at preventing the spread of Covid 19 between households and should not have any immediate impact on businesses in Greater Manchester. People can still go to work and move around within existing safety guidelines and advice around work places and transport.
"One possible area of concern will be the hospitality sector, just finding its feet again after coming out of lockdown, and, whilst these measures allow premises to stay open, there will no doubt be some confusion over what people are allowed into premises in what groupings.
"Our members and the wider business community have been magnificent in the last few months but the manner and way this was announced could have and should have been better. However the focus must now be focussed on working with a new series of measures and restrictions and also planning for the changes to work from home guidance and furlough due on 1st August. It is vital that every effort is made to prevent further job losses and grow back vital parts of the economy."
Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce is the largest Chamber of Commerce in the UK, providing business support to approximately 4,500 members who collectively employ 446,000 people, around one-third of Greater Manchester’s workforce.
Recognised as a leader in its field, Greater Manchester Chamber’s reputation in government circles has grown locally and nationally. At the heart of the area of greatest economic intensity outside London and the South East, the Chamber is the primary body for business support, policy, representation and networking.
The Chamber is an independent, not-for-profit private company and its aim is to support businesses and help create the best climate for the region to prosper. This is achieved by ensuring that those taking decisions on key issues such as transport, taxation and business regulation hear the voice of our members. The representation of our members’ views is central to the work of the policy team at the Chamber; these views are gathered in a range of ways including our local councils, policy committees, sector councils, the main Chamber council, focus groups, meetings with politicians and consultations.
The Chamber also offers a range of networking forums across Greater Manchester, free as part of membership, plus a variety of other events and services designed to benefit specific sectors or individuals and help businesses to grow.