The Manchester business campaign group UnitedCity, formed by Gary Neville, Frank McKenna, Lisa Morton, Will Lewis and Chris Oglesby, set up in response to the first lock-down, has hit back at the new ‘Plan B’ restrictions announced by the government last night, in light of the economic impact that this will have on businesses in the city centre.
“Just as our city is getting back to almost pre-pandemic footfall and some normality is returning, new messaging is already having a devastating effect on hospitality, with restaurants and venues reporting immediate cancellations in the run up to Christmas.”
“In addition, the work from home message will negatively impact the business eco-system here in the city and also potentially create a situation where young people in particular feel isolated from the support they get in a normal working environment as we have seen before.”
“In Manchester we would ask each individual take their own risk assessment and believe that offices should remain open for those who want to work from work.”
“We would also ask that people honour those hospitality bookings as far as possible as many independents are already suffering.
The undermining of confidence for the hospitality sector and visitor economy generally means that the Government needs another business support package for this sector.”