Business groups welcome support, but warn more needed if restrictions continue

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The British Chambers of Commerce said that a “wider support package” could be needed, but welcomed the new announcements for bringing respite to businesses. “Whilst these measures are a positive starting point, if restrictions persist or are tightened further, then we would need to see a wider support package, equal to the scale of any new measures, put in place.” The package has promised another £1 billion of financial support for hospitality and leisure companies hit by the recent surge in Covid cases following the emergence of the Omicron strain of the virus. “There is now a real urgency in getting this funding to businesses so we urge local authorities to prioritise distribution of funds to make sure jobs and businesses are preserved through this difficult period.” Fellow hospitality leader Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, also said the package was “welcome” but that more support may be needed. We all need to continue to ramp up the pressure.” The Federation of Small Businesses national chairman Mike Cherry said: “With the prospect of one million people sick or self-isolating by January, we encouraged the Chancellor to bring back the Covid statutory sick pay rebate – we’re pleased to see our recommendation taken forward today.