West Yorkshire business leaders warn Tier 3 exit strategy needed

One of West Yorkshire’s most prominent voices for its economy has warned “all business confidence will be lost” in the Government if it does not provide a strategy for exiting Tier 3 Covid-19 restrictions.
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Leeds and the rest of West Yorkshire will be placed into the Government’s most severe local lockdown restrictions this weekend, with thousands of businesses potentially having to close their doors to contain the spread of coronavirus.

Politicians in the city say they are also disappointed with the situation, with one Leeds MP calling on the Government to introduce a national “circuit breaker” lockdown to stop the virus in its tracks.

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The changes, which come into effect at 12.01am on Monday, will see soft play areas, betting shops, casinos and pubs and bars not serving substantial meals having to shut their doors for the duration of the measures.

Lockdown restrictions are set to ramp up in Leeds after this weekend.Lockdown restrictions are set to ramp up in Leeds after this weekend.
Lockdown restrictions are set to ramp up in Leeds after this weekend.

It is not yet known how or when West Yorkshire will exit the restrictions, although they will be reviewed after 28 days.

Martin Hathaway, managing director of the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said how an area can exit the restricions was important point for local areas to understand.

He said: “Although businesses will be disappointed at being placed in Tier 3 at this time, we are confident that the necessary support will be in place to mitigate the challenges that business will face.

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“The important thing is that we now all adhere to the restrictions so that we can get back to normal as soon as possible. The Government however needs to provide a clear strategy for exiting Tier 3 or all business confidence will be lost.

“The hospitality and leisure sectors will be adversely affected by closures at such short notice and it is vital we continue to provide support. Our manufacturing, digital and professional service companies will see little change from the Tier 2 restrictions previously in place and we need to make sure that any effects are minimal to them and their staff. ”

He welcomed recent announcements about further support for jobs once the Job Retention Scheme ends.

Leeds MPs from both main parties also had their say on the issue, with Leeds East member Richard Burgon calling for a national “circuit breaker” lockdown to combat the effects.

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He said: “The need for greater restrictions in Leeds was not inevitable, but the direct result of the failure of the Government’s national strategy in dealing with coronavirus.

“I am very worried that simply extending a patchwork of local restrictions lasting many months to more areas, including here in Leeds, and without providing proper financial support to the people and businesses affected, will not be enough to get control of the pandemic but will force people into further hardship.

“It is time for the Government to admit it has got it wrong and change strategy. It should introduce a national circuit breaker lockdown for a few weeks and put in place proper financial support for people to get through this difficult time.

“The current level of support offered to Tier 3 areas like ours by the Government is just not good enough – especially as it leaves workers in businesses forced to close on just two-thirds of their pay.”

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Pudsey MP Stuart Andrew (Con) said: “Naturally, it is very disappointing that we have had to go into Tier 3 but the rising rates of infections amongst the over 60s and the rapidly increasing number of Covid patients in Leeds hospitals means that regrettably it can not be ignored.

“I am glad to see the financial package that has been announced to support businesses, as well as the additional funding to our area, which includes an additional £8 per head for test and trace, is really helpful.

“I hope that by us all working together and complying with the rules we can see the rates decrease and ensure we have the beds needed in our hospitals.”

Leeds Central MP Hilary Benn (Lab) said: “This decision was both inevitable and necessary given the high rate of Covid cases in Leeds and the increasing pressures on the LGI and Jimmy’s, but I know it’s going to be really difficult for a lot of businesses including in the city centre.

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“We all need to play our part in trying to reverse the rise in infections so that we can eventually come out of this, but it will depend on what we do. And while we play our part, the Government has to ensure that all the businesses affected get the support they need.”

Morley and Outwood MP Anrea Jenkyns (Con) said: “Unfortunately, Tier 3 restrictions have become necessary in West Yorkshire to combat the spread of COVID-19. I hope we can lift restrictions soon, so we can return to a more normal way of life after such a difficult time for people and businesses, but we must do everything we can to keep people safe.

“Having only been at a funeral this week for a friend who died of Covid; I have seen the devastating effects left on his family left behind. My team and I are on hand to support residents with their queries and concerns, and please everyone remember to was your hands and keep a safe distance from others. Together we will get through this.”