Business support must “keep pace” with the extended lockdown in Wales.
That was the message from the Federation of Small Businesses as Welsh Government confirmed lockdown will continue for three more weeks for hospitality, non-essential retail and leisure.
Welsh Conservatives have also called for an urgent statement on ongoing support for businesses.
Welsh Government launched the £160m ERF Restrictions Business Fund on November 30 to provide operating costs support for up to 60,000 businesses hit by national restrictions.
There was £110m added to the fund after the alert level 4 lockdown was announced on December 19 while the £180m Sector Specific Fund for Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure (HTL) opens on Monday.
But with lockdown now expected to drag on for at least three more weeks and possibly longer clarity is wanted on ongoing support.
Welsh Government has been asked for an update on funding support.
Ben Francis, FSB Wales Policy Chair, said: “It seems clear that businesses will require funding support for longer than was originally anticipated if they are to survive this troubling period.
“Welsh Government should urgently give clarity on what additional funding will be made available to support businesses beyond this next three week period to allow them to plan.
(Image: FSB)
“The business support system in Wales has become increasingly muddy and difficult to navigate as new restriction measures have been adopted. Welsh Government should take this opportunity to re-establish exactly what businesses are entitled to and how they can access much-needed funding.
“It’s important to remember that after such a disastrous winter, financial support will be the difference between businesses weathering this pandemic or not.
“It is imperative that business support keeps pace with the severity and the length of restrictions that businesses are facing.
“It will be absolutely critical that businesses are able to be a part of the economic recovery, and for this to happen we must take steps to protect them now.”
Russell George MS, the Shadow Minister for Economy, Business, and Infrastructure, has asked Economy Minister Ken Skates for an urgent statement on the subject.
He said: “The administration here needs to do all it can to make sure that hospitality and other businesses are supported sufficiently with the funds provided.
“If it doesn’t, then the opportunities for people to work, and to one day go out and enjoy themselves safely, will be massively reduced.”
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