Industry leaders want to see roadmap out of lockdown

Industry leaders are urging Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng to publish a roadmap to exit lockdown. 

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has written to Kwarteng (pictured) demanding the Government helps companies prepare by confirming how risky a business activity is so firms can understand when they can expect to re-open. 

The CBI also wants clarity on whether there will be a return to a tier system. 

Looking ahead: The Confederation of British Industry has written to Kwasi Kwarteng (pictured) demanding the Government helps companies prepare for exiting lockdown

It urged the Government to identify which conditions must be met before restrictions will be rolled back, consider what extra freedoms might be allowed to businesses which commit to regular testing, and create detailed support plans. 

On vaccines, CBI director-general Tony Danker said there were ‘strong arguments’ for prioritising workers in key sectors. He said: ‘Let’s use this time to get the roadmap right.’ 

Separately, the Independent Business Network (IBN) outlined a £35bn plan to save high streets and the hospitality industry. 

It wants an extension to reduced VAT rates in hospitality, alcohol taxes halved and town centre parking fees frozen.