The window to prevent mass unemployment is rapidly closing Anneliese Dodds
almost 4 years in The guardian
With rents due, retailers fear their debts will become unsustainable without fair government support
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Today is the day that many businesses on our high streets have dreaded – the due date for the next quarterly rent. This is felt most acutely by those businesses that make up the backbone and character of many local communities but remain closed, such as pubs, hairdressers and restaurants.
Even much-loved businesses whose customers are eagerly anticipating their return cannot escape economic reality. Without money coming in, they fear debt could rapidly become unsustainable. It is critical they are given confidence this will not be the case, otherwise much greater unemployment will ensue. It makes no sense that, from July, the chancellor has decided that these businesses must pay increased contributions to furloughed staff, with no alternative support in place. This will simply lead to more people losing their jobs – and much of the good work done by furlough will have been undone. Continue reading...
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