The impact of coronavirus on businesses and workers

Business and Trade Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 13 Mar 2020 Closed: 19 May 2021 Parliament page
Read the call for evidence for more information about this inquiry .
10 Recommendations
10 Conclusions
1 Report
8 Oral sessions
58 Letters
8 Events
Activity timeline 76 events
9 Feb
2022
Correspondence
25 Jan
2022
Correspondence
13 Jan
2022
Correspondence
16 Dec
2021
Correspondence
13 Jul
2021
Oral evidence
13 Jul
2021
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 15, Palace of Westminster
19 May
2021
Report published
16 Mar
2021
Correspondence
4 Mar
2021
Correspondence
26 Feb
2021
Report published
4 Feb
2021
Correspondence
4 Feb
2021
Correspondence
Oral evidence sessions 8 sessions
13 Jul 2021
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Impact of Covid 19; Downstream Oil Resilience Bill
Ghislaine Halpenny · British Property Federation Helen Dickinson OBE · British Retail Consortium Kate Nicholls OBE · UKHospitality Mark Prouse · Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Paul Stevens · Chatham House Peter Davidson · Tank Storage Association
2 Feb 2021
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Oral evidence session; oral evidence session
Chris O'Shea · Centrica Justin Bowden · GMB Union Matthew Taylor · Good Work Review Mike Brewer · Resolution Foundation Rob Joyce · Institute for Fiscal Studies Tim Sharp · Trades Union Congress (TUC)
17 Nov 2020
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Impact on businesses; Impact on workers
Dr Sonali Joshi · ExcludedUK Helen Dickinson OBE · British Retail Consortium Henry Chango Lopez · Independent Workers Union of Great Britain Humphrey Cobbold · PureGym Kate Nicholls · UKHospitality Mike Brewer · Resolution Foundation Mike Cherry OBE · Federation of Small Businesses Paul Fleming · Equity Ralph Findlay · Marston's PLC Tony Dale · Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers
18 Jun 2020
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Issues facing the workforce
Christine Payne · Equity Gary Smith · GMB Scotland Mike Clancy · Prospect Steve Turner · Unite Tony Dale · Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers
4 Jun 2020
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Manufacturing; Electricity and gas supply
Audrey Gallacher · Energy UK Fintan Slye · National Grid ESO Gareth Stace · UK Steel Gillian Cooper · Citizens Advice Jonathan Brearley · Ofgem Mike Hawes · Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Paul Everitt · ADS Paul Everitt · ADS Group Stephen Phipson CBE · Make UK
14 May 2020
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Coming out of lockdown; Oral Evidence
Dr Adam Kucharski Paul Nowak · Trades Union Congress Professor David Heymann Sue Davies · Which? Tej Parikh · Institute of Directors
30 Apr 2020
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The impact of Coronavirus on businesses and workers
Adam Marshall · British Chambers of Commerce Andrew Goodacre · The British Independent Retailers Association Helen Dickinson OBE · British Retail Consortium Martin McTague · Federation of Small Businesses Melanie Leech CBE · British Property Federation Philip King · Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
17 Mar 2020
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Alasdair Hutchison · Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-employed Martin McTague · Federation of Small Businesses Paul Nowak · Trades Union Congress Rain Newton-Smith · Confederation of British Industry
Title HC No. Published Items Response
Second Report - The impact of Coronavirus on businesses and work… HC 1264 26 Feb 2021 20 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
20 results
1 Conclusion
Second Report - The impact of Coro…
We commend the Government for moving quickly at the start of the pandemic to implement...
We commend the Government for moving quickly at the start of the pandemic to implement novel and wide-ranging financial support schemes. We welcome these measures, which have delivered unprecedented levels of financial support to individuals and have shielded vast numbers … Read more
Government Response
1. Thank you for advanced sight of the interim report linked to the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee’s inquiry on the Impact of Coronavirus on Business and Workers (the … Read more
Department for Business and Trade
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2 Conclusion
Second Report - The impact of Coro…
Whilst we welcome the overall level of support offered, we are disappointed that the Government...
Whilst we welcome the overall level of support offered, we are disappointed that the Government has repeatedly chosen not to adapt and refine its support to address identified gaps in coverage. It is unacceptable that 11 months into the pandemic … Read more
Government Response
15. We recommend that the Government reviews the coverage of current support to make sure that the greatest support is provided to those individuals facing most hardship, and that any … Read more
Department for Business and Trade
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3 Recommendation
Second Report - The impact of Coro…
The Committee accepts that there are some groups who have been at a comparative disadvantage,...
The Committee accepts that there are some groups who have been at a comparative disadvantage, such as those remunerated by dividends. The Government has cited administrative difficulties and the risk of fraud. The Government should consider solutions put forward on … Read more
Department for Business and Trade
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4 Conclusion
Second Report - The impact of Coro…
We welcome that many individuals who have not been able to access furlough or SEISS...
We welcome that many individuals who have not been able to access furlough or SEISS will have had support through Universal Credit, discretionary grants from local authorities, and mortgage and consumer credit holidays. However, we are disappointed by the Government’s … Read more
Government Response
23. We recognise that some of the eligibility criteria and conditions that are vital to ensuring that these specific schemes worked for the vast majority meant that, in some hard … Read more
Department for Business and Trade
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5 Conclusion
Second Report - The impact of Coro…
We are also concerned that gaps in support appear to have fallen disproportionately on particular...
We are also concerned that gaps in support appear to have fallen disproportionately on particular sectors, such as the creative industries. Further Government action is required to support those sectors of the economy.
Government Response
Regarding concerns raised around gaps in support for the creative industry, we recognise the significant challenges posed by the pandemic to our arts and creative sectors. The Government is committed … Read more
Department for Business and Trade
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6 Recommendation
Second Report - The impact of Coro…
We recommend that the Government reviews the coverage of current support to make sure that...
We recommend that the Government reviews the coverage of current support to make sure that the greatest support is provided to those individuals facing most hardship, and that any gaps in provision are addressed. We expect the Chancellor to announce … Read more
Department for Business and Trade
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7 Conclusion
Second Report - The impact of Coro…
We appreciate that not every job can be saved as the Chancellor has set out,...
We appreciate that not every job can be saved as the Chancellor has set out, but are nonetheless concerned about rising unemployment, which is particularly affecting women, BAME workers and young people because they are more likely to be employed … Read more
Government Response
18. The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) has already helped to pay the wages of people in 11.4 million jobs across the country, with more than £53 billion paid out … Read more
Department for Business and Trade
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8 Recommendation
Second Report - The impact of Coro…
We recommend the Government urgently produces an economic assessment which sets out the opportunities and...
We recommend the Government urgently produces an economic assessment which sets out the opportunities and risks posed by structural long-term changes to the economy from the combined impacts of COVID-19, Brexit, and the net zero transition. We welcome the publication … Read more
Department for Business and Trade
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9 Recommendation
Second Report - The impact of Coro…
This plan should form part of the Industrial Strategy to ensure our educational institutions, key...
This plan should form part of the Industrial Strategy to ensure our educational institutions, key business sectors, the workforce and broader economy are strategically geared towards achieving long-term goals such as the net zero transition, our aging society and the … Read more
Department for Business and Trade
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10 Recommendation
Second Report - The impact of Coro…
We welcome the sheer scale of financial support the Government has provided to businesses since...
We welcome the sheer scale of financial support the Government has provided to businesses since March 2020. For many businesses, this support has allowed them to stay afloat during the pandemic. We also welcome the Business Rates Review announced in … Read more
Department for Business and Trade
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11 Conclusion
Second Report - The impact of Coro…
We are particularly concerned for ‘bricks-and-mortar’ retail which is unable to compensate for physical closure,...
We are particularly concerned for ‘bricks-and-mortar’ retail which is unable to compensate for physical closure, as well as businesses such as those in the ‘live events’ industry which, though not legally forced to cease operations, have seen a collapse in … Read more
Government Response
43. We recommend that if the Government returns to any form of tiered system or localised lockdowns, that financial support for business should reflect that. (Paragraph 41) 44. We expect … Read more
Department for Business and Trade
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12 Recommendation
Second Report - The impact of Coro…
We recommend that if the Government returns to any form of tiered system or localised...
We recommend that if the Government returns to any form of tiered system or localised lockdowns, that financial support for business should reflect that.
Department for Business and Trade
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13 Conclusion
Second Report - The impact of Coro…
We expect the Government to respond to the pandemic with more nuanced and targeted policies...
We expect the Government to respond to the pandemic with more nuanced and targeted policies in future, and recommend that the Government uses the Budget to review the support it has offered to businesses and announce more targeted support aimed … Read more
Government Response
43. We recommend that if the Government returns to any form of tiered system or localised lockdowns, that financial support for business should reflect that. (Paragraph 41) 44. We expect … Read more
Department for Business and Trade
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14 Recommendation
Second Report - The impact of Coro…
We have previously called on the Government to attach conditions to the use of taxpayer-funded...
We have previously called on the Government to attach conditions to the use of taxpayer-funded support and are disappointed that, on each occasion measures have been extended, the Government has failed to do this. We recommend that the Government reviews … Read more
Department for Business and Trade
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15 Conclusion
Second Report - The impact of Coro…
With the moratorium on commercial rent obligations due to expire soon, the Government does not...
With the moratorium on commercial rent obligations due to expire soon, the Government does not appear to be any closer to identifying or facilitating a long- term solution to the difficulties faced by landlords and commercial tenants. While many landlords … Read more
Government Response
56. The Government should use the time afforded by current time-limited support measures wisely to identify long-term solutions. The Government should consider active measures to address the issue of growing … Read more
Department for Business and Trade
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16 Recommendation
Second Report - The impact of Coro…
The Government should use the time afforded by current time-limited support measures wisely to identify...
The Government should use the time afforded by current time-limited support measures wisely to identify long-term solutions. The Government should consider active measures to address the issue of growing commercial rent arrears, and proactively work with businesses, landlords, banks and … Read more
Department for Business and Trade
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17 Conclusion
Second Report - The impact of Coro…
Throughout the pandemic the Government has attached expiry dates to support measures, which have since...
Throughout the pandemic the Government has attached expiry dates to support measures, which have since been found to be premature. In most cases, the measures have ultimately ended up being extended, which is undoubtedly the correct decision. In the early … Read more
Government Response
My Department will continue to work closely with the rest of the Government to review current measures, as we continue to support businesses and safely reopen the entire economy as soon as possible.
Department for Business and Trade
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18 Conclusion
Second Report - The impact of Coro…
As of mid-February, with weeks to go before many support measures expire, the Government has...
As of mid-February, with weeks to go before many support measures expire, the Government has not yet set out which measures will be extended. We understand that the specific course of the pandemic is inherently uncertain, and new restrictions may … Read more
Government Response
My Department will continue to work closely with the rest of the Government to review current measures, as we continue to support businesses and safely reopen the entire economy as soon as possible.
Department for Business and Trade
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19 Recommendation
Second Report - The impact of Coro…
As more of the population is vaccinated, the Government must shift its policy- making approach...
As more of the population is vaccinated, the Government must shift its policy- making approach from reacting to rapidly changing circumstances towards long-term considerations. In his Budget, the Chancellor must give businesses and workers the security and certainty they need … Read more
Department for Business and Trade
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20 Recommendation
Second Report - The impact of Coro…
We welcome the strong level of engagement between the Government and business in the early...
We welcome the strong level of engagement between the Government and business in the early months of the pandemic. The Government must be as open with the business sector as possible, particularly by providing reasonable notice and 24 The impact … Read more
Department for Business and Trade
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Correspondence 58 letters
9 Feb 2022 To committee Letter from the Secretary of State on estimates of fraud and error in Covid-19 Support Schemes
Parliament page
25 Jan 2022 To committee Letter from the Chair to the Secretary of State on Covid-19 support schemes
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13 Jan 2022 To committee Letter from the Secretary of State on support for businesses impacted by the spread of Omicron varient
Parliament page
16 Dec 2021 To committee Letter from the Chair to the Secretary of State on financial support for businesses and workers
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16 Mar 2021 To committee Letter from the Secretary of State to the Chair regarding Covid passports and employment
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4 Mar 2021 To committee Letter from the Chair to the Secretary of State regarding COVID passports and employment
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4 Feb 2021 To committee Letter from the Chair to the GMB Union regarding the evidence session on 2 February 2021
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4 Feb 2021 To committee Letter from the Chair to Centrica regarding the evidence session on 2 February 2021
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14 Jan 2021 To committee Letter from We Make Events to the Chair on businesses excluded from Government support
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16 Dec 2020 To committee Letter from the Secretary of State to the Chair on the impact of tiered restrictions and nationwide lockdowns
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20 Nov 2020 From committee Letter to the Secretary of State on impact of Covid on business workers
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23 Oct 2020 To committee Letter from the Minister to the Chair on the publication of loan-level information for CBILS and CLBILS
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25 Sep 2020 To committee Letter from the Secretary of State in response to the Chairs letter on the impact of coronavirus on businesses and workers
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29 Jul 2020 Chair to Secretary of State on impact of Covid-19 on workers and businesses
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19 Jun 2020 To committee Letter from the Chair to the Minister on automotive support
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18 Jun 2020 To committee Letter from the Hair and Beauty sector on the safe re-opening of hair and beauty salons
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12 Jun 2020 To committee Letter from Chair to Secretary of State on manufacturing
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19 May 2020 To committee Letter from the Small Business Commissioner on additional points to oral evidence given on 30 April
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19 May 2020 To committee Letter from Chair to Secretary of State on exiting lockdown and the safety of employers, workers and consumers
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1 May 2020 To committee Letter from British Marine on the impact of coronavirus on marine businesses
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23 Apr 2020 To committee Letter from Secretary of State on coronavirus support for employers and workers
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23 Apr 2020 To committee Letter from The Range on working practices
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23 Apr 2020 To committee Letter from Secretary of State on CLBILS
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16 Apr 2020 To committee Letter from the Secretary of State for BEIS on CBILS
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16 Apr 2020 To committee Letter from DPD on supporting employees
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16 Apr 2020 To committee Letter from Hermes dated 3 April 2020
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16 Apr 2020 To committee Letter from Grant Thornton dated 3 April 2020
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16 Apr 2020 To committee Letter from Barclays on supporting employees
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16 Apr 2020 To committee Letter from the Secretary of State for BEIS on reforms to help businesses
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9 Apr 2020 To committee Letter from Teleperformance
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2 Apr 2020 To committee Letter from Uber
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2 Apr 2020 To committee Letter from BT
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2 Apr 2020 To committee Letter from Wetherspoons dated 30 March
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2 Apr 2020 To committee Letter from John Lewis
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2 Apr 2020 To committee Letter from Sainsbury's
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2 Apr 2020 To committee Letter from Sky
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2 Apr 2020 To committee Letter from Concentrix
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2 Apr 2020 To committee Letter from FCSA
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2 Apr 2020 To committee Letter from IWG
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1 Apr 2020 To committee Letter from Chair to Grant Thornton (Brighthouse)
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31 Mar 2020 From committee Letter to Wetherspoons on late payment
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31 Mar 2020 To committee Letter from Newcastle United
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31 Mar 2020 Email from LV
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31 Mar 2020 To committee Letter from Wetherspoons dated 26 March
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31 Mar 2020 To committee Letter from Chair to Chancellor on CBILS
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31 Mar 2020 To committee Open letter from Chair on coronavirus - public responses
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31 Mar 2020 To committee Letter from Sports Direct
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31 Mar 2020 To committee Letter from Sky
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31 Mar 2020 Selection of emails from the public on businesses during Covid-19
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30 Mar 2020 Submissions from workers and businesses
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30 Mar 2020 To committee Letter from Chair to Chancellor on Covid-19 and childcare
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30 Mar 2020 To committee Open letter from Chair on coronavirus
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28 Mar 2020 To committee Letter from Dexter's on response to Covid-19 dated 27 March 2020
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26 Mar 2020 Emails from the public on businesses response to Covid19 dates 24-25 March 2020
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25 Mar 2020 From committee Letter to Secretary of State on workplace guidance
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25 Mar 2020 From committee Letter to Sports Direct
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25 Mar 2020 From committee Letter to Wetherspoons
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24 Mar 2020 To committee Letter from the Secretary of State on coronovirus business interruption loan scheme dated 23 March 2020
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