The impact of coronavirus on businesses and workers
Business and Trade Committee
Closed
Inquiry
Read the call for evidence for more information about this inquiry .
12
Recommendations
8
Conclusions
1
Report
8
Oral sessions
58
Letters
8
Events
Activity timeline 68 events
9 Feb
2022
2022
25 Jan
2022
2022
13 Jan
2022
2022
16 Dec
2021
2021
13 Jul
2021
2021
Oral evidence
19 May
2021
2021
16 Mar
2021
2021
4 Mar
2021
2021
26 Feb
2021
2021
4 Feb
2021
2021
4 Feb
2021
2021
2 Feb
2021
2021
Oral evidence
Oral evidence sessions 8 sessions
13 Jul 2021
View on parliament.uk
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
View on parliament.uk
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 Group
Paul Everitt · ADS
Stephen Phipson CBE · Make UK
14 May 2020
View on parliament.uk
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
View on parliament.uk
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
Reports 1 report · click to expand
| 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
11 results
5
Recommendation
Accepted
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
The government acknowledges the challenges and details additional support for creative industries, including £300 million for the Culture Recovery Fund, an extension of the Film & TV Production Restart Scheme, and £300 million for the Sport Recovery Package.
Department for Business and Trade
View details
6
Recommendation
Accepted
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
Government Response
The government details various measures from the Spring Budget 2021, including targeted support through a turnover test for SEISS, new Restart Grants, additional discretionary business grants, and extensions to Universal Credit and Working Tax Credit payments, to ensure support for those facing hardship.
Department for Business and Trade
View details
7
Conclusion
Accepted
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 …
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Government Response
The government responds to the committee's concern about premature withdrawal of support by detailing the extension of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) and the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) until September, while also expanding eligibility for both schemes.
Department for Business and Trade
View details
8
Recommendation
Accepted
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
Government Response
The government responded by referencing its published 'Build Back Better: our plan for growth' and an upcoming 'Innovation Strategy', along with new bodies like the Build Back Better Business Council and NERT, as its comprehensive framework for addressing long-term economic changes and skill development.
Department for Business and Trade
View details
9
Recommendation
Accepted
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 …
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Government Response
The government referenced its 'Build Back Better: our plan for growth' as the new framework integrating elements of the Industrial Strategy, along with an upcoming 'Innovation Strategy' and newly established councils and taskforces, to strategically achieve long-term economic goals.
Department for Business and Trade
View details
10
Recommendation
Accepted
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 …
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Government Response
The government states it has already provided targeted support through measures like Restart Grants for specific sectors and the new Recovery Loan Scheme, asserting that this ensures support is more tailored as recommended by the Committee.
Department for Business and Trade
View details
11
Conclusion
Accepted
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
The government highlights existing and new measures, such as the Restart Grants for hospitality and leisure sectors and the Recovery Loan Scheme, which they state are designed to provide more targeted support and address the concerns about certain industries.
Department for Business and Trade
View details
12
Recommendation
Accepted
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.
Government Response
The government claims it has already flexed business grant support throughout the pandemic to reflect changing restrictions and is providing new targeted support like Restart Grants and the Recovery Loan Scheme, which they state will ensure support is more targeted as recommended.
Department for Business and Trade
View details
13
Recommendation
Accepted
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
The government states it has already provided and continues to provide targeted support through measures like Restart Grants and the new Recovery Loan Scheme, which they claim ensures support is more targeted in line with the Committee's recommendation.
Department for Business and Trade
View details
14
Recommendation
Accepted
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
Government Response
The government accepts the recommendation to combat fraud and claw back funds, committing over £100 million to a new Taxpayer Protection Taskforce with 1,265 HMRC staff. It will also strengthen law enforcement for Bounce Back Loans and continue to work with agencies to recover funds, though details of recovery and prosecution approaches will not be made public.
Department for Business and Trade
View details
20
Recommendation
Accepted
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 …
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Government Response
The government accepts the recommendation for proactive and ongoing engagement with businesses and trade union leaders. It confirms plans to continue engagement, communicate changes with sufficient notice, and build feedback into policymaking as the economy recovers.
Department for Business and Trade
View details
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
Parliament page
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
Parliament page
16 Mar 2021
To committee
Letter from the Secretary of State to the Chair regarding Covid passports and employment
Parliament page
4 Mar 2021
To committee
Letter from the Chair to the Secretary of State regarding COVID passports and employment
Parliament page
4 Feb 2021
To committee
Letter from the Chair to Centrica regarding the evidence session on 2 February 2021
Parliament page
4 Feb 2021
To committee
Letter from the Chair to the GMB Union regarding the evidence session on 2 February 2021
Parliament page
14 Jan 2021
To committee
Letter from We Make Events to the Chair on businesses excluded from Government support
Parliament page
16 Dec 2020
To committee
Letter from the Secretary of State to the Chair on the impact of tiered restrictions and nationwide lockdowns
Parliament page
20 Nov 2020
From committee
Letter to the Secretary of State on impact of Covid on business workers
Parliament page
23 Oct 2020
To committee
Letter from the Minister to the Chair on the publication of loan-level information for CBILS and CLBILS
Parliament page
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
Parliament page
29 Jul 2020
Chair to Secretary of State on impact of Covid-19 on workers and businesses
Parliament page
19 Jun 2020
To committee
Letter from the Chair to the Minister on automotive support
Parliament page
18 Jun 2020
To committee
Letter from the Hair and Beauty sector on the safe re-opening of hair and beauty salons
Parliament page
12 Jun 2020
To committee
Letter from Chair to Secretary of State on manufacturing
Parliament page
19 May 2020
To committee
Letter from the Small Business Commissioner on additional points to oral evidence given on 30 April
Parliament page
19 May 2020
To committee
Letter from Chair to Secretary of State on exiting lockdown and the safety of employers, workers and consumers
Parliament page
1 May 2020
To committee
Letter from British Marine on the impact of coronavirus on marine businesses
Parliament page
23 Apr 2020
To committee
Letter from Secretary of State on CLBILS
Parliament page
23 Apr 2020
To committee
Letter from Secretary of State on coronavirus support for employers and workers
Parliament page
23 Apr 2020
To committee
Letter from The Range on working practices
Parliament page
16 Apr 2020
To committee
Letter from DPD on supporting employees
Parliament page
16 Apr 2020
To committee
Letter from Grant Thornton dated 3 April 2020
Parliament page
16 Apr 2020
To committee
Letter from Barclays on supporting employees
Parliament page
16 Apr 2020
To committee
Letter from the Secretary of State for BEIS on reforms to help businesses
Parliament page
16 Apr 2020
To committee
Letter from the Secretary of State for BEIS on CBILS
Parliament page
16 Apr 2020
To committee
Letter from Hermes dated 3 April 2020
Parliament page
9 Apr 2020
To committee
Letter from Teleperformance
Parliament page
2 Apr 2020
To committee
Letter from Wetherspoons dated 30 March
Parliament page
2 Apr 2020
To committee
Letter from Sky
Parliament page
2 Apr 2020
To committee
Letter from BT
Parliament page
2 Apr 2020
To committee
Letter from IWG
Parliament page
2 Apr 2020
To committee
Letter from Concentrix
Parliament page
2 Apr 2020
To committee
Letter from Uber
Parliament page
2 Apr 2020
To committee
Letter from John Lewis
Parliament page
2 Apr 2020
To committee
Letter from Sainsbury's
Parliament page
2 Apr 2020
To committee
Letter from FCSA
Parliament page
1 Apr 2020
To committee
Letter from Chair to Grant Thornton (Brighthouse)
Parliament page
31 Mar 2020
Email from LV
Parliament page
31 Mar 2020
To committee
Letter from Newcastle United
Parliament page
31 Mar 2020
To committee
Letter from Wetherspoons dated 26 March
Parliament page
31 Mar 2020
Selection of emails from the public on businesses during Covid-19
Parliament page
31 Mar 2020
To committee
Letter from Chair to Chancellor on CBILS
Parliament page
31 Mar 2020
To committee
Open letter from Chair on coronavirus - public responses
Parliament page
31 Mar 2020
To committee
Letter from Sky
Parliament page
31 Mar 2020
To committee
Letter from Sports Direct
Parliament page
31 Mar 2020
From committee
Letter to Wetherspoons on late payment
Parliament page
30 Mar 2020
Submissions from workers and businesses
Parliament page
30 Mar 2020
To committee
Letter from Chair to Chancellor on Covid-19 and childcare
Parliament page
30 Mar 2020
To committee
Open letter from Chair on coronavirus
Parliament page
28 Mar 2020
To committee
Letter from Dexter's on response to Covid-19 dated 27 March 2020
Parliament page
26 Mar 2020
Emails from the public on businesses response to Covid19 dates 24-25 March 2020
Parliament page
25 Mar 2020
From committee
Letter to Wetherspoons
Parliament page
25 Mar 2020
From committee
Letter to Sports Direct
Parliament page
25 Mar 2020
From committee
Letter to Secretary of State on workplace guidance
Parliament page
24 Mar 2020
To committee
Letter from the Secretary of State on coronovirus business interruption loan scheme dated 23 March 2020
Parliament page