The latest announcements of Covid restrictions, especially the advice for office workers to stay at home, will seriously affect central businesses in central London. This includes the retail and hospitality trades that rely on office workers but also theatres, music venues and other cultural attractions.

Westminster Labour is calling for Government to immediately reintroduce financial support measures including furlough and business grants. This will help our local businesses survive what is going to be a very difficult Christmas trading period.

Councillor Geoff Barraclough, shadow cabinet member for business said:

“Many local businesses have just got back on their feet after lockdown and will have stocked up for a Christmas rush that will never come. These latest restrictions are a hammer blow from which many will never recover unless Government offers immediate financial support.”