East Midlands Chamber says that the 'Plan B' Covid-19 restrictions are a big risk for businesses after cancelling Christmas last year.

Responding to the Government's announcement that it will bring in new measures as part of its winter plan for dealing with the pandemic, East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: "It felt like the days of a start-stop approach to the economy had passed, so this announcement will come as a bitter blow to many businesses that had been looking ahead to the festive period with a bounce.

"Remember, Tier 3 restrictions last year meant Christmas was cancelled for many businesses in our region, particularly those in hospitality, retail and leisure.

"Given the importance of this season to those sectors, these coming weeks are critical to their future prospects, and any restrictions that act as a barrier to business continuity or capacity will be massively detrimental.

"Many organisations have spent a great deal of energy and money on making their workplaces Covid-secure, as well as in encouraging employees to feel confident about returning, so the mandate to work from home sends a troubling message.

"These restrictions must be met by immediate and effective Government financial support for all affected firms, while we expect it to follow the data to act swiftly in rolling these restrictions back at the earliest possible opportunity.

"We're at a very delicate moment in the economic recovery, with our latest Quarterly Economic Survey for Q4 2021 showing a slowdown across every economic indicator in the East Midlands.

"We can't afford to squeeze the brakes on any tighter, and it's up to Westminster now to reassure businesses that this won't be a prolonged return to a restricted way of life."