CBI urges government to publish roadmap out of lockdown

02 Feb 2021

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has urged the government to work with businesses to formulate a roadmap out of the latest coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown in England.

The government expects to publish its exit strategy out of lockdown in late February. The CBI stated that it is already consulting its members in regard to how best to safely reopen the UK economy.

The business group has identified six elements that will help firms prepare in advance of the current COVID-19 restrictions being lifted. These include confirming what will be considered low, medium or high-risk economic activity; deciding whether or not there will be a return to tiering; and outlining how the COVID-19 vaccine will be deployed once the most vulnerable groups have been inoculated.

The CBI also called for 'clear parameters' for determining which economic support measures should remain in place.

'There is huge appetite among businesses to help the government create and deliver a roadmap out of lockdown that lasts, has national consensus and kickstarts our economic recovery as 2021 unfolds,' said Tony Danker, Director General of the CBI.

'Businesses are currently completely in the dark when planning for the weeks and months ahead and this is hindering investment. We can provide more clarity and do the prep work now to enable them to plan for reopening and growth.'