Opinions

There has been a lot of speculation over the last few days about the issue of 1m social distancing. This issue has become totemic, as the magic bullet that will fix the hospitality industry. That is incorrect and the issue is becoming a distraction from the real issues being faced by hospitality. The reality is that businesses and staff are being let down by a government that is still slow to test, track and trace.Read More »

As a follow up to our previous all-member survey on the economic impact of Coronavirus,  in early April, we’ve just completed another all-member survey on how the pandemic has influenced views on a Brexit extension.   The survey was conducted between 16 and 19 May. The results have been shared with the Leadership.  In brief , our members believe the Government should apply for the longest possible extension (2 years) to the transition period to allow time to achieve the best possible deal for the country and allow time for businesses to adapt for the new trading relationship with their biggest …Read More »

Labour Business Chair Hamish Sandison makes the health case for extending the Brexit transition, arguing that while there’s a strong economic argument for a Brexit delay, there is an even stronger health argument – not to stop Brexit but to concentrate on tackling the virus first.Read More »

A package of measures has been offered to the self-employed with the offer of grants of up-to £2,500 being offered. (Also, there has been agreed delay in the payment of VAT, which should help many companies with their cash-flow). This is in-line with what is being offered to companies to furlough their employees.  However, there has been a slight difference in presentation of this offer. Employers are being offered sums to pay their employees to safe guard jobs.Read More »

Paul Hendrick Labour Business Treasurer  This article first appeared on LabourList, and can be found here. Much of the framework of support for business during the coronavirus pandemic has focused on a variety of loan schemes – principal amongst theseRead More »

By Praful Nargund Labour Business Member, CEO, CREATE Fertility and abc ivf We run fertility clinics across the UK and in Denmark, having pioneered IVF treatment that is more natural, safe and affordable. When I wrote last time, our sectors hadRead More »

Dr Liz Hind, Chair of the Women in Business Policy Group, attended a hearing of the BEIS Select Committee on the impact of Coronavirus on businesses and workers on March 13th Here is her report.Read More »

Labour Business has submitted evidence to the BEIS Select Committee enquiry into the impact of Coronavirus on businesses and workers. Read our submission here.Read More »

Approved unanimously by Labour Business Executive Committee12th September 2018 On 2 September 2018 EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier warned that 185,000 jobs in the British car industry are at risk from the Tory government's continued refusal to accept a customs unionRead More »