News | MYCC responds to Summer Statement

Press release – 08 July 2020

Responding to the Chancellor’s Summer Statement 2020 announced today, Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce managing director Martin Hathaway said:

“The hard work to recover from an unprecedented economic shock is only just beginning and the Chancellor’s summer statement is a welcome kickstart to the recovery process.

“Our area has amazing restaurants, world-leading tourist attractions and top class entertainment venues – all of which should be helped by the cut in VAT for the hospitality sector. I hope it allows them to retain staff and reopen - if they haven’t already - safely and soon.

“114,000 workers across Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield have been furloughed since the lockdown began. While some have returned to offices, shops and factories, many remain at home and many aren’t sure whether their jobs will be there for them to return to. The bonus for businesses who do take people back and keep them in work is welcome – but we need to see more support for those who have not used the furlough scheme or who aren’t able to reopen their doors anytime soon.

“Supporting young people is also vital to get our economy growing. They need opportunities at a time when they may be hard to come by, and this new investment makes sense to upskill the workers of the future. The Kickstart Scheme will provide support for businesses providing workplace training and apprenticeships - but we need more detail on how this scheme will be rolled out practically and how it will work in businesses who retain a remote working model over the next 6-12 months.

“There will be more to be done. It is only as support schemes start to be withdrawn that we will see the true extent of the devastation that has been wrought on the economies of Kirklees, Wakefield and Calderdale. Difficult days lie ahead but our commitment to businesses across Mid Yorkshire is that we will be here for you, standing up for what you need and for the livelihoods and communities you support.”