Welcome to your latest Chamber newsletter,
Over the last month, the local business community has taken a step closer to normality, with more businesses able to reopen and welcome employees and visitors back to their premises. While this is a step in the right direction, we cannot forget the importance of social distancing and ensuring that sites are safe and hygiene levels are maintained to help stop the spread of Covid-19. More information on returning to work safely can be found here.
Businesses across our three districts are still needing more support to protect jobs and ensure the three in ten who have been furloughed have jobs to return to. Since the furlough scheme began, 134,000 people in the Mid Yorkshire region have been furloughed. August's changes will see employers having to start contributing to the cost of having employees furloughed with the Job Retention Scheme grants reducing each month until the end of October. Read our statement in full here.
Industry support
The future is looking brighter for those in the hospitality industry, as the government recently launched its Eat Out to Help Out scheme, offering discounts to diners to encourage them back to their favourite eateries and get businesses back on track.
The tourism industry has also seen a welcome uplift with travel restrictions being eased as schools break for summer. However, recent changes regarding quarantining for UK arrivals has cast a shadow on some holidaymakers’ travels. Please ensure you stay up to date with the restrictions if you are planning to travel in the coming weeks.
While lots of businesses have been able to reopen, we are not out of the woods yet. If your business is still in need of support I recommend you check out our Chamber Finance Finder in partnership with Swoop Funding. The Finance Finder will help identify which financial support options are available for your business and help you get the support you need.
If you haven’t already, take a look at our E-business Local Support Hub, an information centre for both member and non-member businesses covering financial support, HR advice, and general guidance. More information can be found below.
With Calderdale and Kirklees reintroducing tighter restrictions to reduce the increase in numbers in the areas, I urge you to check the latest government guidance and ensure that you are doing your bit to help limit the spread of Covid-19.
You can also find further updates and information below, including business support, virtual networking and the latest news from our members and Patrons. If you would like to speak to a member of our team about how we can help you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on 01484 483 660 or getconnected@mycci.co.uk.
Martin Hathaway
Managing Director
Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce
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