Prime minister Boris Johnson has revealed the government’s 50-page recovery strategy, which is now available to read online. In his address to the House of Commons, 11 May, the prime minister offered slightly more information than was revealed in his television address to the nation, 10 May.
Read: Parts of hospitality sector could re-open in July
In addition to the conditional phased re-opening of hospitality, the plan notes that some sporting and cultural events may also return in July, but behind closed doors. The prime minister also revealed that a detailed plan of how individual sectors would re-open would be forthcoming in the days ahead, although did not speculate which ones.
Jane Longhurst, chief executive of the Meetings Industry Association, was disappointed that no clear mention had been made of the events industry at large, beyond the noting of sporting and cultural events. “Following the distribution of the UK government’s Covid-19 recovery strategy, it was disappointing not to see reference to the business meetings and events industry,” said Longhurst.
“The business meetings and events industry contributes £31bn directly to the economy, accounting for almost 50% of the £70bn events sector, but the government must also recognise the additional contribution from our ancillary companies such as contract caterers, accommodation providers and production companies.”
Longhurst vented her frustration at the lack of recognition the events industry has received from 10 Downing Street, adding: “This continued lack of recognition for our sector only reinforces well-documented concerns that we are in urgent need of an exit plan for our sector and continued financial support to create stability for both operators and employees.
The chancellor of the exchequer, Rishi Sunak, is expected to outline changes to state support measures for businesses, 12 May. The events industry has been vocal in calling for extended measures to keep businesses afloat, such as continuing the furlough scheme.
Longhurst concluded by saying: “The paper outlined plans to wind down financial support measures. We need to understand what these are likely to be for our sector. Our recent research compiled for DCMS suggests that 157,500 employees could be made redundant before the end of the year. In reality this could be much higher if the support measures are eased off too soon. We already know our industry could be one of the last to reopen and with significant restrictions, so it’s vital we have a plan in place for a solid recovery.
“We will be writing to the chancellor, Rishi Sunak once again to highlight the value of our industry to the economy but also the impact of not providing a clear pathway for our sector to reopen and recover this year.”
