The country remains in Step 3 of the government’s roadmap

The country remains in Step 3 of the government’s roadmap

The Prime Minister has today (14th June 2021) announced a 4-week pause at Step 3, with the current restrictions remaining in place.

It is expected that England will move to Step 4 on 19 July, though the data will be reviewed after 2 weeks in case the risks have reduced. The government will continue to monitor the data and the move to Step 4 will be confirmed one week in advance.

However, some restrictions will change on 21 June.

Stage four of the government’s roadmap out of lockdown would see all legal limits on social contact removed, with venues and events operating without capacity limits and the cap on guests at weddings lifted. All remaining businesses will be reopened including nightclubs and large events such as concerts and theatre performances would go ahead.

Even if these restrictions are removed, rules on face coverings and social distancing could remain in place.

From 21 June, there will be changes to the rules on:

Weddings and civil partnership ceremonies and wedding receptions or civil partnership celebrations, and commemorative events following a death such as a wake, stone setting or ash scattering

The number of people who can attend these events in a COVID-Secure venue or other venue (such as a garden of a private home) will be determined by how many people a venue can safely accommodate with social distancing measures in place, including guests of all ages and anyone working at the event.

Large events pilots from 21 June

A limited series of pilot events will take place to produce additional evidence on reopening events safely. Attendees will need to show proof of vaccination or a recent negative test.

This will include some UEFA EURO 2020 matches at Wembley and a small number of other sports, arts and music performances. The full list of pilots, and further details about the events, will be announced shortly.

Care home visits

For visits in to care homes, all care home residents will be able to nominate an essential care giver. These essential care givers will be able to visit the care home resident, even if the resident is isolating.

In most cases, residents who go on a visit out of a care home will no longer need to isolate for 14 days when they return. Residents returning from some higher risk visits out of the care home, such as an overnight stay in hospital, will still be required to isolate. Decisions on risk will be made following a risk assessment by the care home for each visit out.

Click here for a full overview of what you can and cannot do.

Claire Walker, Co-Executive Director of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: 

“Businesses will be disappointed by this setback to the reopening in England. This delay to the removal of restrictions will come as a hammer blow to those firms who must remain closed, and to those who continue to see their ability to trade severely restricted.

“Many firms have fought incredibly hard to stay afloat throughout the pandemic and are struggling with the damage done to their cashflow and revenue. They are desperate to play their part in the recovery. We must ensure they receive the support, and the clarity, that will give them a chance to do that.

“It would be extraordinary if we saw government retracting support to businesses now, given that some firms will remain unable to fully trade and others effectively forced not to trade at all.”

On business support, she said: 

“The government must provide further cash grants, at least equivalent to levels provided during the first lockdown, and delay the tapering of government payments into the furlough scheme, planned for the start of July. The government should also consider extending the trade credit reinsurance scheme beyond the end of June to minimise possible disruptions in insurance coverage. 

“Government should work with lenders to ensure that appropriate forbearance is in place for those who have used government lending schemes and already started to repay their loan without being able to open fully. 

“An extension of the VAT deferral scheme and the 100% Business Rates relief for eligible businesses should also be considered given the length of the delay and the impact on hospitality and leisure firms.” 

On free testing, she said:

“One of the many things businesses need to know is how long free testing will continue for.

“For reasons of business and employee confidence, as well as public health, Government must guarantee free testing for all for at-least the medium term.”

Share this news story:

Other News

28-03-2024
X-Press celebrates 25 years in business

Local property search company X-Press Legal Services is celebrating the exceptional milestone of 25 years in business.

Read More
28-03-2024
Businesses across regions recognise the crucial role of overcoming language and cultural barriers fo...

A recent comprehensive survey conducted by Chamber member PAB Group across South Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and the East Midland...

Read More

Join our ever-growing membership base

Become a member
Our Patrons