DAILY BUSINESS BRIEFING FROM GOVERNMENT'S COVID-19 PRESS CONFERENCE
(courtesy of White Label)
Lockdown: Chambers call for phased easing
The British Chambers of Commerce have asked Ministers to set out plans immediately for a "carefully phased" lifting of the UK's coronavirus lockdown.
"This is a time to be bold," said the British Chambers of Commerce, adding high public spending should continue if needed to restart the economy.
In a letter to Mr Johnson, BCC president Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith said planning and communication of the government's approach to leaving lockdown "must begin immediately if we are to harness the public health and economic benefits".
Boris Johnson has said he will outline plans relating to schools, commuting and the workplace in the coming week. But the PM stressed the UK must not "risk a second spike" in infections.
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said business groups and major employers expect to receive draft guidance from the government on Sunday about the safe return to work when the lockdown eases.
Help shine a light on the stories of key workers
The government is asking businesses to tell them about key workers you know that are helping to keep the UK moving during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Please fill in
this online form
for key workers in the following sectors: manufacturing, construction, consumer goods, scientists/researchers, servicing, postal workers, and oil/gas/electricity/water/sewage/chemical workers.
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Find out how you can ask the government a question at the daily coronavirus press conference
here.