York business leaders Andrew Digwood, left, and Phil Pinder are pressing the Government for further financial support in next week’s budget. Main image: Michelle Sorrell, Press Camera Club PLANS to keep non-essential shops closed until April have devastated a York retailer who fears many struggling shops won’t survive. Boris Johnson outlined four stages for lifting all restrictions by June 21 at the earliest, saying he hoped it would be a one-way road to freedom , made possible by the pace of the vaccination programme. His exit strategy would see non-essential shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, outdoor attractions and outdoor hospitality venues such as beer gardens reopen from April 12 at the earliest.
Andrew Digwood, president of the York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, whose latest economic report highlights the impact of the crisis. BUSINESS confidence is improving but the Covid pandemic has cost many jobs and hollowed out industries. The latest economic report from the York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce shows that people are feeling more positive, but the crisis is far from over and it highlights sectoral imbalances. The Chamber quarterly economic survey of businesses was carried out as the second national lockdown started in November 2020. It saw a manufacturing rebound following a very challenging year, with domestic and international sales up on the previous quarter for many.