UK Retail sector to discuss job losses and Covid-19 support measures
Committee to take oral evidence on the Government’s loan schemes and the effects of Covid-19 policies on the UK retail sector. The Committee will hear from TheCityUK, the British Retail Consortium, the British Chambers of Commerce, amongst others.
Meeting details
At 3:00pm: Oral evidence
Inquiry
Employment and COVID-19
Co-Executive Director at British Chamber of Commerce
Research Director at Business Growth Fund
Chief Operating Officer at TheCityUK
At 4:00pm: Oral evidence
Inquiry
Employment and COVID-19
Director (Business and Regulation) at British Retail Consortium
Director at Centre for Retail Research
Deputy Head of Research and Economics at Usdaw
Likely questions
- Which of the COVID-19 loan schemes have been the most effective, and why?
- Are strategic approaches by Government – such as the proposals for ‘Project Birch’ and ‘Project Defend’ – an effective way to target investment and support?
- What is the rationale for a state-owned entity – such as the proposed UK Recovery Corporation – recapitalising bad loans?
- What policies can be put in place to pivot from financing support to economic recovery and growth?
- What examples of policy from other countries should the Government consider that would support the retail sector?
- How has the pandemic affected the commercial property landscape across the retail sector?
- What are the long-term challenges and opportunities facing city centres and high streets if flexible working arrangements become a permanent feature for large proportions of the workforce?
- What further steps need to be taken for key retail workers to be better protected amidst a reported rise in the pressures staff are facing in the workplace?