CBI President 'very optimistic' about PM's roadmap but calls for furlough extension

23 February 2021, 17:55

CBI President is 'very optimistic' about Boris Johnson's roadmap

By Sam Sholli

The President of the CBI says he is "very optimistic" about Boris Johnson's roadmap out of lockdown, but is calling for an extension to the furlough scheme.

Boris Johnson on Monday laid out four steps to lifting restrictions in England, after weeks of the nation facing a third lockdown to tackle the spread of Covid-19.

The Prime Minister has also said he is "very optimistic" about removing all of England's Covid restrictions by June 21.

Lord Bilimoria told LBC's Eddie Mair: "I'm very optimistic indeed. I think we at the CBI have been asking for a roadmap from the beginning of this month when we wrote to the Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng."

Hospitality will need support from the Chancellor to stay viable

He continued: "We're delighted that we now have the detailed roadmap with specific dates that the Government has put down."

Speaking of next week's budget announcement by Rishi Sunak, he added: "We need to continue the support. We're saying to the Chancellor we've got this roadmap [so] extend the furlough scheme.

"Let there be no cliff edge at the end of April. Let it go through until the summer and then taper it off."

Hospitality owner says of roadmap: "I'll believe it when I see it"

Each step under the Prime Minister's roadmap is set to be in place for at least five weeks before experts asses whether it is safe to proceed to the next one.

The first step of plan will see all pupils in England's schools return to class from March 8, with wider use of face masks and testing in secondary schools.

What lockdown easing will look like:

Step 1
March 8

All schools to reopen
Outdoor school sports and activities allowed to resume
People allowed outdoors recreationally on a one-plus-one basis
Care home residents permitted one regular visitor and will be able to hold hands
Funerals to allow up to 30 people and weddings will allow 6

March 29

Up to six people or people from two households in outdoor spaces
Outdoor sports facilities to reopen (eg Tennis, Basketball courts)
Organised adult or children's sports activities can return
Outdoor child and parent groups can return (up to 15 parents)

Step 2 - after five weeks of Step 1, no earlier than April 12

Non-essential retail to open
Outdoor hospitality can reopen
Gyms and indoor leisure open for individual use
Hairdressers and personal care services can reopen
Outdoor attractions such as zoos, drive-thru cinemas and theme parks can reopen.
Driving lessons can reopen
Funeral wakes, weddings and receptions can have up to 15 people

Step 3 - after five weeks of Step 2, no earlier than May 17

Indoor hospitality, with no requirement for a substantial meal to be served alongside alcoholic drinks, and no curfew. The requirement to order, eat and drink while seated (‘table service’) will remain
30 person limit outdoors - rule of six will apply indoors (subject to conditions)
International travel may be allowed (subject to conditions)
Remaining outdoor entertainment, such as outdoor theatres and cinemas can open
Indoor entertainment, such as museums, cinemas and children’s play area can open
Remaining accommodation, such as hotels, hostels and B&Bs will be allowed to operate
Adult indoor group sports and exercise classes
Some large events, including conferences, theatre and concert performances and sports events
Significant life events allowed up to 30 people

Step 4 - after at least five weeks of Step 3, no earlier than June 21