Prime minister says 'stand by employees – there will be more help for tomorrow'

Prime minister Boris Johnson has asked businesses to stand by their staff saying there will be "more help for businesses tomorrow", after anticipated relief to cover wages failed to materialise in today's press conference.

The industry, led by UKHospitality, has been calling for more urgent support to prevent the loss of at least a million jobs in the industry in recent days.

Yesterday operators had said help was needed in 24 hours, but for the second day the government has failed to unveil new measures in its daily press conference.

He said: "My message to companies is think very carefully before you start laying off staff. Stand by your staff because we will stand by you."

Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, stressed the urgent need for relief tonight. She said: "Hospitality businesses are collapsing because they have no income and it is a daily deteriorating situation. A tide of redundancies is sweeping through the sector and every days delay sees more."

The prime minister also reiterated the need for the public to avoid social activities that could aid the spread of coronavirus.

He said: "We can turn the tide within the next 12 weeks and can send coronavirus packing in this country but only if we all take the steps we have outlined."

[Coronavirus advice hub for hospitality operators and employees >>] (www.thecaterer.com/business/advice/coronavirus-advice-hub)

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