More Government support desperately needed after nine out of ten tourism businesses say they are set to make redundancies - MP

South Lakes MP Tim Farron says the Government must provide further financial support for the tourism sector after devastating new figures reveal that nine in ten businesses are set to make large scale redundancies as a result of the Covid-19 crisis.

A survey from the trade association UKinbound found that 88% of firms expect to make between a quarter and 100% of their staff redundant.

60% of businesses surveyed say they will be forced to make further redundancies next month when the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme tapers off.

Meanwhile over half (53%) expect their business to last no more than 6 months.

Last month, Tim launched a joint petition with Cumbria Tourism calling for long-term support for the hospitality and tourism industry to help it through to the Spring of 2021.

The petition, which has garnered over 4,000 signatures so far, has received the backing of cross-party politicians, National Park leaders and Destination Management Organisations in Lancashire, Yorkshire, Durham, Derbyshire, Liverpool, Manchester and Cornwall.

Tim said: "The measures announced in the budget by the Chancellor last week for the hospitality and tourism sector, although very welcome, were clearly not enough.

"Today's findings bring into sharp focus just how close so many tourism businesses are to financial ruin.

"The Chancellor says he is prepared to review the situation with another statement in the Autumn, but these figures show that for many jobs and businesses that will be too late - they need that support right now.

"I would strongly encourage everyone to please sign and share our petition - the livelihoods of so many of our friends, relatives and neighbours are at stake."

To sign the petition, head to https://www.southlakeslibdems.org.uk/tourism