'People want an answer because they are going to lose their jobs by Christmas'

Ahead of today’s Coronavirus press conference Boris Johnson was once again under the spotlight during Prime Minister’s questions as he was put under pressure about ‘reduced economic support just as new restrictions were introduced’.

After it was announced yesterday that 7,143 cases of coronavirus had been recorded in the UK over the past 24 hours, the biggest rise since the pandemic began, the prime minister was forced to clarify that the new rules mean local residents cannot meet people from different households in social settings indoors, including in pubs and restaurants.

In the House of Commons earlier today, Labour leader Keir Starmer said: “Because of restrictions lots of people’s jobs are at risk. Ten thousand people’s jobs in Newcastle in hospitality are at risk because of the restrictions.

“I support the restrictions but I’m asking the Prime Minister can the economic support go in to support those who lose their jobs?”

He added: “Those people want an answer because they are going to lose their jobs by Christmas.

“The reality is that the chancellor has made a political choice to reduce economic support just as the new restrictions are coming in.”

Today’s questions follow Scotland’s Nicola Sturgeons press conference yesterday in which she said: “We should now all ensure that we limit our visits to bars and restaurants.”

This caused a social media outcry from those in hospitality in England who now worry Boris Johnson will follow suit.

Here we go again but this time it will be the end of the road for many

— Michel Roux Jr (@michelrouxjr) September 29, 2020

Kate Nicholls from UK Hospitality said: “This will devastate businesses that are clinging on by fingertips - this is closure in all but name and we need immediate sector specific support.”

Downing Street has not ruled out the introduction of further restrictions in an attempt to limit the spread of COVID-19.

The event sector was also raised by MP Jason McCartney he says they need ‘Financial support focusing on grants not just loans’.

He said: “The events sector which includes weddings, festivals, conferences and music events supports nearly a million jobs and is worth over 30 billion pounds to the UK economy, has been devastated by covid. Revenue is down 90% since last year.”

The Prime Minister is due to appear at a Downing Street news conference alongside England's chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, and the government's chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, to give the latest update on the COVID-19 crisis from 5pm today.