www.wemakeevents.com
UK - The We Make Events campaign has said that the economic relief actions announced by the UK chancellor Rishi Sunak are set to provide “a measure of relief” for the live events industry, but increased restrictions would likely mean that few businesses will be able to trade viably during the next half a year.
The chancellor launched the much-anticipated replacement of the furlough scheme - the Job Support Scheme - which will see the government pay 22% of the wages of workers who are able to return to work for at least a third of their normal hours, in a drive to prevent mass redundancies. The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme was also extended, as were several loan schemes and the VAT holiday for hospitality and tourism.
The campaign organisers say in a statement: “We welcome the announcement of the new job support schemes in the UK, which will provide a measure of relief for our industry. However, with the increased restrictions that have been announced, it looks unlikely that we will be able to return to work in a financially viable way within the next six months.
“This means that the majority of businesses in our sector will not be able to generate sufficient revenue to support their contribution towards employees’ salaries, nor will they be able to contract in the huge self-employed community within the industry.
“Therefore, the We Make Events campaign will continue with its program of activity until the detail of the announcement is fully clear and how that impacts on our industry.”
We Make Events is planning a global day of action on 30 September, when thousands of venues and workplaces will take part in #LightItInRed alongside unique projections, art installations and outreach to government officials and media to raise awareness and drive change. In the UK, at least 26 towns and cities will host protest actions. To find out more, please visit: www.wemakeevents.com/global-action-day.

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