North West business chief fears new national lockdown is on the way

A North West business leader says he fears a new national lockdown could be on the way.
Frank McKennaFrank McKenna
Frank McKenna

Frank McKenna, chief executive of business lobbying organisation Downtown in Business, was speaking after most of Lancashire was placed into special restrictions owing to a rise in cases of coronavirus.

He had warned earlier that the UK was on the brink of an economic collapse.

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He said: "I am disappointed, if not surprised, by the latest lockdown announcement.

"I fully expect a national lockdown to be announced by the government next week.

"Although I appreciate that there has been a spike in Covid infection rates, I would repeat my concerns that the whole approach to the crisis is being viewed through the narrow lens of coronavirus.

"Other health matters are being neglected and the social impact around issues such as suicides, domestic violence and child abuse are being ignored.

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Mr McKenna added: "For Lancashire's hospitality sector, this latest news is a disaster.

"Having already seen many good, solid venues go to the wall, this local lockdown will claim further victims. But, it is not only those businesses that will be impacted. They all have accountants, legal advisors, HR consultants, PR and marketing agencies.

"The whole business ecosystem is impacted when a sector as important as hospitality goes into freefall."

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