19
January
2022
|
14:30
Europe/London

City Corporation responds to Prime Minister’s announcement on easing of lockdown restrictions

The City of London Corporation’s Policy Chair Catherine McGuinness today welcomed the Government’s announcement that Plan B measures will not be extended after 26 January.

Policy Chair of the City of London Corporation, Catherine McGuinness, said:

“The announcement today that working from home guidance will be lifted is very welcome news for the many businesses in the Square Mile which have been seriously affected by the recent drop in footfall. The green shoots of recovery can now thrive again.

“Before Christmas, the Omicron variant cast a dark shadow over the Square Mile’s recovery. The signs are now much more promising. We look forward to welcoming City workers back to their offices as soon as possible. We will be relaunching our ‘Square Smile’ campaign to encourage people back and support retail, leisure, hospitality, and cultural attractions.

“The City Corporation is also launching a new grant scheme to support our SMEs. This will provide some much-needed relief for sectors that have been particularly hit by the recent restrictions as they prepare for more and more people return to a vibrant Square Mile.

“Of course, we all need to remember that the virus hasn’t gone away. We’re just entering a new phase in how we live with it and so, vaccination, and consideration for others, remain just as important.”

--ENDS--

Notes to editors

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk