'It's a huge blow to us all' - Washington business owners react to the second national lockdown
The news has left business owners across England devastated and concerned about the potential impact after already being forced to close for several months earlier this year.
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Hide AdThe second national lockdown comes during what is normally one of the biggest trading times of the year for businesses in the lead up to Christmas and affects all pubs, bars, restaurants, entertainment venues and gyms.
Darren Tyrie, who owns Pinch-An-Inch gym, said: “ We spent fortunes on cleaning equipment, signage and putting all the government guidelines into place. The news this weekend has been a huge blow to us all.”
Carl Sacco, owner of one of Washington’s oldest shops, Sacco Sweets, said: “The news of the new lockdown has been annoying and disappointing to say the least it is so hard to be closed again when we would have been taking orders ready for Christmas”
Anthony Payne, owner of the Ox & Plough pub, who earlier this year wrote to MP’s and Health Secretary Matt Hancock calling for more support, is hopeful the lockdown will encourage people to support local businesses even more in December.
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Hide AdHe said: “I hope it’s going to act as a springboard for a strong December. This month is going to be a challenge but I hope we come out stronger off the back of it.”
Boris Johnson also announced the extension of the furlough scheme, which was due to end but Anthony says the government have overlooked newly employed workers who are not eligible for the scheme, which affects a lot of his staff.
He added: “The furlough scheme is only eligible for people who were previously furloughed, which affects a lot of my staff as they were brought in after the first lockdown, meaning they’re going go get a lot less support than they’re used to.”