BPIF makes urgent call on Government

The BPIF has urgently called for further direct support for the printing industry during the coronavirus crisis.

It has called upon Rt Hon Alok Sharma MP, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (central to the Federation’s lobbying efforts) for the Government to implement a number of measures. The federation has called for clarification and detail to be added to the definition of essential services, with certain sections of the printing industry being recognised as being explicitly essential. It has also asked for flexibility to what has already been laid out by the Job Retention Scheme, particularly around the furloughing of workers as there is concern that, without adjustments, it will not deliver as effectively as it could. The federation has also called for the Government to engage in dialogue with lenders taking part in the CBIL Scheme, to ensure that lenders are interpreting the Government’s intentions correctly and improve confidence that the Government’s good intentions to support businesses are being realised by the banking industry. BPIF CEO Charles Jarrold said: “The impact of coronavirus is huge on our industry, and direct Government actions to support those businesses, and individuals, is of urgent priority. We hope to receive clarification and action on the points raised as crucial to the survival of our industry.” The BPIF sent a detailed Business Impact Survey on Monday 23 March.