The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has urged the Government to take a "fresh look" at support offered for firms under newly-imposed tier 4 restrictions.

Several areas in London, the east and the south east of England have been under tier 4 restrictions as of 20 December 2020, with all non-essential retailers required to shut their doors and a new "stay at home" message issued by the Government.

Exemptions include travelling for work, education, childcare purposes, or exercise.

These measures are set to be reviewed on 30 December, along with the other tier restrictions across England.

Matthew Fell, CBI chief UK policy director said the changes will be difficult for businesses that were already struggling, with many retailers having counted on using the Christmas period to "claw back some lost ground after a really hard year".

He added:

"Support is there when business premises are forced to close and must reach firms swiftly, along with the recently extended loan and furlough support.

"But there's no doubt a fresh look will be needed in January as to how the Government can support UK businesses through to the spring. All efforts must be made to accelerate the rollout of mass rapid testing and the vaccine so they can start to have an impact."

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