Rishi Sunak says that he is not prepared to support unviable businesses, but many businesses are only unviable because they’re still not legally allowed to operate normally.

Of course pubs, beauty salons, cafes, restaurants and other businesses will struggle when they can’t open at full capacity. But these businesses are still viable in the long-term – they just need a helping hand to get through the current crisis.

If these businesses are forced to close, the results will be devastating those who lose their jobs, our communities and the economy.

We’re still feeling the consequences of the last time we had mass unemployment here in South Yorkshire in the 1980s. The effects can last for generations and lead to long-term economic decline.

Millions of jobs and livelihoods are hanging by a thread. The government must provide targeted support to businesses that have been particularly badly hit by the pandemic and lockdown.

Please sign this petition to back local businesses and tell the government to act now.