Impact of COVID-19 on the Events Industry

Dear constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about the impact of COVID-19 on the events industry.

I recognise the valuable contribution made to the UK economy by events, conferences, exhibitions and trade fairs, and I know this sector has been particularly badly hit by the pandemic.

Currently, in each UK nation, guidance does not allow events like exhibitions or conferences to take place. I therefore appreciate the very difficult situation facing businesses and workers in this sector.

The UK Government has, however, outlined plans for business events, conferences and events centres to reopen in England from 1 October, adhering to social distancing. This is subject to the prevalence of COVID-19 remaining low and pilots are expected to begin at venues across England from 1 August. I am sure the sector will welcome this timeframe for reopening in England.

I am aware businesses and workers in the events industry have been able to access support
in recent months from the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme, the Business Interruption Loan Scheme and the Bounce Back Loan scheme.

While this is welcome, it is crucial financial support is maintained for as long as necessary. This is particularly important given the events sector must stay closed for longer.

So, while I welcome the decision to extend the furlough scheme until October, I am concerned that employers will be required to contribute to the scheme from August. If employers in the most severely affected industries, such as the events sector, are required to contribute from the start of August – when the sector is not yet fully reopened – I worry this could lead to further job losses.

I would therefore like to see the UK Government abandon its one-size-fits-all approach to withdrawing the furlough and self-employment support schemes. We need a more flexible sector-specific approach to business support, including an extension to the furlough scheme for sectors such as the events industry for as long as they remain closed. The UK Government must also look to address any gaps in existing support schemes.

Thank you once again for contacting me about this important issue. I will continue to support efforts to ensure the events industry is given the support it needs to recover from COVID-19.

Yours sincerely,

Peter Dowd MP