Many of my constituents work in the Creative Arts Industry and have been left behind by the government in way of support throughout the Covid pandemic. Many having ‘fallen through the gaps’ of the government’s support scheme, neither qualifying for furlough or the SEISS scheme.
Boris Johnson’s ‘Road Map’ out of restrictions brought fresh hope to the Industry, but that hope was short lived. The industry now has a huge obstacle in it’s way. The insurance market is currently providing no COVID-19 cover on any cancellation or business interruption. Industry experts do not expect this situation to change for some time as the insurance market recovers from significant losses.
I, along with my Labour colleagues have been calling for the government to provide a Government Backed Insurance scheme to enable Live Events with a way forward. Your can read my letter to Rishi Sunak here.
The Chancellor however failed to provide this vital lifeline in his Budget speech on Wednesday.
I want to reassure my constituents that I will continue to press the Government on this issue.
Do you work in the Creative Arts? Click here to let me know how Covid has affected your employment.