Of course it’s good that the furlough scheme has been extended to September. We’re happy that the Chancellor has also announced a new recovery loan scheme, the investment incentives are a definite plus so there are some positives.
Having said that, we’re very disappointed that the Chancellor didn’t see fit to expand the recovery net. Commercial laundries are still in this enormous black hole outside of the government’s support bubble. We aren’t eligible for business rates relief or for recovery grants, VAT reductions and so the list goes on. We will see minimum wages increase at a time when we will be struggling to pay any wages!
Yet again the service support sector has been totally overlooked despite being part of and dependent on the hospitality industry who have been receiving support throughout the pandemic – it’s simply not fair. This is not a good budget for our industry.
With support we could survive. Without it, commercial laundries, and the 24,000 people they employ, remain in real jeopardy.
The TSA is the trade association for the textile care services industry. The TSA represent commercial laundry and textile rental businesses. Membership ranges from family-run operations through to large, multi-national companies. Visit www.tsa-uk.org for more information.