LONDON (UK) – Britain’s car industry called on the government to bring in additional measures such as a sales tax cut to boost the sector as a third of workers remain furloughed due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Some of the factories still remain shut and many are operating at a much reduced output, setting the industry up for the lowest level of production in decades.
Car and van volumes are slated to fall by a third to 920,000 units this year and up to one in six jobs are at risk, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) industry body said.
To support the economy including a furlough scheme which pays 80% of salaries, up to 2,500 pounds ($3,120) per month, for staff who are placed on temporary leave, the government has introduced a series of policies.
“Government’s intervention has been unprecedented,” said SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes.
“But the job isn’t done yet. Just as we have seen in other countries, we need a package of support to restart, to build demand, volumes and growth,” he said, calling for measures to boost consumer confidence and unfettered access to emergency funding.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field