85 CURRYLIFE AUG 2020 Output 24/08/2020 01:24 Page 38
Exclusive Interview with Small Business Minister
paul scully Mp We are determined to get Britain's economy back firing on all cylinders
CURRY LIFE
INTERVIEW
As small businesses get back on their feet and reopen with new safety measures, Small Business Minister Paul Scully MP speaks exclusively with Curry Life about why the government put in place an unprecedented package of measures to support them.
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Curry Life: Many members of BAME communities, particularly those who work in the eastern cuisine industries; make up small business owners and workers. These people make up our readership. They have heard the PM’s statement on recently, but they are still cautious of going back to work. What can you say to them to alleviate this fear?
Paul Scully MP: While we are determined to get Britain’s economy back firing on all cylinders, we have also been clear that protecting people’s health remains our top priority. Working with businesses and the science and medical community, we have developed new Covid-19 secure guidance for the hospitality sector, setting out clear, practical steps businesses can take to reopen safely. This includes encouraging the use of contactless ordering, discouraging non-
Curry Life: People of Bangladeshi origin have now found out they are at more risk of dying from COVID-19 than anyone else. This is causing them a lot of anxiety. The Government is saying they are “informed by the science” now instead of “led by the science.” This is making many people rethink reopening on the last 4th July. What would you say to a small business owner of Bangladeshi origin who’s considering not opening to shield his/her family? What is the Government doing to help?
Bangladeshi community, and we are determined to take the right steps to protect them and minimise the risk to their health. Following the findings of the Public Health England reports, the Equalities Minister is now taking forward vital work to tackle these disparities and protect our most vulnerable communities from the impact of the virus. We have also been investing heavily to ensure communication about the risks of Coronavirus reaches all communities to protect as many people as possible, regardless of their background.
Paul Scully MP: We know that COVID-19 has had a disproportionate effect on people from BAME backgrounds, including the
Curry Life: In 2016 prior to the Brexit referendum Michael Gove said, “People in this country have had enough of experts” when fielding questions about listening to qualified economists. This comment hasn’t
essential trips by staff such as between the kitchen and front-of-house, encouraging customers to use hand sanitiser and providing clear social distancing guidance with signage and visual aids.
