- New Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) survey of over 5,000 firms lays bare the impact of coronavirus pandemic
- One in three small employers consider redundancies as they struggle to pay bills, shelve exports and pause product development
- FSB calls for introduction of part-time furloughing as it highlights those struggling to access government schemes and Universal Credit
A new study from the UK’s largest business group underscores the threat posed to millions of livelihoods by a sudden retraction of support for small firms in the weeks ahead.
FSB’s fresh survey of 5,471 small business owners finds that four in ten (41%) have been forced to close since the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak in the UK. Of those that have closed, 35% are not sure whether they will ever reopen again.
For those small businesses paying a mortgage or lease on their premises, over a quarter (28%) have failed to make, or faced severe difficulties in making, rent or mortgage repayments as a result of the pandemic’s economic impacts. A similar proportion (25%) have had to shelve product development plans. Among exporters, a fifth (21%) say they have had to either reduce or cancel international sales.
In response to the strain being placed on them, more than one in three (37%) small employers are considering, or have already made, redundancies.
Seven in ten (71%) small employers have furloughed staff to aid the survival of their business, illustrating the extent to which the Job Retention Scheme has protected the livelihoods of millions as economic activity has slumped.
As initial efforts are made to switch the economy back on, three quarters (74%) of these businesses say the ability to partially furlough workers would benefit them. Of these, half (50%) say they want to bring staff back gradually, and one in three (31%) say it would keep their business viable.
FSB National Chairman Mike Cherry said: “The impact of the coronavirus pandemic has been felt right across the small business community, with thousands of small firms all over the UK fearing for their futures. The Government has stepped-up with a huge range of support for millions of small businesses and sole traders, from income support schemes, to cash grants, to help with accessing finance and business rates breaks.
“Policymakers now need to realise that the economy will not go from zero to a hundred overnight once we’re into the recovery phase. The crucial support that’s on offer needs to be kept under review, and adapted to reflect the new normal as we chart a course back to economic recovery.
“Take the Job Retention Scheme. A big chunk of small business owners who have saved jobs by making use of it say that the ability to furlough staff on a part-time basis – allowing them to work according to client demand and gradually come back into the workplace, whilst being supported by the scheme the rest of the time – would not only be helpful, it would save the firm. Part-time furloughing is not a nice to have, it’s fundamental to saving jobs.”
The new study also highlights those within the small business and self-employed community that have struggled to access government-initiated support.
Among small firms that pay business rates, close to one in seven (15%) say their landlord charges them for rent and business rates in a single recurring bill, meaning they risk missing out on cash grants linked to the payment of rates.
The Government has now launched a discretionary fund aimed at helping those faced with this situation, though the vast majority (81%) do not know what share of their single charge is accounted for by rates, making it difficult for them to establish what, if anything, they might be due.
Close to one in ten (8%) business owners have applied for universal credit, with close to a third (29%) having their applications rejected. Even amongst those that have had applications approved, less than one in seven (13%) have received their advanced payment.
Meanwhile, of those small business owners that say they are not using the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme, the majority (68%) say this is because they are directors of limited companies. FSB continues to make the case for support for those excluded from existing grant schemes, including by calling for increased access to improved local hardship funds.
Mike Cherry added: “The support measures that we’ve secured are helping the vast majority, but they’re not helping absolutely everyone. We’re hearing from business owners who are falling through the cracks and taking their stories straight to the top of government. Policymakers need to be in listening mode and prepared to help the most vulnerable over the challenging months ahead. No one should be left behind.”
Ends
Notes to Editors
1) FSB surveyed 5,471 small business owners between 22 and 30 April 2020.
Media contact
About FSB
As the UK’s largest business support group, FSB is the voice of the UK’s small businesses and the self-employed. Established over 40 years ago to help its members succeed in business, FSB is a non-profit making and non-party political organisation that’s led by its members, for its members. As the UK’s leading business campaigner, FSB is focused on delivering change which supports smaller businesses to grow and succeed.
FSB offers members a wide range of vital business services, including access to finance, business banking, legal advice and support along with a powerful voice in Government. Each year FSB also runs the UK’s Celebrating Small Business Awards. More information is available at www.fsb.org.uk. You can follow us on twitter @fsb_policy and on Instagram @fsb_uk.