AA statement on PM’s timetable for lifting lockdown

Following the announcement by the Prime Minister on the timetable for lifting lockdown, Advertising Association Chief Executive Stephen Woodford has made the following statement.

“We welcome today’s announcement from the Prime Minister and the timetable for the gradual lifting of restrictions. The NHS and the government should be commended for the rapid roll-out of the vaccine programme which offers real and significant light at the end of the tunnel. Our industry is ready to do everything it can to support the economic and social recovery, through work that delivers vital public health messages and support to businesses that drives growth, creates jobs and helps rebuild consumer confidence.

“We recognise the government’s need to phase the lifting of restrictions. With that in mind, it is clear that more help will be needed to support all businesses through this next period. For example, we ask the government to look again at what can be done to help businesses that have so far not received any business rates relief or other reliefs. We are acutely aware there are parts of our industry, such as cinema advertising which has been completely shut down for virtually a year and the outdoor advertising sector which has been deeply impacted by the loss of business caused by the pandemic. More can be done to ensure all parts of our industry are supported so they can return fully-functional at the earliest opportunity.

“As we emerge from this lockdown, we are determined to do everything we can do to build back better. To that end, we urge all organisations in our industry to take part in next month’s All In Census on March 10 to help us build a more inclusive workplace. Also, to look at where they can support efforts through Ad Net Zero to take positive action on the climate emergency in this critical year as the UK hosts COP26 in November. And finally, but most importantly, to look at how and where they can help rebuild the public’s trust in advertising through the industry’s Trust Action Plan.”