The Liberal Democrats are backing calls for all primary schools to move to remote learning until 18 January and urged Ministers to use that time to “get ahead of the virus” and publish a clear plan to open schools safely.

The recent cuts in Red Funnel jobs, plus other job loses, shows the need for urgent policies to protect and generate local jobs. Local Liberal Democrat Economics Spokesperson Colin McDougall has called for Southampton City Council to develop and implement an emergency action plan for jobs in Southampton.

“Government and city council employment data shows that the city faces a significant contraction in the local labour market due to the impacts of the COVID 19 restrictions. An emergency package of policies is urgently required to mitigate this contraction or a significant number of jobs will be lost. The economic data shows that retail, leisure and transport sectors have been severely impacted. The plan should explore ideas such as reductions in business rates, relaxation of restriction on use of street space by restaurants/cafes and the council to prioritise buying from local suppliers. Backing local business is critical to success.

“As with our successful shop local campaign we are keen that there is cross party consensus to ensure this action plan starts working immediately and is also sustainable over the coming months.

“The Liberal Democrats are therefore calling for a cross party action group to be setup to agree the plan and give it their full support.”

“It’s time for action to protect & generate jobs”

For the second time in a week the council has cancelled a major event with less than 24 hours notice, this time the FunFair in Riverside Park.