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AA comment on Chancellor’s statement

/ November 5th 2020 /
Advertising and the UK Economy Brexit and Trade Policy News Coronavirus Response Public Health

Following Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak’s, announcement earlier regarding the extension of furlough and other measures to protect jobs and the economy as the pandemic continues, an Advertising Association Spokesperson commented:

“We support today’s announcement from the Chancellor to extend the furlough scheme until March next year and more support for self-employed people and freelancers – who are such an important part of our Creative Industries. We hope that these measures will provide much-needed stability and security for businesses and colleagues up and down the country. During the final quarter of this year – traditionally the Golden Quarter for retail and adspend – and into next year, we need to do everything possible to help rebuild confidence among consumers. This can only be done if businesses are given the opportunity to plan effectively and that includes how and when they can advertise.

“It is well-known that advertising is the canary in the coalmine of the wider economy and our latest AA/WARC expenditure report on adspend figures showed growth for 2021 has been downgraded since the summer and that our advertising market is now not expected to recover fully until 2022. While Treasury support for industry is welcome, the prospect of continued lockdowns, a disorderly transition and exit from the European Union, a prolonged economic recovery, and the potential for new and draconian rules on the freedom to advertise mean that Government must do as much as it can to work with – and listen to – business over the coming months.”