Welsh businesses could face 'perfect storm' in autumn over coronavirus and Brexit, Economy Minister Ken Skates says
Welsh businesses could face a ''perfect storm'' in the autumn because of disruption from coronavirus and Brexit, the Economy and Transport Minister Ken Skates has warned.
Speaking at the Welsh Government's daily coronavirus update, Ken Skates said: ''A huge number of businesses in Wales face the prospect of an autumn where there is uncertainty regarding UK Government support for their businesses and considerable disruption because of Brexit there is the potential for a perfect storm in the autumn that must be avoided.''
Mr Skates called for UK Government to avoid a ''cliff edge'' end to its support for businesses through the job retention scheme and self-employment support scheme.
Mr Skates also pledged an extra £40m to support unemployed people in Wales to find work or training opportunities.
It includes help for those most affected by the pandemic, like young people and those from ethnic minority backgrounds.
''We want to support employers to recruit people who are most likely to have been adversely effected by the virus.'' he said.
''We stand ready with a commitment to protect a generation from the potential scarring of unemployment caused by coronavirus.''
The minister gave some hope to the housing market, suggesting restrictions on the industry would be reviewed this week.
Watch the full press conference here: