“We were always going to end up here again on the brink of another unavoidable national lockdown. Even before perpetual government indecision enabled the virus to mutate dangerously, it was clear the tier approach to its containment wasn’t working.

Experts have long warned pitting health in false opposition to the economy was always going to result in both people and employment suffering. This time around, the government really needs to get its response right. It’s a last chance to prevent permanent scarring to people’s health, employment and society as a whole.”