Sheffield Corporation warns of ‘civil unrest’ as venue closes over coronavirus crisis

One of Sheffield’s largest independent venues has closed because of the coronavirus pandemic – and issued a stark warning of “civil unrest” unless the government does more to help those affected by closures.
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Corporation on Milton Street announced on Friday (20 March) it had “taken the difficult decision to close until further notice, so an not to put our customers, staff and artists at risk during these unprecedented times.”

The venue said it will only have the cashflow to pay staff for “a few weeks”.

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Corporation said 47,000 people are employed in Sheffield’s nightitime economy and four million people nationwide.

Corporation in Sheffield.Corporation in Sheffield.
Corporation in Sheffield.

“At Easter four million people from our sector will apply for universal credit. Many more will apply from other sectors. A process that, under normal circumstances, will take six weeks to complete,” a statement said.

“This will cost millions and the system will fail. Very soon after, civil unrest will likely follow as these hungry people look for food.

“Supressing four million hungry people will cost millions, or the government could step up and earn their £82k per year and make a decision. Cover the staff wages now.”

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The Department for Work and Pensions said those affected by coronavirus will be able to apply for Universal Credit and receive up to a month's advance payment up front.

Claimants will be able to access the funds online without physically attending a Jobcentre.

At Friday’s daily coronavirus press conference, Chancellor Rishi Sunak is set to announce an employment and wage subsidy package to try to protect millions of jobs.