The Stroud MP's weekly column.

I was chatting to the women working at the Cafe in Frampton on Severn when I was there for a coffee with a friend a few days ago. We talked about the business and they told me they are so pleased to be open and enjoying seeing customers again.

I went to Stonehouse Court Hotel by the canal too - they said very much the same, bookings are coming back and there is cautious optimism - but the future is uncertain.

Our seasonal businesses are experiencing some of the worst impact of coronavirus. Many have already had bookings for the year cancelled and others rely on tourism to boost attendance on sunny days. And it is not just the hotels, we have to think about. Coach companies, marquee businesses and caterers who all rely on events taking place and people wanting to visit destinations. The wedding industry alone is worth double figure billions to the exchequer.

I personally do not believe the furlough scheme should continue indefinitely. Notwithstanding the cost, it is a scheme that prevents us properly understanding what is happening to the economy, where we need to focus targeted support and further education reskilling efforts.

It is a sad fact that the government cannot save every job – furlough or no furlough - and many people face a tough future. Ministers changed the law last week so that furloughed employees who lose their job will receive their full redundancy entitlements and not a reduced rate.

All this is happening as we see infection hotspots in the UK and abroad rising. Areas like Manchester have to adhere to stricter rules and the planned easing of lockdown for businesses such as casinos has been halted. Right now, there is no sign of an infection spike in Gloucestershire. We should not panic when looking at outbreaks elsewhere but we must not be complacent.