The national business community is bracing for a kick to the economy after Melbourne fell into stage 4 restrictions.

The federal government is introducing a $1500 disaster payment for those who don’t have sick leave and have to self-isolate due to COVID-19.

States who declare a state of disaster will be able to access the payment.

Australian Industry Group Chief Executive Innes Willox told Deborah Knight thousands of businesses won’t recover.

“That’s almost a given.

“A lot of small businesses are standing at the end of the cliff.

“[The shutdown] is going to impact on the country most dramatically.

“We’re going to see massive unemployment, not just in Victoria, but across the country.”

Click PLAY below to hear the full interview

Image: Getty