The Government's Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), or furlough scheme, has protected millions of jobs and businesses across the UK during the coronavirus pandemic. The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak MP, has been clear that he wants to avoid a cliff edge and get people back to work in a safe and measured way.
The Chancellor has today announced that the scheme will be extended until the end of October, a further four months. Until the end of July, workers will continue to receive 80 per cent of their current salary, up to £2,500 a month.
From the start of August, the scheme will be more flexible, and furloughed workers will be able to return to work part-time with employers being asked to contribute towards some of the costs of their salaries.
You can read more here.
Lucy Allan MP said:
“The Chancellor has brought forward an unprecedented package of measures to support businesses throughout this crisis. The furlough scheme has been a life line to so many workers in Telford. It was brought forward incredibly quickly and efficiently, and I pay tribute to all those at HMRC in Telford who have played their part in this.
It is clear that it will be a long road to recovery for many of our businesses in Telford. We have a large hospitality and retail sector - a sector which has been hit hard, and we have many car parts supply chain manufacturing jobs, again a sector that has really struggled with a complete fall off in sales. The extension of furloughing is hugely welcome and as people start returning to work there will be the flexibility for employees to work part time as businesses get back up to normal productivity levels and footfall and demand gradually increases.
This is exactly what our economy in Telford needs to begin its recovery. I feel much more optimistic about our future today. The Chancellor is completely in touch the needs of my constituents and I am very grateful to him for that.”
