MP says scheme a lifeline for small businesses
THE borough’s MP has welcomed the extension of the Government’s furlough scheme to the end of October.
Dr Luke Evans, MP for Bosworth, said the job retention scheme, set up to help groups hit by the Covid-19 restrictions, has been a “lifeline” to small businesses.
Workers will continue to receive 80 per cent of their salary or up to £2,500 while on furlough.
From the start of August, furloughed workers will be able to return to work part-time with employers being asked to pay a percentage towards the salaries of their furloughed staff.
The employer payments will substitute the contribution the Government is currently making.
Dr Evans said: “The extension of the job retention scheme will be welcomed by businesses across Hinckley and Bosworth.
“The scheme is a lifeline which has been hugely beneficial in helping small employers keep their staff in work and shows that the Chancellor is listening to them.
“It allows businesses a little more certainty as we all grapple with the graded release of lockdown.
“This virus will be here for a long time and I am pleased to see the Government thinking ahead.”
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: “Our Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has protected millions of jobs and businesses across the UK during the outbreak – and I’ve been clear that I want to avoid a cliff edge and get people back to work in a measured way.
“This extension and the changes we are making to the scheme will give flexibility to businesses while protecting the livelihoods of the British people and our future economic prospects.”
Statistics show that the scheme has protected 7.5 million workers and almost 1 million businesses.
The scheme will continue in its current form until the end of July and the changes to allow more flexibility will come in from the start of August.
Dr Evans has also been asking Government leaders about further support for businesses.
He asked the Prime Minister in the House of
Commons about ensuring businesses can easily access bounce back and coronavirus business interruption loans (CBILs).
He said to Boris Johnson: “What will my right honourable friend do to make sure the banks expedite the applications for both the bounce back loan and the coronavirus business interruption loan scheme which provide vital cash to ensure that both small and medium sized businesses can survive through?” The Prime Minister outlined that already £5 billion has been paid out through the bounce back loan scheme alone.
Dr Evans also asked the Business Secretary, Alok Sharma, if he would get behind a scheme to deliver a positive advertising campaign to ‘back local business.’
The Bosworth MP said: “A key role for any MP is to be a voice for their constituents.
“As businesses in and around Hinckley and Bosworth face uncertain times I intend to speak out loudly and often to ensure Government does all it can to help them through this period.
“Not every question is going to change the law or result in more money, but every question will make ministers more aware of the challenges facing this constituency and make them more likely to listen.
“I intend on being a constant advocate for our local economy.”