MP Gavin: We need more clarity for workers
Renfrewshire MP Gavin Newlands has called on the UK Government to amend the Jobs Retention Scheme guidance to ensure anyone who changed job before the scheme was announced receives support and allow businesses to undertake tasks necessary for their survival.
Guidance on the scheme states that for a person to be eligible for the subsidy, when on furlough, an employee cannot undertake work for or on behalf of the organisation.
It also states that an employer is not able to access government support for an employee taken on after February 28 this year.
The Paisley and Renfrewshire North MP has urged the Chancellor to immediately update the Jobs Retention Scheme guidance to allow workers employed after February 28 to qualify for support - such as issuing refunds, rescheduling, security checks to meet insurance obligations, payroll, and applying for government assistance.
The SNP man said that more clarity is needed if the majority of employees are to benefit from this scheme.
Mr Newlands said: “These are unique times and there are many instances where small firms are faced with the choice between stopping essential activities or going under by trying to pay salaries, without money coming in.
“In many cases, staff can and are willing to do some critical business maintenance work from home, and it would be welcome if the scheme were changed to allow them to do so.
“Workers employed after February 28, who have lost their jobs because employers cannot furlough them under the current scheme, also need greater support.
“I welcome the measures the UK government has already introduced to help people during this pandemic but it is clear there are gaps that need to be filled.
“It is unfair to punish workers who chose to change job or move forward in their careers before the consequences of the pandemic were known.
“Key personnel in businesses must also be allowed to undertake such tasks to keep the business intact and in a position to bounce back once the coronavirus crisis ends.”