Labour calls for action to ‘rebuild business’ in wake of Covid
The clock is running down for millions of people on the job furlough scheme as businesses face “going to the wall”, Labour has said.
Shadow chancellor Anne - lies eD odds called on the government to act ur gently to rebuild business in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.
With the work furlough scheme set to finish at the end of October, Ms Dodds used a keynote speech to Labour’ s online conference to attack the stance of Chancellor Rishi Sunak.
Ms Dodds said: “Just as the Chancellor has allowed the clock to run down on the four million people on furlough, he’s doing exactly the same for the millions of businesses that have needed a helping hand to survive these last few months.
“From March next year repayments will start for the loan schemes set up to help businesses through the crisis.
“But, on the current trend, our economy won’t be anything like back to normal by then.
“Without effective government action, many companies will go to the wall with more job losses and more costs for the public finances.
“That is why I am calling to day for the Chancellor to act urgently and put in place a business rebuilding programme.
“To do for businesses struggling with debt what we have repeatedly asked him to do for workers whose jobs are at risk. That programme must be set up now.
“So wed on’ tend up once again with last-minute panicked schemes that waste public money.”