Blame poor wages, not furlough

WE WERE surprised to read claims from employers that the furlough scheme is responsible for a shortage of workers in cafes, hotels and holiday parks.

Without the furlough scheme Wales would have unquestionably faced mass unemployment and large scale business closures over the past 15 months.

Employers had the option of topping up wages beyond the 80% rate for the scheme – and we applaud those businesses that did this.

However, what the employers failed to mention is that pay and conditions for staff in the sector are typically extremely poor.

The quickest way to address the alleged staff shortages is for employers to start providing goodquality, secure jobs that offer a decent wage and prospects for the future.

Shavanah Taj General Secretary, Wales TUC