HOPES DASHED OVER NARROW CHANGES TO JOB RETENTION SCHEME

Patricia Gibson MP has been contacted by businesses and employees, whose hopes have been dashed over the narrow scope of the changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS).

The announcement that the CJRS would be extended to people employed by 19 March was initially welcomed. However, it is now clear from the detail that the UK government's strict criteria on Real Time Information submissions will prevent many businesses and employees from benefiting at all.

Mrs Gibson has today again urged the Chancellor at HM Treasury to make meaningful changes to ensure that anyone who had a contract of employment by 19 March is covered, as promised.

SNP MPs are also calling for the Chancellor to reconsider his refusal to introduce a comprehensive financial package, including a guaranteed minimum income, so no one is left behind.

Commenting, Patricia said:

“It’s now clear from the detail that this announcement is not what it seemed. Thousands of businesses and workers will continue to lose out unless the Chancellor makes meaningful changes to fix the serious gaps in the CJRS.

“I have been contacted by numerous businesses and employees who say the narrow criteria being imposed has dashed their hopes of help. Frankly, that’s not good enough. The Chancellor must act to ensure that anyone who had a contract of employment by 19 March gets the support they need.

“From the start of this crisis, the Scottish National Party (SNP) has urged the UK government to introduce a comprehensive financial package so no one is left behind. It’s vital that the Chancellor introduces a guaranteed minimum income and strengthened welfare protections so everyone can get the help they need.”

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/furlough-scheme-cut-off-date-extended-to-19-march

ENDS