Burton and Uttoxeter’s MP, Kate Griffiths, has successfully secured changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, commonly referred to as being furloughed, leading to the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, announcing changes to the Scheme on Friday.
In the run up to Friday’s announcement, Kate took part in a call with the Chancellor where she pressed upon him the merits of introducing the flexible furlough scheme as soon as possible to allow businesses who can safely return to do so, but not risking any unnecessary redundancies by fully withdrawing the Government support too quickly.
The changes announced mean that employers will be able to bring furloughed employees back part time from July and employers will begin to contribute modestly to furloughed salaries from August.
Kate said, “I’m delighted with the Chancellor’s announcement that the flexible furlough scheme will now be introduced from 1st July, and to have secured this important change on behalf of local businesses.
“Having spoken to businesses in my constituency I know how grateful they are for the furlough scheme, the reality of which without it they would not have been able to save as many jobs. Business owners were also worried of a ‘cliff-edge’ ending to the scheme but this flexibility from the Chancellor means that firms can begin to get their staff safely back to work whilst continuing to protect jobs”.
The Self-Employed Income Support Scheme has also been extended for a further three months. Those eligible will be able to receive a second and final payment in August worth up to 70% of their average monthly trading profits, capped at £6,570 in total.
