The Liberal Democrats are urging the Government to continue furlough support until it is safe to do so and extend support to those who have so far been excluded by the Government.
Acting leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey MP, who is asking the public to join the Party’s campaign to protect workers, warned that the Government must not “undo the work and threaten mass unemployment.”
According to government statistics published this week, over 35,200 people across Stockport borough have benefited from the job retention scheme.
Government statistics also show over 9,000 people more across Stockport Borough are receiving financial support through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, following a successful campaign by the Liberal Democrats.
However, the Party has warned some of the worst hit are the country’s self-employed workers, three million of whom are still not covered by government support.
Acting leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey MP said:
“It is clear that the job retention scheme has helped stem the tide of job losses. The Chancellor must not undo the work and threaten mass unemployment by ending the scheme before it is safe to do so.
“Instead, now is the time to extend support to those wrongly excluded and for Ministers to deliver a Green Recovery Plan that will create millions of jobs, keep people in work and tackle climate change.”
Cllr Lisa Smart, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Hazel Grove, added:
“We have all heard countless heart-breaking stories about people who lost their livelihoods overnight as a result of the coronavirus crisis, including here in Hazel Grove.
“It is simply unacceptable so many people in need are excluded from support for unjust reasons. The Government should listen to Liberal Democrat plans to protect jobs and ensure no one is left behind.”
Cllr Tom Morrison, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Cheadle, added:
“The government have already identified Cheadle as a ‘left-behind town’. We are working hard locally to address this and, at this time of national crisis, our self-employed residents need urgent support to help keep our economy afloat.
“The government have made several recent u-turns when they realised they have got things wrong. This is another issue where they quickly need to change tack and do the right thing.”
The Liberal Democrats are calling on the Chancellor to expand the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme to include:
• The 150,000+ people who became self-employed since April 2019.
• Those who are registered as limited companies.
• Freelancers who got more than 50% of their earnings through employment.
The Liberal Democrats are urging people to support their campaign here: https://www.libdems.org.uk/protect-jobs
