PM rules out furlough extension
The address from Johnson today (Wednesday 9 September) also outlined details on the ‘rule of six’ law, set to come into force next week (Monday 14 September) alongside the announcement of mandatory track and trace rules for pubs.
Member of the public – Jamie from Ayrshire – said “I work in a day centre for people who have learning disabilities and my workplace cannot be reopened at the present time.”
Back to work
He asked if the furlough scheme will be extended for those who cannot return to work, due to the nature of their jobs.
Johnson replied: “We are going to continue to do everything we possibly can to support those who can’t work in the way they want to.
“One of the difficulties with the furlough scheme if we extend it more widely, is you are just keeping in suspended animation when really we want people to get back to work, if they possibly can in a Covid-secure way.
“Jobs such as yours should certainly be supported and protected. I will look at the issue of day care centres and why exactly it is that you can’t return to work in the way you want to and ensure you get the support your need.”
Accelerated closures
This comes after shadow business minister Lucy Powell warned a ‘blanket approach’ to ending the CJRS will see more pubs close.
According to Labour Party analysis, more than 5,500 pubs and bars have closed since the Conservative Party entered Government in 2010 – on average one every 14 hours – with the number of venues falling in every region of the UK.
However, Powell estimated these closures will accelerate in the coming months should Chancellor Rishi Sunak wrap the Government-backed furlough scheme at the end of October as planned.
