TUC welcomes support for jobs in Liverpool City Region in absence of government help

Commenting on today’s announcement of a £40million package to support jobs and workers in Liverpool City Region, Lynn Collins, TUC North West Regional Secretary said:

“It’s important that financial support is available to protect people’s jobs. Nearly 41,000 people employed in the sectors mandated to close in Liverpool City Region this week  are not getting the support they need. Other sectors in the city region will be feeling the impact of these same restrictions on their jobs and businesses with no additional help available.

“That’s why we’ve been calling on government to pay furlough at 80% of wages, more help for those businesses that remain open and for them to help self-employed workers. Credit must go to the Metro Mayor and the leaders and mayors of the 6 Local Authorities who are stepping in to fill some of that gap.

“But this raises questions about why the government is not providing the support needed. Councils are financially hard-pressed and the promise of ‘whatever it takes’ is needed now more than ever.”