Government job support package isn’t ready for this renewed public health emergency

Commenting on the Labour Party’s proposals for a national circuit-break lockdown, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“The government’s job support package isn’t ready for this renewed public health emergency. In the wake of tightening restrictions this week and the prospect of a circuit-breaker national lockdown, more help is needed to save jobs and prevent unnecessary hardship.

“Where businesses are forced to close, workers should get at least 80% of their wages through the job support scheme. Firms which are hit by stricter local restrictions and low demand but can stay open need a more generous short-time working scheme, with significantly reduced employer contributions. And there must be additional support for the overlooked self-employed too.

“That’s the right response to new restrictions and business closures. Government must not force a choice between lives and livelihoods.”