As furlough scheme nears its end, Littlehampton councillor expresses fears for workers

Last Wednesday, Mike Northeast said he had persuaded Littlehampton Town Council to write to Bognor Regis & Littlehampton MP Nick Gibb ‘in the strongest possible terms’ to lobby Boris Johnson to extend the scheme ‘for at least another six months’. However, the following day chancellor Rishi Sunak announced it would finish at the end of October and be replaced with the Job Support Scheme. This will see furloughed staff work at least a third of their normal hours for at least 77 per cent of their normal wage, paid by Government and employers.

Labour councillor Mr Northeast said it would have a ‘devastating effect’ and ‘gives no incentive to retain more staff on hours than to retain a few full time and simply sack the rest’. Contuining the furlough scheme would instead be ‘a long term investment for the future dignity’ of workers.

He said: “The recent announcements by the Chancellor to scrap the furlough scheme altogether at the end of October could have a devastating effect on many furloughed workers in low paid jobs. So far through September we are seeing job losses increasing at an alarming rate.

“The announcement doesn’t give businesses the incentive to retain more staff on less hours than to retain a few full time and simply sack the rest.

“It leaves current furloughed staff with a very uncertain, worrying future especially in the run up to Christmas, bringing little cheer to many local families who will face the festive season on benefits.

“Not forgetting those who have already lost their jobs as there was no mention of any new training and re skilling schemes.

“And yes all these things will cost money in the short term but it’s a long term investment for the future bringing dignity and life quality back to families in these very uncertain times.”