MP David Duguid welcomes the furlough scheme extension
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Banff and Buchan MP David Duguid has welcomed the news that the UK Government furlough scheme for workers prevented from working due to COVID-19 will be extended to October.
Chancellor, Rishi Sunak announced to parliament on Tuesday that the Job Retention Scheme, in which employees are paid 80 per cent of their wages up to £2500, will continue.
Mr Sunak said that the current situation would not change before the end of July.
From August, companies will be able to phase workers back into the workplace on a part time basis – with the UK Government continuing to cover some of the cost.
Mr Duguid said that staff employed by companies across his constituency had benefited from the scheme.
He said: “The UK Government has stood by businesses and workers during this crisis and I am pleased to see that it will continue to do so as we ease back towards normality.
“The public know that the government cannot pay 80 per cent of the wages of millions of people forever.
“But this support from Westminster has made a huge difference to businesses in my constituency and all over Scotland.
“I am sure the Chancellor’s announcement will be welcomed given the ongoing uncertainty affecting many businesses and their staff across different sectors of our economy.
“It is clear that the UK Government has really stepped up to protect jobs and livelihoods during this crisis.”
