At Prime Minister's Questions, I challenged Boris Johnson to extend the furlough scheme into 2021, echoing warnings from Make UK, the manufacturing industry body, of a "jobs bloodbath" when the support scheme is prematurely cut back in under two weeks' time.
With the Treasury set to push ahead with its first phase of cutting back support on August 1st and then ending it entirely on 31st October, Make UK said an extension of the Job Retention Scheme was "vital" to prevent a "jobs bloodbath" and to protect key sectors.
The industry body warned that without an extension to support schemes the manufacturing sector could witness job losses "on a scale not seen since the 1980s" - with research revealing that the number of manufacturing companies planning to make redundancies in the next six months has risen to 53%.
In just under two weeks' time, the Tory government will plough ahead with its premature and reckless plans to cut back support through the Job Retention Scheme. It is vital that if the UK government is serious about protecting jobs and businesses, and ensuring a strong economic recovery, then it must step back and extend the furlou schemes into 2021. Failing to do so could lead to redundancies on a level not seen since the 1980s and force many businesses to pull down their shutters for good.
In just under two weeks' time, the Tory government will plough ahead with its premature and reckless plans to cut back support through the Job Retention Scheme. It is vital that if the UK government is serious about protecting jobs and businesses, and ensuring a strong economic recovery, then it must step back and extend the furlough schemes into 2021. Failing to do so could lead to redundancies on a level not seen since the 1980s and force many businesses to pull down their shutters for good.
We can see the impact on jobs and livelihoods coming over the horizon because of the Treasury imposed furlough cliff-edge. The meal deal voucher from the Treasury simply doesn't cut it.
Many businesses are already on the edge, and thousands of job losses have already been announced as they prepare for the UK government's premature cuts to hit home.
We are in the midst of an unprecedented crisis which requires an unprecedented response. As well as extending the furlough scheme, the Tory government must deliver the powers and funds that Scotland needs to secure a strong recovery. That means a meaningful fiscal stimulus package of at least £80billion in new investment, and the devolution of financial powers to ensure a tailored response that meets the specific needs of Scotland's economy.
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