Alongside the work I have been doing on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme as part of the Treasury Select Committee, I have written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, about the need to deal with problems faced by those who have recently started a new job.
Under the scheme employers who are unable to maintain their workforce because of disruption caused by Covid 19 can “furlough” employees and apply for a grant to cover 80% of their normal wages. However, those who started after 28th February are not eligible and have been advised to approach their previous employer.
I have been approached by several constituents who fall into this category and have been refused help by their previous employer. I find this very concerning and have called for the scheme to be amended.
You can read my full letter here.
