Burnley MP backs new job support scheme

The package includes a new Jobs Support Scheme to protect millions of returning workers; extending the Self Employment Income Support Scheme and 15% VAT cut for the hospitality and tourism sectors; and help for businesses in repaying government-backed loans.

The announcement comes after the Prime Minster set out further measures to combat the spread of the virus over the winter, while preserving the ability to grow the economy.

Burnley's economy suffered a huge blow when it was announced in May that one of the borough's private sector employers, aerospace company Safran Nacelles, was shedding 250 jobs from its Bancroft Road site due to the coronavirus.

Mr Higginbotham said: “Earlier this week I met the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, to talk about how we help support our vital sectors like aerospace and auto manufacturing, including securing the hundreds of local jobs that depend on those sectors. The schemes announced today do exactly that.

"It's clear from the conversations I've had with local businesses that demand has fallen because of the pandemic. This new Job Support Scheme is there to step in to help cover wages, replacing furlough by encouraging business to bring people back to work.

And continued support to the self-employed and those in our bars, cafes and restaurants through the VAT reduction will all ensure we go through this together.”

The Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said: “The resurgence of the virus, and the measures we need to take in response, pose a threat to our fragile economic recovery. Our approach to the next phase of support must be different to that which came before.

"The primary goal of our economic policy remains unchanged - to support people’s jobs - but the way we achieve that must evolve."