‘It’s right that we take action now, to protect people’s jobs’

Chancellor Rishi Sunak today confirmed that businesses ordered to shut for some period over the winter will receive grants worth two-thirds of an employee’s salary up to maximum of £2100 a month.

He announced the expansion of the jobs support scheme and said: “Throughout this crisis my priority has always been to protect jobs.

“I hope this provides reassurance and a safety net for people and businesses in advance of what may be a difficult winter.”

He explained the exact take up of the scheme would be unknown due to the uncertainty around the exact scope of restrictions but said ‘it’s right that we take action now to protect people’s jobs’.

With millions of people hanging on government decisions, he explained the rise in infections and hospital admissions in certain parts of the country is a concern.

He said the government is engaging with local leaders this afternoon and over the weekend. “We know the impact this virus is having not just on our economy, but we want to protect children’s education and people’s health conditions not just coronavirus.”

He added: “In regards to the hospitality industry and any other businesses asked to close I’m also announcing today an increase in the frequency and generosity of business grants which will go to those businesses, of up to £3000 a month, paid every fortnight which will also help them if they find themselves in this unfortunate situation.”

If you’re a business in England, and have been legally required to close, you can get a cash grant that will never have to be repaid. The smallest businesses can now claim £1,300 per month. Medium sized businesses – with properties worth between £15,000 and £51,000 - can claim £2,000 per month. And larger businesses can claim £3,000, all paid in two fortnightly instalments.

1/ I’m announcing today that I’m expanding the Jobs Support Scheme.

Where the coronavirus restrictions legally require business premises to close, in any region or nation of the UK, we will help pay employees’ wages. pic.twitter.com/d8bHbRrtDJ

— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) October 9, 2020