As lockdown begins to ease we need to focus even more on our recovery and the long term support for jobs and businesses.
The Government has announced many support measures to see us through this crisis, including the latest extension to the jobs retention scheme, providing support until October and allowing greater flexibility. Through the government support 8 million jobs have been furloughed, 2 million self-employment support claims submitted, and over 500,000 business loans approved.
This support continues to be invaluable, however we need to get people back into work as soon as possible and get our economy moving again. Working to ensure this both locally and nationally is vital. To aid this I have been engaging with Runnymede and Elmbridge Borough Councils and will be discussing with the M3 Local Enterprise Partnership ways we can come together to support our local economy through the recovery. Engaging with businesses at this stage is vital, and I hope a series of business forums will be available shortly to facilitate this. The community support locally for people who are vulnerable has been incredible, and now all of us need to focus on supporting our local economy, our local shops and businesses, as they re-open and get moving again.
At the national level the Work and Pensions Committee, of which I am a member, has announced an inquiry into likely changes in the world of work. This will look at a wide range of areas, including the impact of the use of technology and how Government should support people to adapt, including through training and advice.
To find out more or submit evident to the inquiry, please see here.
