Government job retention schemes support thousands of employees and businesses in Basingstoke during Covid-19 crisis

Figures published on the 15th July revealed that the Government’s financial support for businesses during the coronavirus pandemic has supported thousands of jobs and businesses in Basingstoke since the UK-wide lockdown was imposed in March 2020.

Up until the 30th June 2020, Government statistics showed that 16,600 staff in Basingstoke had been furloughed through the Government’s Job Retention Scheme.

In addition to this, 3,700 self-employed people in Basingstoke made claims for the Self Employment Income Support scheme. 

Maria Miller said, “This data shows how vital the Government’s financial support has been to Basingstoke during the Covid-19 pandemic. I am pleased that the Chancellor’s support scheme has protected so many jobs and businesses in our constituency, and that flexibility in the furlough scheme will allow businesses to manage their operations as the UK eases from lockdown restrictions.

“I am also pleased that the Government has outlined its continued support for businesses as we recover from the past few months, including the ‘Eat in to Help Out’ initiative to support the hospitality sector, and bonuses for businesses who retain furloughed staff and employ young staff and apprentices.

“These figures are testament to the fact that the Government has stood by businesses and will continue to support businesses to retain staff, so that our local economy remains a great place for business.”