Furlough scheme means Ashfield businesses will survive this crisis

Businesses all over Ashfield and Eastwood will be able to survive this pandemic due to this unprecedented scheme put together by the Chancellor.

This is a temporary scheme in place for four months, starting from March 1.

But it may be extended if necessary and employers can use this scheme anytime during this period.

It is designed to help employers whose operations have been severely affected by coronavirus to retain their employees and protect the UK economy.

However, all employers are eligible to claim under the scheme and the Government recognises different businesses will face different impacts from coronavirus.

It is important for employers to remember that this grant is available if they cannot maintain their current workforce because their operations have been severely affected by coronavirus, they can furlough employees and apply for a grant that covers 80 per cent of their usual monthly wage costs, up to £2,500 a month.

Government scrutiny by our media is a good thing and should be encouraged.

However, the constant undermining by certain parts of the media serves no-one and creates division.

I have 70,000 constituents who are not asking when the lockdown will end.

What they are telling me is that they respect the lockdown and, in some cases, want to see tougher measures.

We need to stand together as a nation to beat this virus and Government should be sensibly scrutinised and held to account along the way.

But creating division is not helpful and if anyone wants to play the blame game then this should be done in an enquiry when the time is right.

It was great to see the nation’s granddad Captain Tom on the TV this last raising millions for our NHS and having a hit record.

I have written to the Prime Minister to ask that Captain Tom is considered for an honour – a true hero in my book.

My staff continue to work from home so if you need my help then please email me on [email protected].

Lee Anderson is MP for Ashfield.