Lib Dems Call for Furlough Extension as 6.1% of People Claim Universal Credit in Totnes Constituency

With 6.1% of people now relying on Universal Credit in Totnes constituency, the Party claims that extending furlough would help "stop this crisis getting even worse" and protect jobs for the future.

Despite the Chancellor promising last month to do "whatever it takes" to support households and businesses through the worst of the coronavirus outbreak, the Government has so far failed to agree a plan beyond the end of the furlough scheme on October 31st.

The Liberal Democrats have also warned some of the worst hit are the country's self-employed workers, three million of whom are still not covered by support. The Party has called for support to be extended and urged the public to join its campaign to protect jobs.

Alan Kerr, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for South Hams Lib Dems said:

"With so many families in crisis, the Government should be doing everything in its power to protect jobs in Totnes and right across the country.

"The fact that 2,855 people are now relying on Universal Credit in Totnes shows exactly why the Chancellor must extend the furlough scheme, at least until the middle of next year.

"Ministers need to act now to stop this crisis getting even worse and extend financial support for the millions of people currently excluded from Government assistance."

Christine Jardine MP, Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesperson, added:

"We are seeing staggering job losses, even with the furlough scheme in place.

"People have a right to expect that their Government will stand by them in exactly the way that Rishi Sunak promised when he said he would "do whatever it takes."

"The Liberal Democrats' are clear that the Government must extend the furlough scheme until the jobs market is ready to bounce back."