West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has urged local employers whose businesses have been halted by the Coronavirus crisis to move fast to apply for the support package put together by the Government.

The Job Retention Scheme opened for applications today (April 20) allowing companies to access funding to ensure that they can keep staff on their books while the restrictions in movement remain in place.

Companies who apply for funding before Wednesday will receive the cash before the end of the month.

Businesses can claim for a proportion of the wages of staff while they place them on leave where they cannot work. Last week, the Chancellor extended the scheme by three weeks to the new deadline of March 19 and the period of ‘furlough’ can now run until June.

Bosses can access advice here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-through-the-coronavirus....

Harriett commented: “The job retention scheme is a crucial measure to help businesses who want to effectively put their business on a short-term hold, while retaining their staff.

“I have been approached by many companies who are looking for advice as they seek to access this scheme and I know what an important lifeline is will be for many employers.

“I am urging employers to get online and access the funds as quickly as they can. By doing so they will receive this important lifeline of funds before the end of the month.

“Of course, we all hope that we will get through this crisis quickly but it is essential that as many local businesses as possible are able to retain their staff and resume operation as soon as the lockdown is lifted.”