West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has welcomed news that a scheme to help protect jobs will be extended until October.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak today confirmed that the Job Retention Scheme, which is protecting 7.5 million employees and almost 1 million businesses has been extended for a further four months.

The scheme will continue in its current form until the end of July and the changes to allow more flexibility will come in from the start of August. The Government is helping employers to pay up to 80 per cent of their staff’s salaries to keep them on their books.

The scheme is just one part of the Government’s world-leading economic response to coronavirus, including an unprecedented package for the self-employed, loans and guarantees that have so far provided billions of pounds in support, tax deferrals and grants for small businesses.

Harriett commented: “I know that this news will be welcomed by the many furloughed employees in West Worcestershire and employers who are looking for some certainty as they plan for the next stage of dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The Government has moved swiftly and decisively to support the economy and this extension is further proof of our desire to protect jobs and people’s livelihoods.

“I’ve had extensive correspondence from companies who have accessed this scheme and workers who have had their jobs saved by this scheme. It is a vital measure to help local people and I continue to be willing to help anyone needs help accessing Government support at this challenging time.”