Commenting on the announcement by the Chancellor on the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme and the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Business, Economy, and Infrastructure, Russell George MS, said:
“Unlike the confusion caused by the Welsh Government today over their plans for easing Wales out of lockdown and the impact of the 5 mile cruel rule on rural Wales, I’m delighted that the Chancellor has set out clarity for the self-employed and those using the furlough scheme that they will continue to be supported over the next few months.
“Currently, 80% of businesses in Wales have signed up to the UK Government’s furlough scheme. The announcement today will give relief to those on furlough that their salaries will continue for June and July, and into August when employers will hopefully be in a position to start paying employer national insurance and pension contributions.
“However, in Wales the Welsh Government needs to do more to get businesses going again and to kick start the recovery. Telling non-essential shops that they have three weeks to prepare to reopen without any confirmation that they will be able to open in mid-June is causing confusion. With shops in England potentially re-opening on the 15th June, and the opening of other businesses from next week, companies in Wales are at a disadvantage. This will hold us back and the Welsh Government needs to do more now.”
ENDS