Coronavirus employment support in Eastbourne has so far reached £13.3 million - showing that the government is helping the town’s workforce during the pandemic, MP Caroline Ansell said today.
Latest statistics found 12,300 people have been furloughed in Eastbourne with the government paying 80% of their wages up to £2500 a month.
Another 4500 made a claim for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, worth 80 per cent of their average monthly profits over the last three years, again up to £2,500 a month.
The help is in addition to extra money for the borough council to deal with the virus and grants and loans to help businesses hit by lockdown.
“These unprecedented times have called for unprecedented support for our town and I am pleased the government has acted so decisively to support jobs and business,” said Caroline.
“It was absolutely the right thing to do at such a time of emergency. This support has acted as a safety net and will now be the springboard to help get the country moving again.
“Today’s news of a record 20% contraction in the UK economy during the lockdown in April shows the enormity of what has happened due to COVID-19, but the government’s priority to protect jobs and business means we have the ability to bounce back safely and quickly.
“Evidence of this is non-essential shops reopening on Monday. The challenge now is to get the hospitality sector – so important to Eastbourne - ready for action and I continue this work with ministers and the Hospitality Association to make this happen.”
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