BUSINESS bosses in Bradford have welcomed the announcement that the Government is to extend its Job Retention Scheme until the end of October.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak revealed the plans in the House of Commons yesterday, saying that the scheme – where the Government pays the salaries of furloughed workers – will be extended for another four months, with more details expected at the end of May.
The news has been welcomed by Bradford business owners and representatives, who have said they see the Job Retention Scheme as a helpful plan of action, as the UK fights to save its economy amid COVID-19.
Trevor Higgins, Chief Executive of Bradford Breakthrough – which represents the senior leaders of businesses and organisations across the city – said: “I think this announcement is tremendously helpful for businesses. Any business that is having to remain closed could suffer a lot.
“We’ve seen a lot of businesses that are really struggling to keep cash flow going, so the furlough scheme does help and it will help to keep businesses solvent. The Government has spoken a lot about the human impact of the virus, and the cost of lives, but it has also spoken of the financial impact.”
Dr Higgins, who is also the Deputy Chair of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, added: “It’s very important to keep businesses going, so any help put in place to enable that is welcomed by Bradford Breakthrough.”
Ian Ward, General Manager at The Broadway shopping complex said the scheme had helped keep firms afloat, adding: “The furlough scheme has been crucial, allowing people to keep jobs that could have been lost, and has supported businesses during an unprecedented situation.
“Whilst The Broadway is still closely following Government guidelines around phased re-openings of public places and does not know how long restrictions will continue, the extension of the scheme is likely to be welcomed by many retail businesses. Social distancing rules will require changes to rotas and staff working patterns, due to shops needing to be less crowded.”
Suzanne Watson, president of Bradford Chamber of Commerce and managing director of Approach PR, also added: “The extension will come as a huge help and relief for businesses across the district.
“In our conversations with businesses, they have been very supportive of the scheme, with many receiving payment within six working days from applying. This has provided a lifeline and it would have been devastating to have had the rug pulled out at the end of June.
“Companies need time to rebuild, order books and cash reserves and the ability to make use of a phased return to work will be extremely helpful.”
In Parliament yesterday, Bradford South MP Judith Cummins also posed a question to Mr Sunak, after which she added: “I welcome the extension of the furlough scheme, but the Chancellor also announced a cut in the amount the Government will contribute to wages in the next stage, leaving many recovering businesses responsible for the rest. Withdrawing support too early could potentially lead to job losses or businesses going under. I urge the Government to ensure that workers and businesses get all the support they need.”
