Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the expanded Job Support Scheme announced on 9 October 2020, whether businesses that have not been forced to close but supply businesses that are closed as a result of covid-19 restrictions are eligible for that extended Scheme.

The scheme will cover businesses across the UK with premises that are legally required to close as a direct result of government coronavirus restrictions set by one or more of the four governments in the UK, including businesses which have a premise restricted to providing delivery and collection services.

If and when new local or national sector closures are announced, new businesses will become eligible for support under the scheme if they are affected.

Businesses that are open can use the other element of the Job Support Scheme aimed at those able to open but facing lower levels of demand, available from 1 November. The Government will pay a third of hours not worked up to a cap, so that employees earn a minimum of 77% of their normal wages.