Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he plans to cover staff wages for small and medium-sized businesses as a result of the covid-19 pandemic.

The government has set out an unprecedented package of support for all businesses affected by this crisis. Businesses, including SMEs, will benefit from the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, Statutory Sick Pay refunds and the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme alongside tax cuts and direct grants.

Further detail of the business support package can be found at: www.businesssupport.gov.uk.

More information on claiming for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme.