Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether businesses affected by the local lockdown in Leicester will be able to furlough new staff members.

The lockdown in Leicester reverses the opening of non-essential retail shops and postpones the re-opening of hospitality businesses such as pubs and restaurants. The furlough scheme runs until October and employers are not required to contribute until August. Hence, affected businesses can continue to have access to the scheme throughout the local lockdown, as they have done so far.

To enable the introduction of flexible furloughing, and to support those already furloughed in getting back to work, claims from July onwards are restricted to employers who have used the scheme before and previously furloughed employees.

Closing the scheme to new entrants is necessary for a gradual closure of the scheme. The focus is now on bringing those currently furloughed back into productive employment.