Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what support he plans to make available for previously furloughed employees in the night-time industry and other sectors which are not yet safe to re-open according to covid-19 regulations.

The Government recognises the extreme disruption the steps necessary to combat COVID-19 are having on businesses and workers in the night-time economy across the UK. On 9 October, it was announced that where the Government has had to go further and close business premises in some areas, the Job Support Scheme is being expanded to protect jobs and UK businesses. The scheme will cover businesses that are legally required to close their premises as a direct result of coronavirus restrictions set by one or more of the four governments in the UK. The Government will provide employers with a grant for employees unable to work, covering two thirds of their usual wages, subject to a cap. Support will be available to eligible businesses from 1 November.

The Government has built flexibility into the Job Support Scheme to provide emergency short-term support for jobs and businesses, which forms part of the Government’s wider package of measures to support businesses adjusting to the impact of coronavirus. The Government will continue to work with businesses and representative groups to ensure that support provided is right for the night-time industry and other affected sectors.