It was time. Friday, March 20, Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer, announced historic support for British workers, as thousands of them, especially the precarious, are already losing their jobs after the government has finally started aligning with its partners and announced more serious containment measures, notably in London.
While Prime Minister Boris Johnson simultaneously announced the closure of "Pubs, restaurants, gyms and theaters", Sunak, with dark eyes but firm voice, explained that companies would have access to subsidies to continue to pay their employees even if they are forced to stay at home and cannot work remotely. These subsidies will cover 80% of salaries up to a ceiling of 2,500 pounds sterling per month (2,700 euros).
"I know people are afraid of losing their jobs and some, unfortunately, have already lost theirs, but you won't have to face this alone. Today the British government announces the most comprehensive rescue plan in the world. Our priority is to save jobs. All structures will have access to the system: large and small businesses, foundations, charities. It will last three months initially, but we will extend it if necessary. We don't set limits Said Sunak.
With unprecedented health crisis, extraordinary measures
Businesses will also be able to postpone payment of value added tax (VAT) for three months. "Please think before you fire people", urged the Chancellor of the Exchequer. For those who have already been – or who are going to be – despite government schemes, unemployment benefits will be greatly increased, the so-called "universal credit scheme" to be upgraded by £ 1,000 a year. The self-employed will have access to sick leave.
In an unprecedented health crisis, extraordinary measures. Who would have thought, just a week ago, that a British Conservative government would draw up a plan approaching a universal minimum income? Labor and leaders of the Scottish pro-independence SNP have been pushing for it in recent days, but Sunak, who consulted unions and professional associations for two days, said he wanted to "Go to the simplest". “We focused on a device that was very quick to implement. "
