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Bristol MP calls for ‘smart furlough scheme’ to protect jobs
Karin Smyth is calling for urgent action from the government to secure jobs and create new roles for the scores of people facing redundancy.
The MP for Bristol South argues the existing “one-size-fits-all” schemes need overhauling and is urging the chancellor to launch a “smart furlough” system, which would include training to help furloughed workers improve their skills and tough conditions on employers to stop any abuse.
There are 7,875 people currently furloughed in her constituency alone, and an additional 4,925 claiming out of work benefits – with fears this could rise when the current furlough scheme expires in April.
Smyth is joining Labour colleagues in lobbying the chancellor to extend the existing scheme immediately to remove uncertainty for local businesses and workers, and for the reform of initiatives designed to help boost employment and training.
“The chancellor’s Plan for Jobs has been a disaster,” says the MP.
“Seven months after its launch, we’ve got record redundancies, soaring unemployment and the worst economic crisis of any major economy.
“We need urgent action to secure, recover and create jobs to help 4,925 people claiming out of work benefits and 7,875 people still on furlough in South Bristol. This must include a smarter furlough scheme, an overhaul of the failing Kickstart youth programme, and reform of the shambolic Green Homes Grant as part of wider action to ‘Build it in Britain’ and support the creation of new jobs.”
“People in South Bristol cannot afford to wait for the chancellor to get his act together. They need emergency action today, not more dither and delay until the budget.”
Karin Smyth argues urgent action is needed by the government – photo by Ellie Pipe
The government says it is focused on protecting, supporting and creating jobs across the country.
But the latest unemployment figures reveal the number of 16 to 24-year-olds unemployed for more than six months has increased to 190,000 – up 26 per cent since the start of the pandemic. Less than 2,000 of those eligible have started a placement under the Kickstart scheme, which provides funding for employers to create job placements for 16 to 24-year-olds on Universal Credit.
Labour argues the processes need to be speeded up to stop delays in businesses participating and says a fast-track system should be introduced where job centres and other organisations have already worked with different training providers and businesses.
Main photo by Joab Smith
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