Employment 'the main issue' in York
Citizens Advice York say they've had more calls about employment than debt.
Employment is the ‘dominant issue’ for York Citizens Advice , with the charity receiving more calls asking for help.
It follows the announcement of the Jobs Support Scheme by the Chancellor Rishi Sunak, ahead of the furlough scheme ending in October.
Fiona Derbyshire is the CEO of York Citizens Advice, and said: "obviously we welcome anything that will help people in need. We do welcome it (the Jobs Support Scheme), but it's not what people were hoping for".
"I know a lot of people were hoping for a full extension of the furlough scheme"
Fiona went on to say: "in York it'll have a big impact on all ages. In a city like York, that's dependent on a lot of zero hours contracts in the hospitality sector, we are going to be very badly affected.
"I don't think it will reduce unemployment and redundancies, as it's already focusing on people who are working at least a third of their hours. It'll still be a significant wage contribution from employers who are already struggling.
"In the past, employment was usually around our third or fourth issue with clients. Right now, it's right at the top and a bigger issue than debt for people we speak to"
"Employment is the dominant issue right now for people we speak to. My advice to people would be to be aware of your rights: the fact that we have these schemes does not negate any of the employment rights that you have in law. Your rights haven't gone; they still exist".
Measures announced by Mr Sunak yesterday included:
– The new job support scheme, which will be targeted at small and medium-sized firms, with larger companies only eligible if turnover has fallen due to the crisis.
– The existing self-employed grant will be extended on similar terms and conditions as the new job support scheme.
– The temporary 15% VAT cut for tourism and hospitality will be extended until the end of March.
– A new payment scheme will give more breathing space for more than £30 billion of deferred VAT payments, allowing them to make 11 interest-free payments in 2021-22 rather than a lump sum at the end of March.
– A “pay as you grow” measure will extend the repayment terms for bounceback loans from six to 10 years.
– Firms which have taken out coronavirus business interruption loans will see the Government guarantee extended for up to 10 years.
– All loan schemes will be extended until the end of the year