According to government statistics published this week, 12,600 people in South West Wiltshire have benefited from the job retention scheme.
Government statistics also show 3,900 in South West Wiltshire are receiving financial support through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, after a campaign by the Liberal Democrats.
But many self-employed are still excluded, including those who became self-employed since April 2019, according to the Lib-Dems, who now want the Government to urgently expand the scheme to cover them too.
“The Coronavirus crisis is leaving thousands of families facing financial uncertainty. Financial support must be agreed to ensure no-one is left behind. Liberal Democrats are calling for statutory sick pay to be increased to £220 a week to ensure everyone can self-isolate, following guidance, regardless of their type of work.
“Ministers must also resolve the gaps in their plans by helping those who recently became self-employed by expanding the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme,” said Ellen Nicholson, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for South West Wiltshire.
“The furlough scheme is a lifeline for only so many, but I worry what will happen to people here who rely on furlough support if it ends before it is safe to go back to work.
“Many parts of our economy, such as hospitality, will simply not be back by October. The Government must bring forward bespoke packages of support to save jobs and prevent mass unemployment.”
Acting Liberal Democrats leader Ed Davey MP, who is asking the public to join his campaign to protect workers, said thousands of families face “financial uncertainty” and called for the Government to do more. The Liberal Democrats want the Government to extend furlough support, especially for key sectors, such as those in hospitality, or face mass local unemployment.