More than 6,800 furloughed locally

A total of 6,800 workers have been placed on furlough leave in Montgomeryshire, figures released this morning have shown.

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) was created by the UK Government to help businesses navigate through the crisis by paying 80% of an employee’s salary.

The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) was also launched, allowing those self-employed to claim up to 80% of their average monthly profits. In Montgomeryshire, there have been 3,800 recipients of the SEISS, with a total value of £10.5 million paid out.

The CJRS scheme will continue until the end of October, with flexible part-time furloughing beginning in July to support businesses as the economy reopens. The SEISS scheme has also been extended with those eligible able to claim a second and final grant in August of up to £6,570.

Local MP Craig Williams (pictured) said the schemes have been crucial.

“As well as supporting our vital health and social care workers, it was essential that this historic support was given to those businesses and the self-employed that had to close their doors or stop working to prevent the spread of Covid-19,” he said.

“We will make it through this pandemic and we must ensure that the economy is ready to fire on all cylinders when we’re are allowed out of lockdown and have defeated this virus. 

“I’m delighted that the UK Government’s schemes have been able to help over 10,000 people in Montgomeryshire, and this is why it is vital that we remember that Wales is stronger being a part of the United Kingdom.”