UK Government supports the wages of 97,700 jobs across Cornwall and Isles of Scilly

Since the launch of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) and Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS ), the UK Government has supported the wages of 97,700 jobs in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and Self-Employment Income Support Scheme were announced by the Chancellor, and are run by HM Revenue and Customs, as part of a package of support measures for businesses affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

Businesses have furloughed 68,500 jobs in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, up to 31 May 2020, since the CJRS was launched on 20 April 2020. This is to help UK employers who have been severely affected by coronavirus to retain their employees and protect the UK economy.

An announcement was made on 12 May 2020 that the scheme will run until the end of October to continue the support for jobs and businesses as people return to work.

The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme was rolled out ahead of schedule in May and has financially supported 29,200 self-employed individuals in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly who have been adversely affected by the coronavirus outbreak and paid grants worth a total of £82,100,000 (£82 million) up to 31 May 2020.

On 29 May 2020, the Chancellor announced an extension to this scheme. Those eligible to claim the SEISS grant will be able to claim a second and final grant in August of up to £6,750.

Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said:

“The UK Government is doing everything we can to protect jobs and businesses in Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly and across the UK during the crisis.  Our unprecedented job retention and self-employment support schemes have supported the livelihoods of millions and will help ensure our recovery is as swift as possible.”