Eastbourne MP calls for Rishi Sunak’s support for town

The Eastbourne MP has shone a light on the businesses that are struggling in the wake of coronavirus.
Caroline Ansell MP is calling for Chancellor Rishi Sunak's help for Eastbourne businesses SUS-200928-154254001Caroline Ansell MP is calling for Chancellor Rishi Sunak's help for Eastbourne businesses SUS-200928-154254001
Caroline Ansell MP is calling for Chancellor Rishi Sunak's help for Eastbourne businesses SUS-200928-154254001

Caroline Ansell has written to the Chancellor Rishi Sunak asking him to offer support for the hospitality and conference industries, writes India Wentworth.

The businesses within these industries continue to be hit hard by the pandemic – including nightclubs, weddings and theatres.

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Mrs Ansell said many of these sectors are particularly affected by the restrictions, and the new support announced by Mr Sunak might not help enough of these businesses in Eastbourne.

She said, “The Chancellor unveiled generous continuing support for many businesses in Eastbourne last week and the extension of the VAT reduction is something that will also help a great deal.

“However, even though I understand the need to move from furlough to the Job Support Scheme, I have spoken to many businesses in the town who are telling me they will struggle under this new scheme.”

The Job Support Scheme is designed to protect jobs in businesses with lower demand over the winter months due to Covid-19.

It opens at the start of November and runs for six months.

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The company will continue to pay its employee for time worked. The cost of hours not worked will be split between the employer, the government, and the employee.

Mrs Ansell said, “It appears that to be able to use JSS, businesses will need to be able to continue with around 50 per cent of their business intact otherwise it might not be worth it.

“Added restrictions, such as the rule of six and 10pm closing, is going to make that difficult for some enterprises.

“I think everyone understands the government cannot save every company and every job, but I will be making a case for further help in the shape of grants and loans to businesses in these sectors which cannot use JSS.”