MP demands extension of furlough

Alan Brown MP demands chancellor extend furlough scheme.

The representative from Kilmarnock and Loudoun has called on chancellor Rishi Sunak and the UK government to extend the furlough scheme after latest figures show a huge rise in Universal Credit claims.

Figures from the House of Commons Library has found more than a 44% increase in claimants from Kilmarnock and Loudoun since the beginning of lockdown. As of this week, there are 5,040 claimants in the constituency (an increase of 2,230 since March). The data details Kilmarnock and Loudoun is being hit harder than other parts of the country as 8.3% of the constituency is currently claiming, compared to the 6.5% UK average.

The figures also showed more than a 50% increase for the 18-24 demographic, with a total of 1,065 young people claiming – up 535 since March.

Commenting, Alan Brown MP said:

“I am concerned at the increase in unemployment in Kilmarnock and Loudoun. It shows that the chancellor must extend the furlough scheme or things will be even worse. A figure of 8.3% is worrying enough.

“What makes this worse

“I am also upset that the numbers of unemployed in the 18-24 age group has doubled in a six-month period.

“We cannot have another lost generation.

I welcome the Scottish Government’s guarantee job scheme for those in this age group. Scottish Government funding for youth work is being increased by more than 30% to recognise the vital role the sector will play in making up any ground lost in learning during the pandemic.

“A newly created £3 million Youth Work Education Recovery Fund will be targeted at those communities and young people who need the most support, bringing Government spending in the youth work sector this year to at least £12.5 million.

“The UK Government’s Kickstart scheme is also good news. However, they need to do more -extend the furlough and provide additional targeted support to sectors hit hard.

“Additionally, they still need to provide support for those excluded from the support schemes to date. I have conveyed my support for this in the chamber and online, I have also written to the chancellor on several occasions pleading with him to extend the furlough scheme.

“Supporting these people will also provide additional money for the local economy.”