Northern mayors issue statement on financial support package for Covid-19 tiers

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is one of three leaders making the statement, which set out the regional demands and hit back at the Government's response.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy BurnhamGreater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham

The statement read: “The Government is claiming that the North is divided and only interested in getting what we can for our own region. That is simply not the case.

“We are all united in fighting for an 80% furlough scheme for all people affected by regional lockdowns, wherever they are in the country. Paying two-thirds of salaries will not be enough to protect the jobs of thousands – it should at least match the 80% that was available under furlough, with the minimum wage as the minimum support.

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“The Universal Credit top up is not the answer. It doesn’t help everybody and takes weeks to come through. It will not prevent severe hardship for thousands of low paid workers before Christmas.

“But we won’t forget the self-employed and freelancers and other business who will be affected by these lockdowns, they also need support and we stand firm for those too.

“This is a fight for what is right.”

The statement was signed by Mr Burnham, Jamie Driscoll, the Mayor of North Tyne, and Steve Rotheram, the Mayor of the Liverpool City Region.