Government supports the wages of more than 47,000 jobs across Wigan

Since the launch of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) and Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS), it has supported the wages of 47,700 jobs in Wigan.

The CJRS and SEISS were announced by the Chancellor, and are run by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), as part of a package of support measures for businesses affected by the lockdown.

Businesses have furloughed 37,100 jobs in Wigan, up to May 31, since the CJRS was launched on April 20 this year. The scheme helps UK employers who have been severely affected by coronavirus to retain their employees and protect the economy.

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

The SEISS was rolled out ahead of schedule in May and has financially supported 10,600 self-employed individuals in Wigan who have been adversely affected by the coronavirus outbreak and paid grants worth a total of £29,900,000 up to May 31.

On May 29, the Chancellor announced an extension to the 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.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: “The UK Government is doing everything we can to protect jobs and businesses in the North West 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.”

Further guidance on both schemes will be available on Friday (June 12).