Oldham Conservatives praise Government support during 'hugely challenging time'

Saddleworth South councillor Graham Sheldon

Oldham has received unprecedented economic support to protect jobs and businesses during the Coronavirus outbreak.

More than 26,000 jobs have been protected through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, with Government grants covering 80 per cent of people’s wages, up to £2,500 a month.

More than 8,050 self-employed people in Oldham Borough are receiving grants worth a total of £19,975,000 from the Government to help with the impact of Coronavirus, while across the North West people and businesses are benefitting from the Chancellor’s economic support:

• 828,900 people have been supported through the furlough scheme

• 224,000 self-employed people are receiving grants worth £594,000,000 thanks to the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.

The Government’s top priority has always been to support people, protect jobs and businesses through this crisis, and the furlough and self-employment schemes have been a lifeline for millions of people and businesses across the country.

Commenting, Saddleworth South councillor Graham Sheldon said: “This is a hugely challenging time for people and businesses, and the Government’s schemes have helped to protect the livelihoods of thousands of people across the Borough.

“This country has a world-leading economic response to coronavirus.

"And as we move through the second stage of our roadmap to recovery, we are determined to kick-start the engine of our economy while continuing to provide flexible support to those who need it.

“We will do everything we can to ensure people can pay their bills and put food on the table – as people continue to stay alert, to control the virus and save lives."

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