Treasury Select Committee call for urgent action to protect workers welcomed by Bectu

The Treasury Select Committee has written to the Chancellor urging for action to protect more workers during the Covid-19 crisis.

The chair of the committee, Mel Stride MP,  has requested that Rishi Sunak sets out what else can be done for people who currently are ineligible for government support.

Head of Bectu Philippa Childs said in response:

“Bectu welcomes the Treasury Select Committee’s call for action from the Chancellor in relation to the economic impact of coronavirus.

“There are many gaps in the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme and people are not always eligible to be furloughed using the Job Retention Scheme due to the 28 Feburary cut-off date that has been imposed.

“The committee has raised many issues Bectu has been campaigning on and that we will continue to highlight until our members are given a greater level of financial protection during the pandemic.

“The Chancellor must act urgently to plug the significant gaps that disproportionately affect our members working across the creative industries. As each day goes by the prospect of financial ruin draws closer. The Chancellor must be open to thinking creatively about how to ensure those whose income isn’t easy to calculate can be provided for.

“Bectu remains committed to sharing information with the Treasury to find a solution to these issues.”