Business leaders in the capital have called for an “urgent“ extension of the furlough safety net beyond the end of May to avoid a swathe of permanent job losses in the summer. They fear that employment law requiring up to 45 days’ consultation on redundancy programmes means struggling companies will start to “press the button” on staff cuts from today.
London Chambers of Commerce and Industry chief executive Richard Burge is seeking “urgent clarity from the Government about the furlough scheme beyond May 31”. Michael Lassman, London chair of the Federation of Small Businesses, confirmed that many member businesses are concerned about cash-flow after furlough protection is removed and are close to making tough decisions on redundancies. HMRC chief executive Jim Harra said the website for making furlough claims should be up and running by next week.
Read more: Evening Standard