Aylesbury MP quizzes Prime Minister on help for unemployed people post-coronavirus

Aylesbury MP Rob Butler has quizzed the Prime Minister on what support will be available for those who have found themselves suddenly unemployed because of the coronavirus crisis.

The MP asked Boris Johnson about the issue at Prime Minister's Questions today, after new figures suggest that in the Aylesbury constituency the coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has protected 14,500 jobs and 4,800 local people are receiving grants worth a total of £15,800,000 from the Self-employed Income Support Scheme.

Mr Butler, speaking after the Parliamentary session, said that despite this initial Government help, some firms will undoubtedly struggle to retain all staff, given the huge economic impact of coronavirus.

He said that he is 'keen to ensure that those made redundant can get back on their feet as quickly as possible'.

Speaking at Prime Minister’s Questions, Mr Butler said: “Many market traders and independent business owners in Aylesbury have told me how much they appreciate the tremendous help that they've received from the government during the coronavirus crisis.

“But we do know that sadly many people will still lose their jobs in the months ahead, and I wonder if my Right Honourable Friend could ensure that government departments will work together to provide both the resource and the expertise that's necessary for people to learn new skills, so they're fully equipped to take on new and different types of work in the future?”

In response Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “I thank him for what he's doing to represent his young constituents.

"It's vital that during what will unquestionably be economically difficult times, we invest in people’s skills.

“And we're not just investing in training through our new £2.5bn National Skills Fund, we also want to encourage as many in-work placements as possible and get people the live experience that they need.”