Morecambe and Lunesdale benefits from 'unprecedented measures' announced by the Chancellor, MP says

The furlough and self employment schemes have been a lifeline from millions of people across the UK.

These unprecedented measures to help people have meant that 9,900 people in Morecambe and Lunesdale have had their jobs protected through the furlough scheme, which covered 80 per cent of people's incomes.

2,800 people in Morecambe and Lunesdale have benefited from the self employment income support scheme which relates to £7.5m worth of self employment support into our local area.

Mr Morris said 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.

He said: "Coronavirus is one of the most challenging times that we have faced not only in Morecambe and Lunesdale but in the UK, and has impacted the livelihoods of thousands of people.

"I am delighted that the Chancellor has been able to set out an unprecedented package of measures to help people, by both protecting jobs of those who are employed and incomes for those who are self employed.

"This protection is vital for when we are able to fire up the economy and still providing flexible support for those people who will still need it in the short term.

"The 9,900 people locally have had their jobs protected over this period and 2,800 applications for the self employment scheme have been made.

"The self employment grant alone is worth £7.5m of Government investment into people in Morecambe and Lunesdale."

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said: "Our economic response to coronavirus was designed to keep people in work, protect people’s incomes, and support businesses.

"These measures have been on a scale unmatched by any government in recent history. All to give us the best chance of recovering quickly as the economy reopens.

"Now our energies are focused on getting people back to work safely, growing the economy and ensuring people can thrive in the new post-Covid world.”