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Commenting on the cut to universal credit and termination of the furlough scheme, both of which take place at the end of this month, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady yesterday said:

“Boris Johnson’s government is heading into winter without a plan to protect working people and rebuild the economy.

“The cost of living is rising fast, but ministers are determined to cut vital universal credit support. They must cancel the cut to help keep families warm and fed through the winter ahead.

“Ministers should rethink the end of furlough. Many workers in hard hit industries are still furloughed and need support for longer. Otherwise, we may see a rise in unemployment.”

The TUC has called for the government to establish a permanent short-time working scheme to help protect working people through the ongoing economic changes due to the pandemic – especially in hard-hit industries. And such a scheme would also protect jobs through the transition to a net-zero economy.

Editors Note

• The TUC report Beyond furlough: why the UK needs a permanent short-time work scheme is here: www.tuc.org.uk/sites/default/files/2021-08/PermanentFurloughReport.pdf