Commenting on today’s announcement that West Yorkshire is to enter into Tier 3 restrictions, Bill Adams, TUC Yorkshire & the Humber Regional Secretary said:
“Tier 3 restrictions are going have a massive impact on working people in West Yorkshire.
"No one should be pushed into destitution. We’ve been saying throughout that workers should have 80% of their wages covered through the job support scheme where businesses are forced to close, offer a more generous short time working scheme for those businesses that can stay open but are hit by local restrictions and reduced demand, and give additional help to self-employed workers.
“This month we wrote directly to all of West Yorkshire’s MPs, explaining how important these demands are to people’s livelihoods, and asking for their support.
“Tens of thousands of workers will be employed in those sectors mandated to close and won’t be getting the support they need. Other sectors will be feeling the impact of these same restrictions on their jobs and businesses with no additional help available.
“We hope that the financial support which has been agreed will be targeted to support workers in those businesses. The reality is that sectors such as hospitality and culture are on the brink. To get through this lockdown, workers needs the certainty that their jobs won’t be on the line. That’s why we think business support should be tied to wage support. But the government doesn’t seem to understand this.
“We welcome the hard work done by Combined Authority chair Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, and all the West Yorkshire council leaders, in fighting for a fair deal for West Yorkshire.
“But today’s announcement raises further questions about why the government is not providing the support needed at the outset. Areas shouldn’t have to negotiate for help – the promise of ‘whatever it takes’ is needed now more than ever.”