Local MP Robert Largan has welcome the furlough and self-employment schemes as a lifeline for millions of people and businesses. The High Peak has received unprecedented economic support during the Coronavirus outbreak.

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has supported nearly 9 million jobs across the UK at a value of £20 billion, benefitting over a million businesses. More than 2 million self-employed people are receiving support through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme. 

Figures for the High Peak show that 11,200 jobs have been protected through the furlough scheme, with Government grants covering 80 per cent of people’s wages, worth up to £2,500 a month.

At the start of this crisis, Robert used his maiden speech to urge the Government to put in place a support scheme for people who are self-employed. The latest figures show that 3,400 self-employed people in the High Peak have now benefitted from the Government's support package.

Across the region, people and businesses are benefitting from the Government’s world-leading economic support, with 559,100 people supported through the furlough scheme, and 153,000 self-employed people receiving grants worth £444,000,000 thanks to the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme. 

Robert Largan MP commented: 

“This is a hugely challenging time for people and businesses all over the UK, and the furlough and self-employment schemes have helped to protect the livelihoods of thousands of people in the High Peak. 

“The UK has pursued a world-leading economic response to Coronavirus. As we move through the next stage of the Government’s roadmap to recovery, I will continue to push for government support to help get the High Peak economy moving again.”