MALVERN'S MP has urged employers in the district to take advantage of the government's support package designed to help firms affected by coronavirus.

West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin says employers should seriously consider taking part in the job retention scheme, which allows them to continue to employ staff and avoid job losses.

Mrs Baldwin said: "The job retention scheme is a crucial measure to help businesses who want to effectively put their business on a short-term hold, while retaining their staff.

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"I have been approached by many companies who are looking for advice as they seek to access this scheme and I know what an important lifeline is will be for many employers.

"I am urging employers to get online and access the funds as quickly as they can. By doing so they will receive this important lifeline of funds before the end of the month.

"Of course, we all hope that we will get through this crisis quickly but it is essential that as many local businesses as possible are able to retain their staff and resume operation as soon as the lockdown is lifted."

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Businesses can claim for a proportion of the wages of staff while they place them on leave where they cannot work.

Last week, the Chancellor extended the scheme by three weeks to the new deadline of March 19 and the period of ‘furlough’ can now run until June.

The job retention scheme was part of a landmark package of support for businesses announced by Rishi Sunak to keep the economy going during the coronavirus lockdown.

Mr Sunak made more than £300 billion in business relief available in March. This, according to the chancellor, is the equivalent to 15 per cent of UK Gross Domestic Product. Bosses can access advice here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme.