Could furlough be extended again? Government urged to continue scheme or risk mass unemployment
Mr Sunak has previously insisted that the scheme will not stretch any further, but failing to do so could lead to millions of people being left out of work according the Treasury Select Committee.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak is being urged by MPs and key members of British industry to extend the furlough scheme or risk ‘mass unemployment’ in the UK.
The Government’s job retention programme – which allows businesses to claim back 80% of their employees’ wages – was launched during lockdown and has supported more than 9.6 million workers in the UK.
Headed by Sunak, the furlough scheme was originally due to run into the summer, but was extended by a further four months in May.
The Chancellor has insisted the scheme will not stretch any further, but failing to take action could lead to millions of people being left out of work according the Treasury Select Committee.
Chairman, Mel Stride, said a “targeted” approach ought to be considered.
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“The key will be assisting those businesses who, with additional support, can come through the crisis as sustainable enterprises, rather than focusing on those that will unfortunately just not be viable in the changed post-crisis economy.”
The Guardian also reports that Make UK, which represents 20,000 companies in engineering, manufacturing, technology and the industrial sector, were fearing a ‘fresh wave of redundancies’ in autumn if the scheme ends as planned.
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Chief Executive Stephen Phipson said: “The protection of key skills should be a strategic national priority as this will be the first building block in getting the economy up and running.
“Ensuring that those sectors which are at the forefront of technology and will provide the growth sectors and high-skill jobs in recovery should receive the greatest support possible.”
Steve Turner, Assistant General Secretary of trade union Unite, also campaigned for an extension, claiming: “Hundreds of thousands of workers could face a desperate future” unless the government moves “swiftly to modify the Job Retention Scheme.”
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Thousands of jobs have already been lost as the UK economy entered a recession earlier this year.
Manchester City Council leader, Sir Richard Leese, has called getting the country back on track the “greatest challenge we have faced in our lifetimes.”
Delays on M60 continue after man dies falling from bridge near Trafford Centre
Daisy Jackson
A man has tragically died after falling from a bridge on the M60, near the Trafford Centre.
Police closed the motorway in both directions at around 10am this morning as they responded to the concern for welfare.
The man was on Barton Bridge on the M60, but tragically fell and passed away at the scene.
The motorway was shut anti-clockwise between junction 12 for the M602 and junction 10, and on the clockwise carriageway between junction 9 and 11, with a huge diversion in place.
Although the motorway has reopened as the afternoon has worn on, disruption is ‘likely’ to continue for several hours yet.
National Highways is reporting up to two miles of congestion on the M60 around Barton Bridge.
In a statement released earlier today, a GMP spokesperson said: “Officers are currently responding to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60, reported at around 9:40am today (Tuesday 31 March).
“The M60 remains closed in both directions while emergency services are in attendance. Significant delays are expected and drivers are advised to avoid the area where possible.”
GMP later added: “Earlier today, officers responded to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60. The man sadly fell from the bridge and passed away at the scene.
“The road remains closed while enquiries continue. Please avoid the area and plan alternative routes where possible as disruption is likely to continue for the rest of the day.”
Molly-Mae Hague and adidas drop new collection inspired by matcha and iced lattes
Daisy Jackson
Today, adidas has finally released its hotly-anticipated parnership with Manchester-based influencer Molly-Mae Hague.
The social media superstar has collaborated with the sportswear giant for a limited-edition footwear collection inspired by matchas and iced lattes.
Molly-Mae and adidas Originals have just given fans a look at the shoes for the first time.
The star has curated a limited-edition collection of iconic Originals silhouettes – a Samba and a Superstar.
The first is the Samba Matcha shoes, a premium leather and suede shoe in a soft green colour, with double pink and white laces.
The other is a Superstar II Latte, which again features double laces in coffee-coloured hues, but in the iconic leather Superstar silhouette.
In behind-the-scenes footage of the design process on Molly-Mae’s Amazon Prime documentary series, Behind It All, she described them as ‘matcha cool girl in London’ shoes – and the vision has definitely come to life.
Molly-Mae said: “Seeing my creative vision come to life on two iconic adidas Originals silhouettes that have long been staples in my wardrobe is a true dream.
“Being so closely involved in the design process and creating products that feel fun, timeless, and an authentic extension of my own personal style has been the best experience.
“I am so excited to see how others style them in their own way.”
Steve Marks, VP Brand adidas UK commented: “At adidas, we partner with individuals who define style through authenticity and a deep-rooted connection to our brand.
“Molly-Mae’s relationship with adidas Originals has developed organically over time as a key advocate of the brand and this partnership represents a natural evolution – bringing her signature aesthetic to two of our most iconic silhouettes.”
The limited-edition adidas Originals x Molly-Mae collection drops in stores and online on 9 April, priced at £100 per pair.
The Manc -
11th September 2020 
