Labour says 100,000 North West jobs are on the ‘scrap heap’ due to Winter Plan
New analysis by the Labour Party, using Office of National Statistics employment data shows that more than a million workers are in these sectors simply dismissed as "unviable" by the government.
Labour has accused Rishi Sunak of throwing one hundred thousand North West jobs on the ‘scrap heap’ in his Winter Economy Plan.
The Chancellor confirmed the conclusion of the furlough scheme last week.
Whilst admitting he could “not save every job”, Sunak said he would be introducing a new six-month plan that would see the government top up wages of “viable” roles in winter.
But Labour has retorted that the support package is “fundamentally flawed” – with industries such as weddings, events, nigthlife, music, arts and sports remaining largely closed and therefore unable to access funding (employers must offer staff at least a third of their usual hours under the new regime).
Labour also argued that the new plan actually makes it cheaper to bring back one employee full-time and fire the other, offering little incentive to keep two part-time staff on board.
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Lucy Powell MP, Shadow Minister for Business and Consumers, said: “The Chancellor is consigning whole sectors of our economy to the scrap heap, damaging lives and livelihoods, and threatening the recovery. The failure of Ministers to ensure an effective Test, Track and Trace system means that many businesses are still fully or partially shut down. The decision to shut these firms out of the Job Support Scheme adds insult to injury.
“Labour has called for the government to come forward with an effective plan to recover jobs, retrain workers and rebuild businesses. This isn’t it. Even for those who can access it, the Job Support Scheme is badly designed and could lead to a wave of job losses, because the Chancellor’s sums do not add up for businesses. He must think again, before the jobs crisis reaches tipping point.”
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Despite generate billions in tax revenue and employ millions of workers, Labour is predicting the sectors hit hardest will be:
Nightlife – including 6,000 people employed in nightclubs, 42,000 people employed in pubs and bars.
Events – including 15,000 event caterers, 950 people organising and running exhibitions and conferences.
Arts – including theatres and cinemas still shut-down or operating at reduced capacity employing 4,000 people.
Weddings – The number of wedding guests allowed has been halved from 30 to 15, which will hit at least 70,000 weddings. This could cost an estimated £4.8bn, with 127,000 nuptials postponed to 2021.
Sports – employing 48,000 people.
Labour has also said that in the North West specifically, nearly 900 nightclubs, 80 cinemas, 4,540 pubs/bars and 1,750 arts venues will not be able to get the support they need from the Winter Plan.
Whilst some have praised the Chancellor’s latest efforts to protect jobs and prevent mass unemployment in Britain, others feel the measures do not go far enough.
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People in the hospitality sector – which must now shut at 10pm – have accused the government of unfairly targeting their industry during the pandemic.
The Treasury argued, however, that keeping industries afloat is highest on their agenda.
“Supporting jobs is our absolute priority, which is why we set out a range of new measures on Thursday including the job support scheme to protect millions of jobs, extending the self-employment income support scheme and 15% VAT cut for the hospitality and tourism sectors, and help for businesses in repaying government-backed loans,” they said in a statement.
Shadow Culture Secretary Jo Stevens said that industries were bracing themselves for a winter of further job losses.
“The UK’s cultural sector is a critical part of our national identity – not to mention a valuable part of the economy,” the MP stated.
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“These are skilled, specialist jobs in an industry that had been growing until the covid crisis hit.
“So far the government has promised money to prop up our theatres and concert halls but it’s the people who work in them who are suffering and who are excluded from government help.”
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A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore
Thomas Melia
Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.
The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.
Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.
In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.
Credit: Lee Boswell (supplied)
All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.
Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.
This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.
So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.
This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.
The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.The Wigan toy train features some well known brands.Credit: Supplied
This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.
The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.
Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?
You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford, as police hunt ‘answers’
Daisy Jackson
Floral tributes have begun to pile up outside the Salford park where the remains of a baby were found earlier this week.
The child, who is being called Baby A, was discovered near Ashtons Field on Wednesday 20 November.
Their identity is not yet known, and police are trying to determine ‘who this baby could be, how long they have been here, and how they have sadly died’.
In an update shared last night, GMP said their investigation was continuing and the force will do ‘everything we can to get answers’.
They also shared images of cuddly toys, flowers and letters that have been left at the snowy scene by officers and by the local community.
In the latest update, GMP said: “Our investigation continues after the remains of a young baby were tragically found in Little Hulton yesterday.
“The thoughts of everyone at Greater Manchester Police are with Baby A, and we will do everything we can to get answers.
“We would like to thank the community for their tributes to Baby A and their support and compassion at this time. We are truly grateful.”
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford. Credit: GMP
GMP are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward so they can ‘find answers for this baby’.
Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood said: “Even the most minor detail could be crucial to our investigation. If you have seen anyone in the area over the last few days, or know who the parents could be, please call us as soon as you can.
“As soon as we are in a position to confirm further details about the circumstances, we will do so.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
The Manc -
28th September 2020 
