HMRC data shows over 15,000 people furloughed in Wrexham

New data released by HMRC says since the launch of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) and Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS), the UK Government has supported the wages of 19,100 jobs in Wrexham.

The CJRS and SEISS were announced by the Chancellor, and are run by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), as part of a package of support measures for businesses affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

Stats released by HMRC today say businesses have furloughed 15,100 jobs in Wrexham up to 31 May 2020, since the CJRS was launched on 20 April 2020. With UK Government saying that is to help UK employers who have been severely affected by coronavirus to retain their employees and protect the UK economy.

An announcement was made on 12 May 2020, that the scheme will run until the end of October to continue the support for jobs and businesses as people return to work.

The SEISS was rolled out ahead of schedule in May and has financially supported 4,000 self-employed individuals in Wrexham who have been adversely affected by the coronavirus outbreak and paid grants worth a total of £11,100,000 up to 31 May 2020.

On 29 May 2020, the Chancellor announced an extension to this scheme. Those eligible to claim the SEISS grant will be able to claim a second and final grant in August of up to £6,750.

Wrexham’s MP Sarah Atherton, and Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes

Commenting on the news today, Sarah Atherton MP, said: “As well as supporting our vital health and social care workers, it was essential that this historic support was given to those businesses and the self-employed that had to close their doors or stop working to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

“We will make it through this pandemic and we must ensure that the economy is ready to fire on all cylinders, when we’re are allowed out of lockdown and have defeated this virus.

“I’m delighted that the UK Government’s schemes have been able to help 9,600 people in Wrexham and this is why it is vital that we remember that Wales is stronger being a part of the United Kingdom.”

Commenting on the news, Simon Baynes MP said: “The support by the UK Government for Clwyd South workers and businesses has been unprecedented and historic. I’m proud that the UK Government provided this support to support local people and stop the spread of the virus.

“As we start to look beyond COVID-19, businesses can start to plan a return, safe in the knowledge that they have been supported – and continue to be – by the UK Government.”

“I’m proud of the take-up of both the CJRS and SEISS and pleased we’ve been able to help almost 11,000 people in Clwyd South. As always, if you live in Clwyd South, and there’s anything I can do to help, I urge you to get in touch with me at [email protected]. “

Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said: “The UK Government is doing everything we can to protect jobs and businesses in Wales and across the UK during the crisis.  Our unprecedented job retention and self-employment support schemes have supported the livelihoods of millions and will help ensure our recovery is as swift as possible.”

Simon Hart, Secretary of State for Wales, said: “The UK Government said it would do whatever it took to support the people and businesses of Wales through the pandemic and we have produced an unprecedented package of measures to deliver on that promise.

“So far, 316,500 Welsh jobs have been supported by the job retention scheme while £273m has been provided to support 102,000 self-employed people. People and businesses in Wales have also benefited from UK-wide schemes such as VAT deferral, company loans and Universal Credit, while the Welsh Government has been allocated an additional £2.2 billion in direct coronavirus funding.

“The UK Government has provided certainty for employers and workers to ensure that Wales’s economy is ready to bounce back from the pandemic.”

Further guidance on both schemes will be available tomorrow (Friday 12 June 2020) at GOV.UK.

The below is the HMRC data for Wales, released earlier this morning:

HMRC note “Regional data is only available for the number of employments furloughed. This is because UK PAYE data is based on the location of the employers’ PAYE scheme address, usually their payroll department or headquarters, which may not be in the same region as the furloughed employee lives.”