MEMBERS of Worcestershire’s fastest growing business network, the Worcestershire 1000, have welcomed the extension to the Government’s furlough scheme.
There are 426 members of the network which was launched last year.
For some the furlough scheme is going to be the difference between being able to continue to trade and going out of business.
The scheme allows firms to furlough employees with the government paying cash grants of 80 per cent of their wages. It was launched in March and will now stay open until the end of June.
Sharon Smith, chief executive officer of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Worcestershire 1000 said: “It is fantastic to see that the Chancellor has extended the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. We have worked tirelessly to urge Government to extend this scheme to protect cash-strapped businesses.
“This is a huge win for businesses and will allow them to take a huge sigh of relief, knowing they will not be forced into making redundancies at this critical moment.”
Working with council partners, Worcestershire Business Central, Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce and with the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, One Worcestershire is providing business advice and support.
