The coronavirus pandemic has ended up in nearly half of all workers in Brent Central being furloughed. That’s the highest number in the UK so far. Out of a population of 55,000 in Brent Central, about 23,500 had to apply to the government’s furlough scheme. In Brent North 20,400 out of 76,000 workers were affected. Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced last month that the scheme would be extended until October. The furlough scheme was introduced at the beginning of lockdown on March 23.
It has been reported that furloughed workers across the UK will continue to receive 80% of their current salary, up to £2,500. Some more flexibility can be expected by August.
Dawn Butler, MP for Brent Central, said: “I am deeply concerned with everything associated with COVID19 as it is having a disproportionate impact on my constituents in Brent Central. many of whom are employed in vulnerable sectors such as the arts, leisure and retail. We’ve already seen massive job losses in the past few days alone and I fear this will continue once these changes are made.”
She added: “The government must take decisive action to protect jobs and keep unemployment down. Any rise in unemployment will also have a devastating effect on council finances. I will continue my campaigns to protect as many local businesses and jobs in Brent as possible.”
Brent recorded the highest number of deaths from the pandemic at its peak.
