SNP MP Neil Gray (pictured) has called on the UK government to introduce an appeals process in its furlough scheme to ensure guidance is being followed and to protect people from avoidable and unfair redundancies.
At PMQs, the MP raised with the Prime Minister cases where employers are refusing to furlough staff – either because they do not fully understand the guidance or are unwilling to properly adhere to it, leaving many without jobs and a source of income during this health crisis.
Commenting, SNP Shadow Work and Pensions spokesperson Neil Gray MP said:
“There have been a concerning number of cases, like my constituent Ben Edgar who I raised with the Prime Minister, where employers are refusing to furlough staff – due to either not understanding or fully following the guidance, which is leaving many people during this challenging period without a job and source of income.
“It is vital that the UK government seriously looks at bringing forward an appeals process in its Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to ensure guidance is being properly adhered to, the right support and advice is being offered to employees and employers, and to protect people from unnecessary and unfair redundancies.
“Many households are already struggling to get by during this unprecedented crisis – they will not be able to cope unless the UK government ensures full support is available, including an appeals process.
“I welcome the Prime Minister’s commitment to look into this and urge him to act to prevent further entirely avoidable redundancies.”
