Oral Answers to Questions

Alison Thewliss Excerpts

Tuesday 16th June 2020 Commons Chamber

[Dr Jamie Wallis (Bridgend) (Con)]

What steps his Department is taking to support businesses during the covid-19 outbreak.

[Alison Thewliss (Glasgow Central) (SNP)]

What steps he is taking to support the business economy during the covid-19 outbreak.

[Tom Randall (Gedling) (Con)]

What steps his Department is taking to support businesses during the covid-19 outbreak.

--- Later in debate ---

[Alok Sharma]

I have set out the full range of support available to all sectors across the economy, and the automotive sector can take full advantage of that. I would point out that the job retention scheme has been widely utilised by the automotive sector, with a recent survey by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders showing that the scheme has been accessed for over 60% of full-time workers in the auto sector.

[Alison Thewliss]

A number of businesses in my Glasgow Central constituency find themselves blocked from claiming under the job retention scheme as a result of the deficiencies of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs uploading real-time information before the outbreak. Will the Secretary of State take up that matter with HMRC and the Treasury, ask for discretion, and make sure that no business that would otherwise be eligible has to lay off valued staff or, worse, go bust, as businesses in my constituency cannot wait any longer?

[Alok Sharma]

We want to support businesses, and I have set out a range of measures that we have put in place. The hon. Lady referred to a matter that ultimately is for HMRC and Her Majesty’s Treasury, but I am happy to have a discussion with her after questions.