Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether staff working in accommodation businesses in very high alert level areas will be eligible for support from the extended Job Support Scheme.

The scheme will cover businesses across the UK with premises that are legally required to close as a direct result of government coronavirus restrictions set by one or more of the four governments in the UK, including businesses which have premises restricted to providing delivery and collection services.

If and when new local or national sector closures are announced, new businesses will become eligible for support under the scheme if they are affected.

Further guidance will be issued shortly on eligibility criteria.

Businesses that are open can use the other element of the Job Support Scheme aimed at those able to open but facing lower levels of demand, available from 1 November. The Government will pay a third of hours not worked up to a cap, so that employees earn a minimum of 77% of their normal wages.

In addition to the JSS, the Government has made available a comprehensive package of support for businesses to support their cashflow during the pandemic.