Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to his announcement of 9 October 2020 on the expansion of the Jobs Support Scheme, whether that expansion applies to businesses that supply businesses legally required to close their premises as a result of covid-19 restrictions.

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.

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 per cent 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, including loan schemes and tax deferrals. As of 20 September, the Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS), Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS) and Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) had together provided £57.31bn of finance to businesses in need.