Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Government support provided to businesses through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, what assessment the Government had made of the potential merits of making provision of that support conditional on companies avoiding initiating redundancy proceedings for the duration of their receipt of that support.

The scheme has been successful in supporting employers whose operations have been severely affected by coronavirus in retaining their employees.

Where a business considers that redundancy is the only option, the business must still follow rules which include giving a notice period and consulting staff before a final decision is reached. Any redundancy process should be fair and reasonable, with appropriate equalities considerations.

To support employees the Government has announced a far-reaching package of support to help individuals through the coronavirus pandemic, including a half-billion pound boost to the welfare system.