Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he made an assessment of the potential merits of different scheme designs when he made an assessment of the potential merits of ending the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme in October 2020; and if he will make a statement.

As the economic recovery continues, the Government must adjust support accordingly. Ending the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme after eight months ensures that people are not trapped in jobs that can only exist because of a Government subsidy. The scheme will wind down, flexibly and gradually, supporting businesses and people through to October. This is the best means by which to ensure people’s livelihoods are protected as the Government supports the resumption of economic demand.