New lockdown will be 'very challenging' for furloughed staff, minister concedes

Oliver Dowden admits it will be hard for people to live on two-thirds of their wagesCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageThe UK culture secretary has conceded it will be “very challenging” for staff from hospitality businesses closed down under new lockdown rules to live on two-thirds of their wages, as leaders in Liverpool called for more generous support.Ahead of a Commons statement by Boris Johnson on Monday, where the prime minister will set out restrictions targeted particularly at parts of the north of England, Oliver Dowden defended the government’s new wage-support scheme for areas under new lockdown measures. Continue reading... https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/12/new-lockdown-will-be-very-challenging-for-furloughed-staff-minister-concedes #coronavirus_outbreak #uk_news #oliver_dowden #uk_job_furlough_scheme #hospitality_industry #liverpool #greater_manchester #business #politics