The Bracknell constituency has received unprecedented economic support to protect jobs and businesses during the Coronavirus outbreak. 13,500 jobs have been protected through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, with Government grants covering 80 per cent of people’s wages, up to £2,500 a month.

4,100 self-employed people in the constituency are receiving grants worth a total of £14,100,000 from the Government to help with the impact of Coronavirus.

Across the south east, people and businesses are benefitting from the Chancellor’s world-leading economic support:

• 1,035,400 people have been supported through the furlough scheme.
• 352,000 self-employed people are receiving grants worth £1,117,000,000 thanks to the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.

The Government’s top priority has always been to support people, protect jobs and businesses through this crisis, and the furlough and self-employment schemes have been a lifeline for millions of people and businesses across the country.

Commenting, James said:

“This is a hugely challenging time for people and businesses, and the Government’s schemes have helped to protect the livelihoods of thousands of people in the Bracknell constituency.

“This country has a world-leading economic response to coronavirus. And as we move through the second stage of our roadmap to recovery, we are determined to kick-start the engine of our economy while continuing to provide flexible support to those who need it.

“We will do everything we can to ensure people can pay their bills and put food on the table – as people continue to stay alert, to control the virus and save lives.”

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, said:

“Our economic response to coronavirus was designed to keep people in work, protect people’s incomes, and support businesses. These measures have been on a scale unmatched by any government in recent history. All to give us the best chance of recovering quickly as the economy reopens.

“Now our energies are focused on getting people back to work safely, growing the economy and ensuring people can thrive in the new post-Covid world.”