Covid-19 has meant we’ve needed unprecedented government intervention to support our economy and people’s jobs.
The furlough scheme has been a lifeline for businesses and people in the East End. In July over 40,000 jobs in Tower Hamlets were furloughed.
However, the scheme is ending in October, and the government risks setting back whole sectors of our economy when it stops.
It cannot go on forever but while some businesses have reopened others, including many that local residents work in – retail, hospitality, or other customer facing jobs depending on commuters, have not. Without continued help they will have to choose between letting go of staff or paying to keep them.
On top of this, protection for private renters will also end in August. The East End is normally very resilient but we will need more support for longer to get us through this. Otherwise we face high levels of unemployment and broken businesses if government does not change course.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here