Stockport Express Column - October 2021
Despite the fact we are only weeks into October, it has already been a difficult month for many families and households.
On 30th September, the government support scheme of furlough came to an end. Most recent figures show that 1.6 million people across the UK were on furlough and in Stockport alone, 1,800 jobs were furloughed as of the end of August.
To pull the rug from beneath the feet of millions of workers and leave them in limbo is a disgrace. There are so many sectors that have been left unsupported and I am deeply concerned about their future if the government doesn’t intervene soon to provide meaningful sector-specific support packages.
Similarly this month, the £20 uplift to Universal Credit was cut. This is a devastating blow to thousands of households in Stockport and beyond, which will push people into further poverty. Thirty-seven percent of those in employment in the Stockport constituency are on Universal Credit, which shows the extent of the problem.
It is shameful that so many people have been pushed into poverty whilst working. The government must introduce a real living wage so that wages cover the cost of living. When Parliament returns from the conference recess, I will be pushing the Government on this Universal Credit cut, making it clear that money needs to be made available to ensure families and households are properly supported.
At the beginning of the month, I was pleased to be joined by Barry Gardiner MP and trade unionists from across Stockport in a rally against the practice of fire and rehire. Fire and rehire is used by some employers to lay off workers and re-employ them on contracts with lower wages and worse terms and conditions.
Barry Gardiner MP is bringing forward a Private Members Bill in Parliament on 22nd October to outlaw this. The Bill, dubbed ‘Barry’s Bill’, will legislate to protect workers from this practice.
As always, if you are based in my Stockport constituency, please do not hesitate to contact me directly should you require support on any issue on navendu.mishra.mp@parliament.uk.
