The Lib Dems and I have condemned the Chancellor for failing to introduce a comprehensive plan to save jobs after it was revealed that almost 3,000 people in Woking are currently on Universal Credit.

As a party, we have criticised Rishi Sunak’s constant chop-and-change approach, urging him to put in place a proper plan to protect jobs as the Government still struggles to get a grip over rising cases of coronavirus.

The figures revealed that 2,835 or 4.3% of people of working age in Woking are on Universal Credit.

Following this, Lib Dems have urged local Conservative Jonathan Lord MP to join our calls for the Chancellor to ensure the furlough scheme remains in place until at least June 2021, as well as overturning their decision to ignore the 3 million individuals still locked out of any Government coronavirus support schemes.

This follows the Lib Dems’ call for the Prime Minister to negotiate a 6 month Adjustment Period for businesses, giving them crucial breathing space once the UK leaves the transition period.

These unemployment figures reveal just how many people in Woking have been let down by this Tory Government.  Too many families will be worrying about how they’re going to put food on the table this Christmas thanks to Rishi Sunak’s failure to keep his promise that no-one would be left behind.

That is why the Lib Dems have urged Woking’s MP to join us in urging the Chancellor to roll out more support for people locally.  Unfortunately, the pandemic is far from over and it is crucial we see the Government step up to support the most vulnerable in the coming months.

The Chancellor’s constant chop-and-change approach to the furlough scheme and his inability to put together a comprehensive plan to save jobs is taking a huge toll.

The Government must ensure furlough stays in place until at least June – and extend support to the three million people who still remain excluded from any support whatsoever.  Just as crucially, Ministers must ensure there is an Adjustment Period for businesses before new trade rules begin, to avoid a second spike in redundancies.