October 2020

Dear Constituent, 

Thank you for writing to me about possible redundancies and ‘fire and rehire’ tactics. I have read your email carefully and noted the key points that you raise

I am aware that there have been reports of several businesses and industry sectors, such as the travel and aviation sector, considering making thousands of staff redundant, and I am sympathetic to the concerns of many of my constituents at this difficult time. After being contacted by constituents I wrote to Centrica and shared a response that I received from Chief Executive Chris O’Shea.

I appreciate that many businesses have been significantly affected by the Covid-19 outbreak, including those operating in the hospitality, leisure, entertainment, culture, travel, retail and transport sectors. I sympathise with anyone who is facing redundancy during the pandemic. Redundancy is never an easy process to go through, and it is important that those who have been made redundant are aware of their rights. 

For more information please see: https://www.gov.uk/redundancy-your-rights

I want to reassure you that I have spoken to ministerial colleagues to make sure they are aware of the concerns of employees. During this difficult time, it is only right that employers should act responsibly and use the Job Retention Scheme to protect jobs wherever possible

Throughout this crisis, Government Departments have established and maintained regular contact with key stakeholders. This communication has been at both an official and ministerial level and has been used to identify what support is needed to help businesses through the pandemic. It has also enabled the Government to be kept fully aware of the latest developments with all firms and to understand where additional policy measures could address specific industry issues.

Please be assured that I will continue to monitor this situation very closely and lobby for appropriate support for my constituents.

Thank you again for writing to me about these important matters.

With best wishes.

Kind regards,

Jonathan Lord MP

Member of Parliament for Woking