UK Government supports the income of over 510,000 people across Wales

New statistics, published today, show the support Wales has received from the government’s income support schemes rose last month.

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the Self Employment Income Support Scheme were announced by the Chancellor at the start of the coronavirus pandemic in March as part of a package of measures to support jobs, businesses and individuals affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

22,400 more people in Wales are benefitting from the furlough scheme than were in June, taking the total number to 400,800.

2,000 more people are receiving the SEISS grant, with the cost of the SEISS scheme so far in Wales £295 million for a total of 110,000 claims.

Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said:

“Our unprecedented support schemes have helped thousands of hard working people across Wales and protected Welsh businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.

“As we enter the next stage of the economic recovery, our Plan for Jobs will ensure jobs are created and sustained.”

Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart said:

“The coronavirus pandemic remains an unprecedented challenge but the UK Government continues to provide unprecedented levels of support to ensure Wales’s economy will bounce back and our recovery is as swift as possible. 

“Our support schemes have supported the livelihoods of thousands across Wales. Along with incentives such as the Job Retention Bonus and the Eat Out to Help Out scheme, we are backing businesses and workers as we get the economy moving again.”

Today’s statistics show the latest regional breakdown of support across the country up until the 31^st July , and that the use of CJRS support between the countries and regions of the UK is broadly proportionate to each country and region’s shares of employment.

The CJRS scheme will run until the end of October to continue the support for jobs and businesses as people return to work.

Applications for the second SEISS grant opened this week, with those eligible able to claim a second and final grant of up to £6570.

The two schemes are part of a comprehensive economic support package for individuals and businesses including loans, grants, income tax deferrals, rental support, increased levels of Universal Credit, and mortgage holidays.

The Chancellor has also set out the government’s Plan for Jobs to support, protect and create jobs up and down the country, including the Job Retention Bonus to encourage businesses to keep on furloughed workers.

1.  The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and Self-Employment Income Support Scheme Official statistics will be updated every month and can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hmrc-coronavirus-covid-19-statistics
2. More information about the CJRS can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wages-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme
3. More information about the SEISS can be found at www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-a-grant-through-the-coronavirus-covid-19-self-employment-income-support-scheme