Image copyright Getty Images The UK government should consider a targeted extension of its furlough scheme, MPs have said. The coronavirus crisis risks mass long-term unemployment and viable firms could go under without support, the Treasury Select Committee has warned. However, a blanket retention of the scheme would not be good value for money, it added. The Treasury said it… Read more →
Image copyright Reuters Much more local input is needed if the UK’s biggest infrastructure projects are to deliver their desired socio-economic benefits, MPs have said. Too often consultation with affected communities took place after major decisions had already been taken, the Public Administration Committee said. It called for feedback to be taken into account before funding is given and better… Read more →
Image copyright Boohoo Online retailer Boohoo has been criticised by MPs who say it has failed to address claims of exploitation at factories in Leicester. Philip Dunne MP said he found it “incredible” Boohoo was surprised by allegations of poor working conditions. Boohoo had said it was “shocked and appalled” by reports that workers had been paid as little as… Read more →
Image copyright Steve Parsons/PA Wire A group of MPs has questioned if the government can meet its promise of “unfettered” trade between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee has been examining the NI part of the Brexit deal, known as the protocol. The government said that when it takes effect in January it… Read more →
Image copyright Getty Images More than one million people have fallen through cracks in government schemes designed to support them during the coronavirus crisis, MPs says. The Treasury Select Committee called on ministers to plug gaps in the schemes to fulfil the government’s promise of “doing whatever it takes”. Freelancers and recent employees are among those who cannot access support,… Read more →
Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Most BA aircraft have been grounded since the lockdown British Airways’ treatment of staff during the coronavirus crisis “is a national disgrace”, MPs have claimed. A Transport Select Committee report accuses the airline of a “calculated attempt to take advantage” of the pandemic by cutting thousands of jobs and downgrading terms and conditions. BA… Read more →