"We’re not just talking about small amounts of public money here – £12 billion has been spent on Test and Trace and it is still not working in the UK effectively.”
According to research by union GMB public-sector employees outnumber new MPs’ majorities in 43 out of the 54 seats that the Conservatives won from Labour last year.
“We saw ministers join millions of us clapping firefighters, refuse collectors, social care workers – I don’t think this would be the time to reward them with a real pay cut."
"Stop posting spoilers for lockdown 3 I haven't finished the second series yet."
The chancellor revealed that the scheme will continue to pay up to 80 per cent of a person’s wage, up to £2,500 a month. The scheme had been due to end on 31 October.
“They failed to learn. They failed to listen. And they failed to lead. The result is tragic – but all too predictable.”
Opposition parties and anti-corruption charities urged the chancellor to be “completely transparent” about what he put into the trust - amid particular concern that some funds may be held offshore.
“For all the promises of levelling up, this billionaire Chancellor will today be pushing many workers effectively below the minimum wage."
Those within the industry argue that, before lockdown, it was not only thriving but providing a financial boost to other sectors.