Jonathan Reynolds responds to new ONS employment statistics

Jonathan Reynolds MP, Labour’s Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, commenting on the new ONS unemployment figures, said:

"These numbers show that unless the government acts, the UK is likely to face mass unemployment on a scale not seen for decades once the furlough scheme is withdrawn. 

“The Government has been slow at every stage of this crisis - they cannot afford to be slow again in responding to this threat.

"There must be urgent action from the Govt to assist the hardest hit regions and specific support for sectors particularly exposed to the nature of the Covid crisis. It must prevent additional unemployment, support those who become unemployed and enable the creation of new jobs. This is why Labour is calling for a Back to Work Budget that has one focus – jobs, jobs, jobs" 

•   Labour calls for full emergency summer Budget and stimulus: https://www.ft.com/content/eb4966f4-a472-42ab-87e1-ffa6adf8cd68