Sunak Omicron measures show he’s Scrooge

TSSA General Secretary, Manuel Cortes, has criticised new measures from the Chancellor designed to help England’s hospitality sector in the face of the Omicron variant. 

Cash grants of up to £6,000 per premises will be made available for each eligible firm, but there was no mention of bringing back the furlough job retention scheme. 

Transport and travel union leader, Cortes, said: “Frankly, it would have been better if he hadn't bothered coming back from California as what he has said today does not get anywhere close to what is needed. 

“Our travel trade, and now our hospitality sector, are being badly hit by restrictions and government advice that people should reduce their social contacts. 

“What we needed to hear from Sunak was that the government would be reintroducing the furlough scheme for workers within all areas of our economy which Omicron is badly hurting. 

“And of course, he should have also increased statutory sick pay across the board as the current rate is simply derisory. Instead of giving millions a Christmas cheer Sunak has re-emerged from the California sunshine as Scrooge.”