TSSA Welcomes Labour's Furlough Plans

TSSA General Secretary, Manuel Cortes, has backed Keir Starmer's call for the Government to think again on ending the furlough job retention scheme next month, calling for urgent assistance for the travel trade. 

Addressing the TUC the Labour leader called on the scheme to be replaced with targeted help for sectors most in need, outlawing "firing and re-hiring" methods and avoiding the "scarring effect" of "mass unemployment". 

Reacting to the speech Manuel Cortes said: “Keir is absolutely right to say that the Government must not allow a furlough cliff edge to occur and his call for more intervention will be really well received by millions worried about losing their jobs at the end of next month.  

“The spectre of mass unemployment must be avoided, and our union welcomes the idea of targeting sectors most in need. Our members in the travel trade need and deserve more support from Ministers to see them through the Coronavirus crisis.  

“Let's face it, once we have conquered this deadly virus we are all going to need a holiday and will welcome the ability to travel freely again. Our members are the ones who will help make this a reality. 

“Without urgent Government action, booking holidays in dedicated travel shops could become a thing of the past. So steps must be taken now to safeguard jobs and ensure our travel trade is in the best position for the future.”