As expected, Covid-19 was the main focus for the new Chancellor, Rishi Sunak’s first budget that he presented to parliament on 11 March. In it £30 billion (€34.1 billion) will be used to bolster the UK as it attempts to withstand what the WHO has now termed a pandemic situation. Trade unions however were critical of the lack of concrete support for independent and gig economy workers who may have to enter quarantine. The budget also intends for leave for premature births (Neonatal Leave and Pay) and an increase in the minimum salary level.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer announced £7 billion (€7.9 billion) would be directed to helping businesses and private individuals affected by the coronavirus. Chancellor Rishi Sunak Rishi Sunak stated, “The best way to support people is to protect their jobs – and we do that by supporting our businesses,” and also announced that £2 billion (€2.3 billion) was being put aside to compensate companies with under 250 staff paying out Covid-19 related sick leave compensation, and that up to 2 million SMEs could well need access to this.
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