As new figures released show job losses are hitting Cambridge hard, Daniel Zeichner joined Labour MPs to call for an urgent “Back to Work Budget” to protect jobs at a crucial phase of the coronavirus recovery.

Official figures published today by the Office for National Statistics show there were 3,335 people claiming unemployment-related benefits in Cambridge in May 2020, a 142% increase on March 2020 when lockdown began.

They follow statistics earlier this month showing job vacancies at a three-year low, raising fears of mass unemployment.

In addition 3,000 claims were made to the Self Employment Income Support scheme which is supporting people including driver instructors, freelance musicians and child minders.

Daniel Zeichner MP said:

“Slow, slow, slow. That has been the Government’s response to the coronavirus health crisis. Now I fear they will be slow on the economic crisis too. Other countries, including Germany, have already announced stimulus packages to support the post-Covid economic recovery. Every job lost is a huge blow to the worker and their family affected. They have my huge sympathy, because the job market is tough at the moment. There is a huge opportunity for a green recovery that tackles the climate emergency as well – but that requires swift Government action to make sure there are decent jobs available for all.”