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The spread of local lockdowns is rightly seeing everyone raising the issue of inadequacy of economic support, from local leaders to Louise Casey. But it's really important to focus on the right problem...
Because it's easy to communicate/attack debates are focusing on the LEVEL of furlough support (falling from 80% to 66%). This is important but the much bigger issue is the breadth of who gets that support at all. Our huge problem is eligibility not levels. Here's why
First, eligibility is what matters because there is a gaping chasm in the cash you get if you receive the 66% of previous earnings via the Job Support Scheme. Those not eligible and losing work as a result get roughly half the support of those on the JSS. HALF!
Second, eligibility matters because it's VERY limited. 2 reasons 1) new furlough scheme is only if you're legally required to close (nothing if you can't stay open with little trade) 2) scheme for open businesses is just too expensive for firms to access (pay 1/3 unworked hours)
So while it's understandable that opposition politicians want to focus on the 66% not being as generous as they'd like it's very dangerous to be ignoring the things that are going to cause the real hardship: that not enough people will get the support at all
