Government response to report, 'Employment and COVID-19: time for a new deal'

This is the government's response, published 12 February 2021.

Summary written by Accountability Index from the government's response. It is not the government's own words.

The Government's response sets out the support already provided, says it will "keep all impacts and policies under review", and states that further details of its economic response will be set out at the Budget.

• On the Universal Credit uplift, the Government says the £20 per week increase "is due to end in April 2021" and that it "will continue to assess how best to support people and the economy".
• On a new state entity to manage debt, it says it has "chosen not to pursue" TheCityUK's proposal, stating that lenders, not the Government, are best placed to support borrowers repaying guaranteed loans.
• On apprenticeship levy funds, it says employers already have 24 months to spend them, that it believes this "is sufficient", and that it does "not intend to make any changes to current arrangements".
• On Kickstart, it reports removing the minimum threshold of 30 vacancies on 3 February, so employers can apply directly or via a gateway organisation. It says it has "no plans" to let other organisations refer young people.

Read the government's response ↗ Report an error