‘Time running out to stop mass unemployment in Crawley’

Time is running out for the Government to stop mass employment in Crawley as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, according to the town’s council leader.
Crawley town centre's shops reopened last week, but economic pain could be around the cornerCrawley town centre's shops reopened last week, but economic pain could be around the corner
Crawley town centre's shops reopened last week, but economic pain could be around the corner

A Centre for Cities report showed that the lockdown had put more than half of the town’s jobs at risk.

Meanwhile Crawley has been dubbed the furlough capital of England, with more than a third of its workforce either furloughed or claiming the self-employment income support scheme.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Universal Credit claims have also risen by almost 500 per cent with many of the airport’s largest employers announcing major redundancies.

The furloughing scheme is being wound down from August and restrictions continue to prevent the town’s major industries from generating a profit.

Peter Lamb, Labour leader of Crawley Borough Council, has warned the Government it has less than two months to prevent the town from experiencing mass unemployment on a scale it has never seen before.

He says that despite letter and direct discussion with ministers Crawley has received no commitments of support for avoiding an ‘economic disaster’.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Lamb said: “Crawley can’t wait till autumn for action, we have less than two months to save people’s jobs. I’ve grown tired of letters from ministers telling us they understand the problems we face, while promising nothing. Crawley will not forget if they fail to act to now to avoid years of suffering. The clock is ticking.”

Meanwhile the town’s MP has welcomed the reopening of the tourism sector next weekend, which he hopes will provide a boost for hundreds of Crawley businesses.

From Saturday July 4, pubs, restaurants, cafes and hotels can reopen as long as they implement Covid secure guidelines.

Some leisure facilities and tourist attractions will be able to welcome back visitors if they can do so safely.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Smith is urging people to show their support for local businesses reopening to help them bounce back.

He said: “Thanks to the efforts of the British people to control the virus, I am delighted we have created the space to allow people to take a much needed holiday and enjoy everything Crawley has to offer.

“I hope people get out to support the tourism and hospitality businesses which are reopening and which are so vital to our local economy and jobs

“Safety is of paramount importance and it is vital that social distancing rules and safety guidance are adhered to, and local people as well as our guests feel safe and I will continue to press that.”

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, I am asking you to please purchase a copy of our newspapers.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspapers.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Stay safe, and best wishes.