Coronavirus: Boris Johnson faces having to impose tier 3 restrictions on Greater Manchester as standoff continues
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Boris Johnson faces having to impose the harshest tier 3 restrictions on Greater Manchester, after his offer of extra cash help was rejected as too little.
Ministers are locked in talks with local leaders, even as the area’s hospitals run out of beds – and are dangling a package worth about £75m for councils and businesses to win agreement for the crackdown.
But Sean Fielding, the Oldham leader, insisted it would not be acceptable unless workers set to lose their jobs are given the same income guarantee as during the original coronavirus lockdown.
“We don’t see why people should be expected to live on less money than they did back then,” he warned ministers.
In today’s talks, the government will be told that workers must receive 80 per cent of their normal pay – including the self-employed – and Greater Manchester is also holding out for bigger grants to businesses.
“You are asking people to do the same thing, so people should expect the same compensation,” Councillor Fielding told BBC Radio 4.
In areas entering tier three restrictions, 67 per cent of wages will be paid by the government – but, crucially, only where firms are ordered to close completely.
Louise Casey, a former homelessness adviser has warned that people face “destitution” and may have to “prostitute themselves” without more Covid help.
Ministers have twice stepped back from imposing tier 3 on Greater Manchester – fearing people will not comply unless there is local backing – but Robert Jenrick, the local government secretary, hinted patience is wearing thin.
“I think the discussions have been productive but they have probably gone on too long now,” the Cabinet minister said.
“I am hopeful that we can reach an agreement, but we do need to conclude this now. There has been a sense of uncertainty, which isn't helpful to people living in Greater Manchester.
“More importantly, the number of cases is rising and the pressure on some of the hospitals in Greater Manchester is there for all to see. So, I think further measures and action now is important.”
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