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09
Apr 2020
Harrogate man not entitled to any financial support after changing jobs
A Harrogate man claims to be one of thousands who has fallen through the cracks of government support because he changed jobs after February 28.
Mark Foster left his office job in Leeds on good terms on March 13 to work at a Harrogate pub before joining the police's new graduate scheme in July.
Just a couple of days into his new role, the pub he was working for had to close in line with government social distancing advice.
In response to the pandemic, the government announced a package of support that included the provision to furlough staff and pay 80% of their wages up to £2,500 a month.
But that support is only open for employees who were on payroll on February 28. The pub could only put Mark on unpaid leave and his previous employers refused to help.
He is one of over 64,000 people who has signed a petition to demand that the furlough scheme is opened up to new starters because it is a "major oversight."
Mark has been left to rely on his partner Aimee Beckett, who is working as a digital content designer from home. He told the Stray Ferret:
The pressure is increasing on the Chancellor Rishi Sunak to open up the furlough scheme to new starters with the Chair of the Treasury Committee admitting that "urgent action is needed."
Mel Stride MP has sent the following letter to the Chancellor:
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