THE MP for Clwyd South has praised the government's support for workers and businesses in the region after statistics were revealed showing how many jobs its Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) had protected.

Simon Baynes was pleased to find out more than 6,800 jobs had been protected through the CJRS, as well as more than 2,500 protected through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS).

The scheme, which was launched by the UK Government in April to pay 80 per cent of an employee’s wages through the Covid-19 pandemic, has protected a total of 316,500 jobs across the whole of Wales.

Mr Baynes is pleased the scheme has been of help to so many of his constituents.

He said: “The support for Clwyd South workers and businesses has been unprecedented and historic.

"I’m proud the UK Government provided this support to support local people and stop the spread of the virus.

“As we start to look beyond COVID-19, businesses can start to plan a return, safe in the knowledge that they have been supported – and continue to be – by the UK Government.

“I’m proud of the take-up of both the CJRS and SEISS and pleased we’ve been able to help almost 11,000 people in Clwyd South."

In Wales, more than 102,000 self-employed people have claimed a total £273 million from the SEISS.

On top of funding for both job protection schemes, the UK Government has made more than £2.2 billion available to the Welsh Government to support the Welsh NHS, charities, local government and businesses through the pandemic.

The CJRS scheme will continue to support jobs until the end of October, with flexible part-time furloughing beginning in July to support businesses as the economy reopens.

The SEISS scheme has also been extended with those eligible able to claim a second and final grant in August of up to £6,570.