ALLOWING furloughed staff to undertake some work for their employer is vital to local businesses and this change to the scheme must be introduced by the end of June.

That is the message of Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath MP, Neale Hanvey, who has written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to warn that this is 'make or break' for businesses in his constituency.

In a partial response to the cross-party letter organised by Mr Hanvey in April, the UK Government has announced that furloughed staff will be able to carry out part-time duties for their employer.

The Chancellor confirmed that the change to the Coronavirus Job Retention scheme is due to be introduced in August.

Commenting, Neale Hanvey MP said: “Relaxing the restrictions on furloughed staff is good news and I’m delighted that the cross-party letter I organised in April has had the desired effect.

“But August will be far too late for many businesses in the Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath constituency.

“Local businesses tell me that this change is essential for maintaining contact with their customer base, their suppliers and for preparing for the post-lockdown recovery.

“Businesses need these changes now, not in three months’ time.”