Sunderland Conservatives have backed Unite union's calls for workers at Sunderland's Everyone Active gyms, swimming pools and fitness centres to receive 100% of their wages throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conservative government policy will allow workers to receive 80% of their wages automatically whilst furloughed - and we are calling for Sunderland City Council to pay the additional 20% (as other councils in the region are doing).
Conservative Council Group leader Cllr Robert Oliver said:
"This is the first time a government has paid people’s wages, with approximately £40billion being put into the scheme, but taking a 20 per cent pay cut will be difficult for many families in Sunderland if the lockdown goes on for much longer. The council has just received another £10 million from the government in financial assistance and has £11 million in usable general reserves, so there is scope for supporting all those employees who contribute to the city.”
