Every fortnight Kevin writes a “Kev’s Column” for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on 7th July 2021) below:
Jabs
Over the last year Torbay residents have done their bit by abiding with lockdown and social distancing requirements, yet these could never be a long-term position and have always been about controlling the situation until normality could eventually return.
Whilst numbers of cases have increased over recent weeks, the encouraging news is rates in the oldest age groups are staying low. This is not an accident or a lucky coincidence, but a direct result of the superb vaccination campaign run by our NHS and many volunteers.
As we approach the release of legal restrictions on 19th July the best way anyone can protect our bay and their loved ones is to grab their jab today.
Furlough
Furlough, or the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme as it is formally known, started to wind down last week with employers now having to contribute to the costs, with these contributions set to increase in August and September.
The government has so far spent £66bn, covering 80% of people’s wages up to £2,500 a month, to support more than 11 million jobs since the scheme was announced back in March 2020. Many people have been returning to work as the country reopens, but 1.5 million workers are still on furlough, including thousands here in our bay.
The Furlough Scheme has been a major success and prevented thousands of people in our bay from losing their jobs, whilst ensuring businesses could bring their staff back as restrictions changed. Yet it could only be a temporary measure, as employers are required to make contributions we could easily see people start to be made redundant, although the re-opening of remaining business on 19th July may mitigate this.
The encouraging news is many employers in the bay are looking for staff to start immediately, including in the tourism, healthcare and construction sectors. In addition, South Devon College has training courses available to help people get the skills needed to fill roles where there are shortages.
Supporting people who need new jobs to change careers must be one of the key priorities during the summer months.
Coming Home
After the win over Germany it was hard to believe it could get better for England, but Saturday’s 4-0 win over Ukraine saw the team step up a gear and deliver a spectacular result.
We have a team keen to perform and visibly proud to wear the shirt. Reaching the semi-finals in two major tournaments in a row is a great achievement and a welcome change for long suffering fans. Yet those of us who remember watching a forlorn Gareth Southgate walk back after his penalty was saved back in 1996, will be especially willing England to go the extra mile so he can walk out at Wembley as Manager for the final of Euro 2020.
Surgery Times
I have restarted face to face advice surgeries, but telephone appointments can still be arranged if preferred. Sadly, my surgeries must remain by appointment only at this stage.
For an appointment you can either email me at [email protected] or leave a message on 01803 214989. You can also drop into my office at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD between 10am & 1pm Monday to Friday, please note you may have to wait outside if others attend at the same time
