Rishi Sunak said to be resisting Andy Burnham’s calls for return of 80% furlough pay

Lockdown Tier 3 in Greater Manchester talks are said to be continuing today between Andy Burnham and the government.

According to reports, one minster expects an agreement to be made on whether Greater Manchester will follow Lancashire and move to the tightest restrictions on the new 3-tier system. 

The government is reportedly offering Greater Manchester ‘millions’ in extra funding to accept Tier 3 lockdown. 

However, Andy Burnham is calling for a return of the 80% furlough pay that will protect the incomes of thousands of people. Chancellor Rishi Sunak is said to be resisting Burnham’s requests.

Over the weekend, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said he had ‘constructive call’ with the prime minister’s team. 

Michael Gove said ‘we hope to agree a new approach’ and that the government wants the best for Greater Manchester.

He added that he hoped ‘we can find a way through together’ but criticised what he described as the ‘incoherence’ of politicians in the region. He warned that if an agreement could not be made, the government would ‘look at’ imposing restrictions. 

Andy Burnham explains that the new closures in Tier 3, such as pubs, bookies and gyms ‘are places where people are on low wages’.

Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick told Sky News “I think the discussions have been productive but they have probably gone on too long now. We need to reach an agreement with local leaders.

“I am hopeful that we can reach an agreement, but we do need to conclude this now.

“There has been a sense of uncertainty, which isn’t helpful to people living in Greater Manchester.

“More importantly, the number of cases is rising and the pressure on some of the hospitals in Greater Manchester is there for all to see.

“So, I think further measures and action now is important.”

In a letter to Westminster, Burnham said: “We recognise the uncertainty that this is causing and write to ask for your help in breaking the impasse and finding a fair resolution,”

The week on week infection rate in Greater Manchester is down 18% this week however leaked reports from The Guardian over the weekend claiming the area is ‘running out of beds’ in hospitals. 

The document shows that there are no spare beds in Salford, Stockport and Bolton.

The report states that by Friday 211 of the 257 (82% of total supply) critical care beds in Greater Manchester were being used for either those with Covid or people who were critically ill from another illness.