OUR world has changed in so many ways since I last wrote my column for the Observer.
I am sure you will join me in thanking the NHS, the social care workers, the teachers, the supermarket workers, the farmers, the council staff and the legions of volunteers who are helping the most vulnerable in society as we deal with social distancing and instructions to remain at home to try and prevent the spread of Covid-19.
This is having a terrible cost and my thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost loved ones at this time.
We must all work together as a community to support each other where and how we can. The economic toll is shocking too.
The Government has moved swiftly to help companies, the self-employed and workers whose industries have been decimated by this virus. These are unprecedented times, but the Chancellor and his team have worked tirelessly to construct billions of pounds in support measures to help people as best we can – to protect jobs and protect livelihoods.
There are two important places to get information – the advice for employers and workers is www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support and for wider advice about health, travel and general advice you should look at www.gov.uk/coronavirus.
These are fast moving events but I find that the quality and speed of advice available online has been very useful and
I try to share as much as I can over social media too.
I and my casework team are all working from home, handling a huge quantity of casework by e-mail.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you are a constituent and need help. I am sure you are doing the best you can to follow Government advice – by doing so you can all play an important role helping to slow the spread of the virus, helping to take the pressure of the NHS and saving lives.
And in due course, your prudent actions will help us stay in the best shape as we look towards getting through this crisis with the best outcomes for us and our loved ones.
