News from Marina Ahmad: Let’s get London back on its feet

Marina Ahmad, new Assembly Member for Lambeth and Southwark hit the ground running at the first Mayor’s Question Time (MQT) of the new term, asking Mayor of London Sadiq Khan how he will support jobs in London.

London faces a huge employment problem, having suffered the largest number of job losses in the UK during the pandemic, with a 6.8% unemployment rate. During his election campaign, the Mayor pledged to boost employment in London by working with the Government and local authorities to provide more support for unemployed Londoners and by supporting London’s business, with a focus on establishing London as a 24hr city.

At MQT, the Mayor spoke about his plans to support 20,000 Londoners who currently earn below the London Living Wage to access training which will support those hardest hit into good jobs. He stated that his focus on a green economy for London and his Let’s Do London campaign will boost green jobs and jobs in the arts, culture and hospitality sectors in particular.

The Government’s furlough scheme comes to an end in June. From July 2020 to May 2021 there were over 700,000 Londoners on furlough and these people could be at most risk of unemployment. The Mayor called on the Government to extend the furlough scheme in the retail and hospitality sectors and to provide a national jobs guarantee.

Labour London Assembly Member, Marina Ahmad said:

“The next few years will be shaped by our response to the pandemic and a focus on jobs, jobs, jobs is vital. London cannot get back on its feet without getting Londoners back to work, into good secure jobs that pay at least the London Living Wage. I am pleased that the Mayor has committed to making jobs his priority for the next three years.

“I support the Mayor’s call for the Government to take urgent action to prevent more job losses and protect and maintain existing jobs. London’s recovery is Britain’s recovery and I am determined to work with the Mayor to support jobs in the capital.”