MEASURES are needed to 'keep our local economy afloat' during the Covid-19 pandemic, politicians have said.

MP's and Members of the Senedd have backed calls made by Alyn and Deeside representative Jack Sargeant MS for an extension of the Job Retention Scheme.

Politicians across North Wales, Ellesmere Port and Chester have written a joint letter addressed to Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

The letter reads: "We write as politicians who represent communities that are highly dependent on the aerospace sector for employment.

"We are asking you to extend the Job Retention Scheme, either in its current form or as an evolution of the existing initiative for Airbus employees and supply chain workers. This would help prevent compulsory job losses and ease the devastating economic impact of Covid-19 on our communities. We look forward to hearing from you."

The letter was signed by Jack Sargeant MS, Hannah Blythyn, MS for Delyn, Lesley Griffiths, MS for Wrexham, Llyr Gruffydd, MS for North Wales, Rhun ap Iorwerth, MS for Ynys Mon, Mark Isherwood, MS for North Wales, Ann Jones, MS for Vale of Clwyd, Justin Madders, MP for Ellesmere Port and Neston, Chris Matheson, MP for Chester, Ken Skates, MS for Clwyd South and Mark Tami, MP for Alyn and Deeside.

Mr Sargeant added: "I am calling on the Prime Minister to act quickly to support workers at Airbus and those employed in the supply chain. This is about more than the aviation industry, it is about keeping our local economy afloat while we get past COVID.

"These are extraordinary times and they require extraordinary measures. I would like everyone who has supported my letter putting party politics aside to back the workers in aerospace."