Martin Lewis has issued a stark message to employers making staff redundant during the coronavirus pandemic.

Speaking from his home in north London, the Money Saving Expert founder appeared on This Morning and answered questions from concerned viewers.

One such viewer wrote in and asked Martin what he could do now his employer has made him redundant.

Speaking to hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield, Martin advised claiming Universal Credit, but also urged people to go back to their employer if they've been laid off.

Martin Lewis on This Morning

"Go back to your employer. They are absolutely allowed to rehire people they have put into redundancy on the back of coronavirus," the financial guru said.

"And I would say it is a moral obligation that they do so! We need to keep our economy ticking, we need to keep people having their income coming in.

"Employers, do whatever you can. Put people on furlough rather than redundancy, let the state pay them."

Martin has explained previously that if you can't work but your job is on hold, your company can put you on furlough and the state will pay 80% of your wages.

But it's also worth going to your employer and asking them about furlough if you've been laid off.

Martin stressed to businesses: "There's no cost to you. Admittedly there's short term cash flow, but there are hopefully business grants available to that.

"Don't think you're cheating the system by rehiring them, you're doing exactly what this system is for!

"Please employers, it's time to step up! Bring people back, give them the support they need, your existing employees, past employees.

"That's what it's for, you're not going to get in trouble with it - rehire the man, rehire him!"

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This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV.