FURLOUGH SCHEME MUST BE EXTENDED TO PREVENT TIDAL WAVE OF JOB LOSSES

I again called on the Chancellor to extend the furlough scheme to save tens of thousands of jobs, put at risk by the arbitrary decision to end the furlough scheme in October. This support has been vital in allowing employers to close their workplaces to protect public health whilst ensuring employee’s jobs and livelihoods are maintained.

The latest statistics for the furlough scheme show that as of 16 August, 9.6 million jobs had been furloughed, demonstrating the tidal wave of job losses and subsequent economic damage that is set to arrive when this scheme is wound down which also coincides with payment holidays coming to an end.

As is happening across much of Europe, we should extend this scheme, saving jobs that are sustainable in the longer term, until our economy is more robust.

Unfortunately, the UK Government remains opposed to such an extension, but I and my SNP colleagues will continue to press for this.

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