END OF FURLOUGH SCHEME WILL SEE POVERTY SOAR

With the end of the Job Retention Scheme set to cause tens of thousands of job losses in Scotland, I asked the UK Government what effect it thought this decision will have on poverty levels in North Ayrshire and Arran, and throughout Scotland.

Unfortunately, with millions of jobs at risk throughout the UK due to the decision to wind down the furlough scheme, coupled with a bleak jobs market, more and more people be thrown into poverty.

Unfortunately, the Minister chose to avoid answering my question, instead citing the need for more targeted support. Given that sectoral support has not been forthcoming, it seems the outcome will be a tidal wave of unemployment and soaring levels of poverty. The UK Government needs to do more to save jobs as the furlough scheme comes to a halt at the end of October.

You can watch the exchange below.