Scottish Conservative MSP Brian Whittle has welcomed the package of measures unveiled by Chancellor Rishi Sunak to boost those sectors of the economy most badly hit by COVID-19 and support young people into work.
Among the measures announced by the Chancellor for the hospitality sector were a 15% cut in VAT for restaurants, pubs, cafes, cinemas, zoos and other attractions that’s worth around £4 billion to the UK Economy and a scheme that will offer diners a discount of 50% on their meal. The “Eat Out to Help Out” scheme will offer customers at participating restaurants, cafes and other eligible establishments a 50% discount, up to the value of £10 per head on their meal with businesses able to claim the value of the discount back from the government. The scheme will run every Monday to Wednesday throughout August and there’s no limit to how often it can be used.
There was also support for young people with a £2billion scheme to encourage employers to offer new jobs for young people and an announcement that employers bringing staff back from furlough would receive a £1000 reward after retaining them for three months.
Brian Whittle said:
“These announcements from the Chancellor are further evidence that the UK Government is serious about restarting our economy and protecting as many jobs as possible as we do so.
In Ayrshire alone, around 30,000 people are employed in the hospitality industry. It’s a vital part of our economy and the steps that Rishi Sunak has taken will support many fragile businesses and help them through the challenging months ahead. I hope people across South Scotland will join me in getting back out and supporting local hospitality businesses as they reopen.
This area also has some of the highest levels of youth unemployment in Scotland so the new Kickstart Scheme to create high quality jobs for young people will make a real difference. Young people hold many of the jobs most at risk, and I’m glad the UK Government is acting now to give them support.
Our economy is facing one of it’s biggest challenges ever, which is why the UK Government is already investing billions of pounds in bold measures to protect businesses and jobs.
As the UK and Scottish Governments take further action to support Scotland’s economy, I’ll be working closely with them, and businesses across Ayrshire, to ensure that this important part of Scotland gets the help it needs to recover and grow again.
