South Scotland MSP Brian Whittle has welcomed the latest figures for the UK Government’s self-employment support scheme and Job Retention scheme, which have protected thousands of livelihoods across East Ayrshire
The latest figures show that across Scotland 157,000 self-employed people have received support from the scheme introduced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak, with 3,800 of those in East Ayrshire. The Job Retention Scheme, which has seen the UK Government support businesses in Scotland to furlough 779,500 staff, has also ensured an income for 17,000 people in East Ayrshire.
The Scottish Conservative MSP says the new figures show the benefits of being part of the United Kingdom during the coronavirus crisis.
Brian Whittle MSP said:
“Between the job retention scheme and the self-employment support scheme, the UK Government has taken unprecedented steps to help workers across Scotland, including over 20,000 people here in East Ayrshire.
The impact of the pandemic on businesses and the wider economy has been extraordinary, and it’s required an enormous response from the UK Government to ensure people have been able to continue to provide for themselves and their families.
Thanks to the broad economic strength that comes from Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland being part of a United Kingdom, we’ve been able to protect livelihoods across the country.
That shared strength will help us again as we move forward and begin to think about our economic recovery and renewal.”
