The Scottish Government must ensure support for the impact of hospitality closures reaches all parts of the sector, according to Brian Whittle MSP.
With the majority of hospitality premises in the Central Belt closed, and those elsewhere operating at reduced hours and capacity, Brian has highlighted the impact this has on the many businesses who supply Scotland’s bars and restaurants.
Speaking during First Minister’s questions, the South Scotland MSP highlighted the plight of wholesale firms for whom the hospitality sector is a major source of income. Brian asked Nicola Sturgeon to ensure that businesses in the hospitality supply chain have the support they need to cope with the impact of the temporary loss of business.
Scottish Conservative Brian argued that if wholesalers weren’t given support to make up for the loss of income from hospitality orders, there was a danger of job losses and issues for places like schools, hospitals and care homes, who all rely on the same wholesalers to provide food and other supplies.
Brian Whittle MSP said:
“It’s easy to forget that the closure of hospitality businesses doesn’t just affect those working in those businesses. From cleaning companies to food wholesalers, many other businesses rely on the hospitality sector as a source of income.
It’s vital that the Scottish Government provides support to these businesses, protecting jobs and helping them through this difficult period. Many of these firms also supply schools, hospitals, prisons and care homes. If the SNP don’t deliver the right financial support to this sector, we risk serious damage to the wider supply chain.”
