Job crisis warning from MSP

Ayrshire faces an “unemployment tsunami” according to one MSP this week.

Colin Smyth says huge numbers are heading for the scrapheap unless more action is taken to avoid Covid- related cuts.

The Labour politician for South Scotland sounded the warning as thousands fear for their future in the arts and culture industries.

Mr Smyth believes 5000 jobs in South and East Ayrshire are at stake, along with a number of seasonal positions.

It comes as a host of major festivals have already been scrapped, along with Christmas panto runs at the Gaiety and Palace Theatres.

And Smyth claims a lack of government support, along with a later easing of lockdown for the sector and strict two metre distancing rules are acting as a “triple whammy”.

He said: “Unemployment in our region is terrible compared to this time last year and that’s just the tip of the iceberg, with that number set to rise as the furlough scheme winds down.

“Our region is facing an unemployment tsunami, and the creative sector is one industry which is set to suffer badly from the jobs crisis.

“Unless the UK and Scottish Governments work fast, we will inevitably see closures and yet more job losses.

“Our region is standing on the edge of an unemployment crisis and without more Government help to support jobs, the number of families in our region who will find themselves out of work is going to rise significantly.

“Covid- 19 started out solely as a public health crisis but as time has progressed, it is now also a serious economic crisis too with the arts and entertainment sector at the centre.”