Key workers make up 30 per cent of people

STEPHEN BARK

Just 30 per cent of people in South Lanarkshire are key workers, prompting fears the region’s economy could be harder hit by the coronavirus lockdown.

Annual population data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that South Lanarkshire ranked 30th out of 32 local authority areas in Scotland for the proportion of key workers.

Only Orkney (29 per cent) and Aberdeen City (28.1 per cent) had a lower proportion of key workers than South Lanarkshire.

A lower proportion of key workers means more people are employed in industries that have been hardest hit by the lockdown.

Analysis of the ONS data and online trends by comparison website money.co.uk found that across Scotland 35 per cent of the population was employed as a key worker and that there had been an increase in searches online for key worker jobs.

East Kilbride SNP MSP Linda Fabiani said: “This is an interesting study and the report from this comparison website does suggest there are fewer folk across South Lanarkshire working in key industries and services than in neighbouring local authorities.

“By their very nature these studies are broad-brush rather than detailed, so the figures probably bear further analysis.

“This pandemic is already having a profound effect on our economy in East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire and right across Scotland. The UK Government is already talking of another recession.

“Obviously that’s worrying when you consider that here in East Kilbride we have the largest retail sector in South Lanarkshire, already badly affected because of the necessary temporary closures of shops and leisure facilities.

“However, in East Kilbride we have large and varied workforce, from the key workers noted in the study to many others working in important and diverse industries and services.

“That core of innovation and skills, along with our excellent education and training facilities, is one of the strengths of our town and will serve us well in the future.“

Commenting on the results of the study Salman Haqqi, personal finance expert at money.co.uk, said: “Throughout the coronavirus crisis, key workers across the UK have been doing their bit to ensure the country is kept healthy, well stocked and safe.

“Our research clearly shows that their heroic efforts have inspired the nation to consider jobs in helping others and doing their bit to make a difference. In these troubled times, it’s wonderful to see such a positive response to the hard work being put in by the essential workforce.”