Tories warn of post-Covid job loss crisis
THE Conservatives have predicted a post-pandemic “tsunami” of job losses unless there is urgent action to support the economy. Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross unveiled his party’s “rebuilding roadmap” in Glasgow, outlining a three-phase plan for recovery.
He said economic development agencies across the country were needed, with job security councils for different sectors and thousands more teachers need to be recruited in the next five years.
Ross said: “The easing of restrictions will kick-start the economy but it will not prevent an economic crisis. A tsunami of job losses and business failures will still hit Scotland unless urgent action is taken.
“As the most anti-business First Minister since devolution, Nicola Sturgeon is not suited to lead an SNP majority government through the looming economic crisis.
“There is a real risk of an SNP majority that fails to support Scotland’s recovery with the necessary jobs plan to match the scale of this emergency and instead chooses to drag Scotland through the economic uncertainty of another divisive referendum.
“Our rebuilding roadmap presents a detailed blueprint to get Scotland on a faster road to recovery ahead of the SNP’s schedule, prioritising mental and physical health, and launching a raft of proposals to protect jobs and spur economic growth.”
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar announced a plan for free meals for all school pupils during the summer holidays through the creation of summer catch-up clubs.
All primary and secondary school pupils would be eligible.
Sarwar said: “This pandemic has thrown the existing inequalities in our society into sharp relief.
“Around a quarter of children in Scotland live in relative poverty – that is a scandal.
“And we know that while many children continue to enjoy daily nutritional meals throughout the summer, many are left to go hungry.
“By introducing summer meal clubs for all of Scotland’s school pupils, Scottish Labour will put the fight against child poverty and holiday hunger at the heart of our National Recovery Plan.”
Meanwhile, the SNP set out plans for two new elective treatment centres, including one at Cumbernauld.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Our plan envisages that by 2025, an additional 1500 staff will be recruited to work in the new national elective and diagnostic treatment centres that are being established across the country to carry out more planned operations.
“Like the fantastic Golden Jubilee Hospital in Clydebank, these elective centres will be dedicated to delivering planned care only, rather than the mix of emergency and planned treatment carried out in most of our existing hospitals.”