MP Gavin hits out at ‘gaps’ in retention scheme

A Paisley MP is has hit out over the narrow scope of changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

While many have welcomed the announcement that the scheme is being extended to cover more workers in Renfrewshire, Gavin Newlands says strict criteria will stop many businesses and employees from benefiting at all.

Gavin, SNP man for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, is calling on the Chancellor to make meaningful changes so anyone with a contract of employment by March 19 is covered.

The SNP is also calling for the Chancellor to reconsider his refusal to introduce a comprehensive financial package, including a guaranteed minimum income, to ensure no one is left behind.

He said: “It’s now clear from the detail that this announcement is not what it seemed.

“Thousands of businesses and workers will continue to lose out – unless the UK Government makes meaningful changes to fix the serious gaps in the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

“SNP MPs have been cont a c t e d by many businesses and employees who say the nar row criteria being imposed has dashed their hopes of help.

“Frankly, that’s not good enough.

“Further changes are now required so that anyone with a contract of employment by March 19 gets the support they need.

“From the start of this crisis, I’ve urged the UK Government to introduce a comprehensive f i nancial package to ensure no one is left behind.

“It’s vital the Chancellor now fixes the gaps in these schemes, and looks again at introducing a guaranteed minimum income and strengthened welfare protections – so everyone gets the help they