Financial support isinplace

Perth and North Perthshire MP Pete Wishart has stressed financial support will be made available to local businesses likely to take a hit as the coronavirus spreads across the country.

In a statement issued yesterday the SNP MP also sought to reassure workers worried about losing wages through taking time off ill they won’t be left entirely without cash during the unfolding crisis.

He said: “The first message to businesses is that there is support in place to help you through this, and to employees [the message is] you should not be penalised for doing the right thing.

“The UK Government has already pledged to extend Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) to those who are self-isolating and SSP may be available to those on zero hour contracts.

“If employees need to provide evidence to their employer that they need to stay at home due to coronavirus, they will be able to get it from the NHS 111 online instead of having to get a fit note from their doctor – this is currently under development and will be made available soon.

“For businesses a £320 million package has been put in place to help them through the next few weeks and months. There will be a 75 per cent rates relief for retail, hospitality and leisure sectors and an £80 million fund to provide grants of at least £3000 to small businesses in sectors facing the worst economic impact of COVID-19.

“This is a going to be a tough and challenging time for businesses, employees and those on benefits and both Scottish and UK Governments have pledged to be as flexible and accommodating as they can be to help all our community get through this.”