Nearly 20,000 staff on furlough scheme

‘Astonishing’number getting Covid crisis support

A total of 19,700 employees have been furloughed in Perth and Kinross.

Perth and North Perthshire MP Pete Wishart says while the scheme has been a “lifeline” for many, the number of workers who did not qualify for the UK Government’s job retention scheme was “staggering.”

The latest statistics published by the HMRC show that 628,200 workers have been furloughed in Scotland.

In a breakdown of statistics by parliamentary constituency, in Perth and North Perthshire 13,000 workers have been furloughed with 12,500 in Ochil and South Perthshire (which includes 5,800 in Clackmannanshire).

Perth and North Perthshire MP Wishart said: “The furlough scheme, though not perfect, has been a lifeline for many people in my constituency.

“Nearly 20,000 people across Perth and Kinross have been furloughed at some point during this crisis.

“The number of people who did not qualify for UK Government support was staggering though.

“Whilst I commend the Treasury for putting together the furlough scheme so quickly, they have been very slow to support those people such as those who are directors of small limited companies.”

The SNP MP is also concerned about the number of job losses in the area which have recently been announced.

Crieff Hydro, Pitlochry Festival Theatre and Fishers Laundry are just some of the businesses who have announced job cuts triggered by the pandemic.

Mr Wishart said: “The number of businesses in my constituency who have already announced potential job losses is stark and we need the UK Government to ensure that as much continuing support is given as possible, in order to prevent further economic damage. Coronavirus has had a massive impact on our lives and the economy, and we must ensure that our response to the next phase offers as much protection to jobs as is possible.”

Meanwhile, Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP Liz Smith praised the UK Government’s job retention scheme, saying it had helped protect thousands of jobs across Perth and Kinross.

The MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife said: “These figures from the job retention scheme are absolutely astonishing and highlight the support provided by the UK Government in order to protect thousands of jobs across Perth and Kinross.”

She believes Scotland has been “strengthened” by being part of the UK and the support from Westminster has been “invaluable.”

Ms Smith said: “This crisis has truly shown the strength of being part of the union and the need for a UK-wide response to this unprecedented crisis.”