Government has to step up to the plate
People across Rutherglen and Cambuslang have been hit hard by the pandemic, we can see that in the official figures – but it’s also becoming clear through being out and about in the community.
I have been disappointed to see Ciao Bella in Burnside join the many businesses which have not reopened.
Others have, and found the situation is no longer financially viable and have been forced to shut again.
It is devastating to see businesses succumb to the economic impacts of the pandemic which in turn is throwing people into unemployment.
More than 128,000 people in Scotland are unemployed. This comes at a time of economic crisis, leaving people wondering where to turn for support.
With the furlough scheme coming to an end, a jobs guarantee scheme must be introduced or even more households will find they cannot make ends meet.
The Scottish Government has failed to meet Scottish Labour’s requests to bring forward the forthcoming Scottish Child Payment, meaning this money will not reach families until 2021. But families up and down the country need support now.
Scotland continues to have the highest unemployment rate out of all the nations of the UK. Just as the SNP government left Scotland unprepared for the public health crisis, this SNP government has left us unprepared too for this jobs crisis.
Scottish Labour’s research suggests that 350,000 jobs are at risk when the furlough scheme ends. It’s time for both the SNP and Tory governments to step up. The Tories must reconsider withdrawing the furlough scheme, and the SNP must look to implement a quality guarantee scheme if either intends to stand up for the interests for people in communities like Rutherglen.
The Scottish Government must also support those in industries it has not yet allowed to return to work.
I have been hearing from constituents in this situation who have been left with no alternative income.
The Government is failing these people, and already leaving them struggling to cover bills and living costs.
It must seriously consider the impacts of its guidance, and where it deems it is necessary to continue restricting certain sectors it must put in place economic support.
Our community has pulled together, followed the rules and made it through lockdow.
The government must now ensure our community is prepared and supported through the economic crisis that will follow.