1 in 3 fear they’ll lose their job as Covid-19 hits family f inances

‘Uncertainty about the future’

MORE than a third of Scots are worried about job security amid fears about the impact of the economic crisis on their finances.

Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) said a recent survey showed that 37 per cent of workers fear they may lose their job over the next 12 months.

Researchers also found many people are concerned about finances, with 19 per cent of respondents worried about mortgage repayments, 22 per cent anxious about being able to afford utility bills, and 27 per cent troubled by debt payments.

In addition, one in five Scots fear that they will be unable to afford to pay their council tax bills.

CAS social justice spokesman Mhoraig Green said: ‘That there is such widespread concern over job security over the next year shows the size and scale of the economic storm people in Scotland are facing as a result of the pandemic.

‘Concerns over job security and incomes are leading to significant worries over key bills and the cost of living, with one in five people worried about losing their home because they can’t afford their rent or mortgage repayments. All of this means it’s vital we see action from policy makers.

‘The UK and Scottish Governments, as well as local government and industry, took swift and decisive action at the start of lockdown to ensure people were protected.

‘The furlough scheme has been so crucial in this, but it is set to wind down in October along with other protections.

‘Our concern is that many people will face new levels of financial insecurity, which will see poverty levels soar.’

Figures published by the Treasury show that 779,500 were furloughed through the UK Government’s job retention scheme in July, 43,000 higher than the previous month.

A further 157,000 received selfemployment support from the Treasury to protect them from lost earnings, up by 2,000 compared with the previous month. The furlough scheme is due to end at the end of next month, sparking fears of an avalanche of job losses.

Polling expert Mark Diffley, who carried out the CAS survey, said: ‘Our latest polling for Citizens Advice Scotland both underlines ongoing financial concerns for many people and points to significant uncertainty about the future as the country continues to feel the impact of Covid-19.

‘Although we have not returned to levels of worry felt when the pandemic first appeared in the spring, around one in five of us are still concerned about core aspects of our everyday financial commitments, including our ability to pay rent (21 per cent), pay mortgages (19 per cent), pay for food and other essentials and pay utility bills (22 per cent).

‘Again, we observe that these worries are higher among the financially less well-off, which has been a theme throughout this research.’

He added: ‘Looking to the future, it is clear that many Scots are fearful of their financial futures.’

A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘We agree completely with Citizens Advice Scotland about how essential it is that the UK Government extends the furlough scheme – and we have made that point repeatedly to the UK Government.

‘Withdrawing furlough would put many thousands of jobs at risk and the UK Government should follow the example of countries like Germany by extending the scheme.

‘If they fail to do so then the necessary financial powers should be transferred to Scotland so we can take the action needed here.’