THIRD OF JOBS UNDER THREAT

Think tank looks to Brexit and coronavirus impact

A new report is predicting a bleak future for almost a third of West Lothian’s workforce.

The study by Westminster-based think tank The Social Market Foundation (SMF) says West Lothian would be among the worst affected area in Scotland by the impact of coronavirus and Brexit if an agreement is not reached.

Edinburgh, Falkirk and West Lothian have the highest concentration of workers in the manufacturing, banking and insurance sectors that SMF believe will be worst hit.

Data from the SMF report shows that 26,600 people work in such industries in West Lothian, almost 30 per cent of all jobs.

Falkirk has 22,300 jobs in these sectors but as they have a smaller population this represents 30 per cent of all jobs.

In Edinburgh, 25 per cent of all jobs would be at risk, with 67,000 people in these positions.

The report was commissioned by the cross-party group ‘ Best for Britain’ and was released in anticipation of the final round of UK-EU negotiations.

SMF director James Kirkup

said: “Our purpose here is not to influence policymakers’ decisions but to inform them – and also inform the public they serve. This report shows the public what kind of future awaits the economy, nationally, regionally and locally, as Britain begins its new relationship with the EU and tries to manage the coronavirus.”

Neil Findlay MSP said: “These are very worrying times for families, many people are fearful of the impact of coronavirus on their jobs and business and when we add the confusion and lack of certainty that Brexit brings, this could be a really toxic mix.

“We have to ensure that governments at a Scottish and UK level do not think they can go back to what happened before. We will need strong government led economic planning and intervention if we are going to get through these difficult times. We cannot allow working people and their families to be seen as some sort of ‘collateral damage’ of this crisis.”

Miles Briggs MSP said: “The UK government is working hard in negotiations with the EU and is determined to secure a comprehensive agreement that delivers the best possible trade deal which is in the interests of both the UK and the EU. Talks between Ministers and officials will be stepped up in the coming weeks.

“In terms of the pandemic, the UK government has provided an unprecedented amount of support to workers and businesses across West Lothian and the rest of the UK – not least through the furlough scheme – and it will continue to look at how it can support the economy as lockdown restrictions are lifted.

“I will also continue to press the Scottish Government to do all it can to invest in

West Lothian’s economy.”

Angela Constance MSP said: “Brexit was always going to damage our economy and it is incredulous that the UK government will carry on regardless despite the impact of the pandemic.

“Given the nature of our local economy I am not surprised that West Lothian, along with neighbouring Falkirk and Edinburgh will be amongst the worst affected with the double whammy of Covid-19 and Brexit. The people of West Lothian like the the rest of Scotland did not vote for Brexit yet we are expected to put up with the devastating impact on our economy and jobs.”