Financial support must continue

Neil Gray MP has hit out at the UK Government’s move to end coronavirus financial support following the release of the June claimant figures for his Airdrie & Shotts constituency.

The statistics revealed that those claiming unemployment related benefits had risen by 1730 from the start of March, before the Covid-19 lockdown began.

Across Airdrie & Shotts, there were 2300 claims for the self- employed income support scheme – 78 per cent of all those eligible to claim .

And 12,600 residents in the constituency were placed on furlough – 31 per cent of those eligible.

Mr Gray, who is also the SNP spokesperson for work and pensions, said: “If these figures are replicated across the UK, then alarm bells should be ringing.

“Airdrie & Shotts cannot afford to lose jobs and I really worry that those on furlough will not be able to return to their work if further assistance is not forthcoming.

“Thousands of jobs are already being cut and businesses are going under.

“The Tories must show they have learned the lessons of the Thatcher years and invest now to stop the devastation caused to communities by ongoing high and lasting unemployment.”

Mr Gray continued: “The UK fiscal statement was nowhere near ambitious enough and the Tory decision to cut off the furlough scheme prematurely, at a time when we could be heading into a second wave, is almost certain to cause unnecessary job losses and suffering for many.

“Scotland’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic must not be hindered by Westminster.

“The SNP will continue to press the UK Government to deliver the powers and funds that Scotland would already have benefitted from as an independent country.”