Businesses need community support
With unemployment in Perth and Kinross rising by 130 per cent between March and May, Conservative councillor John Duff has urged people to support their local businesses.
Tourism-related employment accounts for 13 per cent of the workforce in Perth and Kinross.
Retail, hospitality, tourism and leisure industries have been especially hard hit in Highland Perthshire with significant job losses announced at Crieff Hydro Hotel and Pitlochry Festival Theatre.
Councillor John Duff said everyone should use their local businesses and help to keep jobs in their communities.
He explained: “The coronavirus pandemic has hit the retail, leisure, hospitality and tourism industry particularly hard, especially here in Highland Perthshire. Young people are bearing the brunt of this economic crisis because they tend to work in these sectors.
“So I welcome the chancellor’s plan to protect, support and create jobs and provide vital help for our tourism and hospitality sectors.
“The UK Government’s £13 billion of coronavirus funding has been a godsend for Scotland and I would encourage everyone in Highland Perthshire to make the most of that support, to shop local, eat local, visit our attractions and support our local businesses.
“This will help to retain as many jobs as possible in our communities.”