Half of Scots furloughed are back at work as the economy starts to revive
The number of Scots on furlough has almost halved in recent months as large parts of the economy get up and running again, official figures have shown.
Atotal of 288,400 Scots workers were fully furloughed at the end of July, along with the 78.400 partially furloughed. This is down from 628,000 at the height of the pandemic when 146,000 self- employed jobs were also being supported.
But with 15 per cent of jobs still being supported by furl ough north of the Border, there is growing pressure on
Chancellor Rishi Sunak t o extend the scheme beyond the planned wind- down next month.
Scotland’s economy secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “We continue to urge the UK government to implement some form of extension to the Job Retention Scheme to support t he sectors t hat have been most heavily affected by the pandemic.”
She added: “Of course, the furlough scheme cannot continue indefinitely, but it should continue for as long as public health restrictions are in place that require some sectors of our economy to stay closed. An extension would help keep people in jobs while sectors of the economy currently unable to fully open recover and will lead to sustained economic benefits at a relatively small cost.”
The sector with the highest proportion of its workforce eligible for the Job Retention Scheme who were actually furloughed wast hearts, entertainment and recreation industry at 45 per cent, followed by the accommodation and food services sector at 43 per cent.
In all, 58 per cent of employers in the arts, entertainment and recreation sector were using the furlough scheme at the end of July and 57 per cent of employers in accommodation and food services.
Labour leader Richard Leonard added: “These are anxious times for families across Scotland as they try to keep their children in school and hold on to their jobs. Today’s figures reveal that 366,700 workers in Scotland are facing a furlough cliff- edge next month – and this could lead to long- term unemployment on a scale the people of Scotland have not seen in their lifetimes. The Tories are leaving hundreds of thousands of families living in fear in Scotland. Boris Johnson must think again over his government’s rash plan to withdraw the furlough scheme next month.”
The figures also revealed that almost 80,000 Scottish workers went back to work on a part- time basis after the introduction of a flexible furlough option.
Shops, offices, restaurants and factories saw staff return after the scheme began at the start of July aimed at giving businesses the flexibility to bring employees back parttime.
A total of 78,400 Scots returned to the workplace as part of the programme which sees the government continuing to pay 80 per cent of wages for the hours not worked.
Scottish Secretary A lister Jack said :“People in Scotland are coming off full-time furlough and getting back
into work. Our jobs schemes have supported people while they were unable to work, kept them connected to their employer, and are now helping them get back to work – flexibly where that is appropriate.
“The UK government is currently supporting nearly half a million jobs in Scotland, down from a high of more than 930,000 at the end of July. That is really good news, as it means that people are getting back to work.”
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said figures illustrate the “success” of the furlough scheme.
“That so many businesses have been able to get back to trading, and bring their staff back to the workplace is a testament to the impact the scheme has had,” he said.
A case of Covid- 19 has been confirmed at Edinburgh College’s Sighthill Campus after a pupil reportedly turned up to class on Thursday despite having tested positive for the virus.
A member of the college, who wished to remain anonymous, said a student had arrived in class and mentioned they had tested positive for Covid- 19.
The student was then isolated and the area deep- cleaned.
Students and staff they had come into contact with were informed by the college.
“A student who tested positive came in for their class [...] they informed their lecturer and that is when they were quarantined and isolated and the whole area was being deep cleaned,” said the college member. “As far as I know the college followed
College deep cleaned after student turns up despite having tested positive
Elsa Maishman
the correct procedure and it seems the student was at fault for coming in.”
Staff were informed of the case in a note sent out yesterday. “On Thursday 17 September there was a case of Covid- 19 confirmed within Sighthill Campus,” the note read.
“Any students and staff who have been in direct contact with the confirmed case have been contacted by the college, are in the process of being contacted and provided the relevant advice by NHS Lothian and have been told not to come onto campuses.
“Please be reassured that, decontamination has taken place, all health and safety protocols have been followed, and Sighthill Campus remains open.
“Any staff currently based at Sighthill Campus who have not been contacted
should continue to attend the campus if you remain well and are required to do so to deliver teaching and support services. If you have any concerns, please speak to your line manager. It is important that all staff and students who are coming in to campuses, continue to follow government and NHS advice to keep everybody safe. ”
A spokesperson at Edinburgh College said: “Edinburgh College is working with NHS Lothian’s Health Protection team in accordance with national guidance.
“Enhanced infection control measures and enhanced cleaning are in place and all close contacts are in the process of being contacted and provided the relevant advice.
“Students and staff who are required to attend campuses should continue to do so unless they have been advised otherwise.
“The vast majority of Edinburgh College courses and support services continue to be delivered online, with students studying online and staff working at home.
“The health and safety of all students and staff remains the college’s priority at all times.”
The case comes after 11 students tested positive for Covid- 19 following an outbreak at student accommodation for Edinburgh Napier University.
The university is working closely with NHS Lothian’s Test and Protect team, which is investigating the cluster at the Bainfield flats.
The health board’s health protection team has been tracing contacts and advising them to self- isolate for two weeks.