UK Government supports nearly 800,000 jobs across Scotland

Thursday, 11 June 2020 15:45

New statistics show that nearly 800,000 jobs (up to the end of May) across Scotland have been saved by the UK Government’s unprecedented package of coronavirus support. The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has furloughed 628,000 Scottish jobs, and the UK Government has spent £425 million on supporting 146,000 self-employed people in Scotland through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme....Request free trial

New statistics show that nearly 800,000 jobs (up to the end of May) across Scotland have been saved by the UK Government’s unprecedented package of coronavirus support.

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has furloughed 628,000 Scottish jobs, and the UK Government has spent £425 million on supporting 146,000 self-employed people in Scotland through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.

Both scheme were announced by the Chancellor in March, at the start of the pandemic, as part of a package of measures to support jobs, businesses and individuals affected by the outbreak.

Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said:

The UK Government is doing everything we can to, protect jobs and businesses in Scotland and across the UK during the crisis. Our unprecedented job retention and self-employment support schemes have supported the livelihoods of millions and will help ensure our recovery is as swift and possible.

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said:

So far, nearly 800,000 jobs across Scotland have been saved by direct UK Government coronavirus support. Through the job retention scheme 628,000 Scottish jobs have been furloughed, and the UK Government has spent £425 million on supporting 146,000 self-employed people in Scotland. People and businesses in Scotland have also benefited from UK-wide schemes such as VAT deferral, company loans and Universal Credit. In addition, the Scottish Government has been allocated an extra £3.8 billion in coronavirus funding through the Barnett Formula.

The UK Government is doing whatever it takes to get Scotland, and the whole of the UK, through the coronavirus pandemic and ensure our economy can get back on track. This unprecedented package of UK Government support is protecting Scottish jobs and businesses, and will ensure that Scotland’s economy can recover for the future.

The UK Government has pledged to extend the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme until the end of October, with flexible part-time furloughing beginning in July to support businesses as the economy reopens.

The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme has also been extended with those eligible able to claim a second and final grant in August of up to £6,570.

The two schemes are part of a comprehensive economic package of support including business loans, income tax and VAT deferrals, increased levels of Universal Credit and mortgage holidays.