Figures
show, until the end of June, nearly 900,000 jobs
across Scotland have been supported by the UK Government’s
unprecedented package of coronavirus support.
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has furloughed 736,500
Scottish workers. This is an increase of more than 100,000
jobs since the end of May. The UK Government has also spent
£449 million on supporting 155,000 self-employed people in
Scotland through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.
Commenting on the figures, Scottish Secretary said:
“The UK Government has supported almost 900,000 jobs in
Scotland so far through our unprecedented package of
UK-wide coronavirus assistance. People and businesses in
Scotland also continue to benefit from UK-wide schemes such
as VAT deferral, company loans and Universal Credit.
“This is in addition to the extra £4.6 billion allocated to
the Scottish Government for coronavirus funding through the
Barnett Formula.
“As shown by the Chancellor’s “Plan for Jobs”, the UK
Government continues to do 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.”
The UK Government has pledged to extend the Coronavirus Job
Retention Scheme until the end of October, with flexible
part-time furloughing starting at the beginning of July to
support businesses as the economy starts to reopen.
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.
