Furlough scheme supporting 14,800 in Highland

Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston has said that the UK Government’s furlough scheme is still playing a vital role in protecting jobs and livelihoods across the Highlands and Islands

“The latest figures, which take us to the end of April, show that across the Highland Council area some 14,800 people were being supported by the furlough scheme," Mr Johnson said today.

“While the number has declined from its peak, the figures clearly show just how important the scheme still is, and why it is so significant that the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, has committed to keeping the scheme going until the end of September.

“I am sure that many people in our region will be relieved to know that when they need it, the UK Government is still there providing support, while the economy gets back on its feet."

Mr Halcro Johnston, the Scottish Conservative shadow minister for business, trade, tourism and enterprise added: “While the UK Government is doing the heavy lifting, we really need to see the Scottish Government doing a lot more to work with local businesses and get funding to them.

“Many businesses, particularly in hospitality and tourism, are unhappy with the lack of engagement of ministers at Holyrood when it comes to dealing with the challenges facing them. That needs to change, otherwise the economic recovery we so badly need could be unnecessarily delayed.”

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