Edward Mountain MSP for the Highlands and Islands Region has highlighted the ongoing economic support being provided by the UK Government through the furlough scheme.
Edward Mountain MSP says it shows the UK Government are continuing to step up at every turn to protect vital jobs and livelihoods in the Highlands as restrictions continue to ease.
The latest figures show that at the end of March, the UK Treasury were continuing to protect 17,730 jobs in the Highland Council area through the furlough scheme.
Edward Mountain MSP says the furlough scheme, alongside other economic support, has shown the strength of the United Kingdom during a time in crisis. By contrast, SNP Ministers have continually failed to get vital grants out to businesses during the Covid pandemic.
Highlands and Islands MSP, Edward Mountain said:
“Ever since the pandemic began, the UK Government’s furlough scheme has stepped up to protect vital jobs and livelihoods across the Highlands.
“While the extraordinary success of the UK Government’s vaccination scheme means we are looking towards the end of the health crisis, we are facing a looming economic crisis. That is why it is so important the furlough scheme was extended until the end of September by the UK Government.
“The furlough scheme, alongside support for the self-employed and billions worth of business loans has shown the strength of pooling our resources together across the United Kingdom in a time of crisis. The furlough scheme is still protecting 17,730 in the Highland Council area.
“Sadly, SNP Ministers have been too slow throughout this crisis in delivering vital funding to businesses in the Highlands.
“All our focus must be on the recovery and rebuilding of our communities in this new session of Parliament."
