Calls to extend furlough scheme supported by Aberdeenshire East MSP
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Aberdeenshire East MSP Gillian Martin has backed calls from the Scottish Government to ensure the furlough scheme continues until coronavirus restrictions end.
It comes amid plans by the Treasury to end the furlough scheme on July 1 – despite a delay to plans which would see all restrictions eased later this month.
During an update on the restrictions, Ms Martin urged the UK Government to “urgently rethink” plans and extend the furlough scheme until all restrictions are lifted.
She said in Holyrood: "Concerns have been raised about the UK Government’s plans, which the First Minister mentioned, to phase out the furlough scheme from July 1, despite the fact that we are still under restrictions.
"Does she agree that the UK Government must urgently rethink those plans and extend the furlough scheme until Covid restrictions are fully lifted?"
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon agreed with Ms Martin’s comments and said the furlough scheme should stay “in place for as long as it is needed”.
She said: "We have consistently made the case – along with others, it is fair to say – that the furlough scheme should remain in place for as long as it is needed.
"We have also asked the UK Government to review the rules that will require contributions to the cost of the scheme from July and which currently exclude people who have started a new job since March 2 from being furloughed.
"What further assistance will be in place to support jobs and necessary labour market transitions in sectors that are most deeply affected by Covid must also be clear to businesses and workers well in advance of the scheme ending.
"Given the Prime Minister’s announcement and the situation that all of us across the UK are dealing with, the case for the need to extend furlough further is really strong, and is getting stronger all the time.
Ms Martin said afterwards: “It is clear from the First Minister’s comments the furlough scheme is needed – particularly in the sectors which have been most deeply affected by Covid. There needs to be an urgent rethink about this decision.
“Businesses and workers must also be notified well in advance of the scheme ending to ensure they are prepared for any transition.
“We must ensure that anyone who has started a job since the beginning of March are not excluded from being furloughed if it is necessary.
“Businesses and staff have been through an incredibly turbulent time over the past 18 months and we should be doing everything we can to continue to support them.”
