Moray's hospitality sector needs more help – Labour
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SCOTTISH Labour is warning Moray faces a hospitality unemployment crisis unless the Scottish Government steps up the fight for jobs as the sector reopens.
The party says that if the furlough scheme ends before a quality Jobs Guarantee Scheme is in place, thousands of workers in the region's restaurants, bars and cafés could be laid off.
It says the furlough scheme must be extended in the hospitality sector, which directly employs 2,790 people across Moray.
Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Rhoda Grant said: "Across Moray, many people will be enjoying their first meal out since March, and many chefs, waiting staff and kitchen staff will be back at work for the first time since then.
"But necessary social distancing measures mean businesses are unable to trade at normal levels. The effects of this are already being seen, with some workers having been laid off in spite of government support.
"The UK Government has responded to pressure and offered restaurants support – but only in the short-term. Otherwise a hospitality unemployment crisis could cause serious damage – not just for the workers laid off, but for everyone in Moray.
"Moray’s economy depends on hospitality jobs, and Moray’s hospitality sector needs jobs for good. Extending the furlough scheme in this sector could provide a lifeline to thousands of workers.
"The Scottish Government must step up the fight to save these jobs."
Ms Grant said businesses needed more support to make the adaptations required to accommodate greater social distancing, which would allow them to keep more staff on their books.
She added: "A quality Jobs Guarantee Scheme could stimulate demand as well, so that when the furlough scheme ends in other sectors workers can still afford to visit restaurants and bars."
