MSP hails furlough and self-employed scheme for helping to protect almost 16,000 jobs in Aberdeenshire
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
MSP for Aberdeenshire West, Alexander Burnett, has hailed the continued support of the UK Government’s furlough and self-employed income support schemes for helping to protect almost 16,000 jobs in the region.
The latest figures from the Treasury show the UK Government are continuing to protect 11,600 jobs in Aberdeenshire through the furlough scheme.
In addition, by the end of December, a total of 4,200 claims had been made across the region to the self-employed income support scheme to a total value of £13million.
Mr Burnett says it shows the UK Government are continuing to do all they can to protect jobs and livelihoods as Aberdeenshire continues to deal with the effects of the Covid pandemic.
He also criticised the Scottish Government for failing to get vital business support out the door quick enough to firms desperate for support.
Mr Burnett said: “Ever since the Covid pandemic began, the UK Government have stepped up to protect jobs and livelihoods right across Aberdeenshire.
“As we continue to deal with the pandemic, the UK Government are protecting 15,800 jobs in the area which is absolutely fantastic.
“That shows the benefits of pulling our resources across the United Kingdom in a time of crisis.
“By extending the furlough scheme until the end of April, the UK Government are continuing to give the economic support necessary to safeguard vital livelihoods in Aberdeenshire.
“Now the SNP Government must also step up and urgently get funding out the door to businesses far quicker than they have done over the last ten months.”
