Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP Graham Simpson for Central Scotland has highlighted the ongoing economic support being provided by the UK Government through the furlough scheme.
Mr. Simpson says it shows the UK Government are continuing to step up at every turn to protect vital jobs and livelihoods in South Lanarkshire as restrictions continue to ease.
The latest figures show that at the end of March, the UK Treasury were continuing to protect 55,700 jobs in South Lanarkshire through the furlough scheme.
Mr. Simpson 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.
Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP Graham Simpson said: “Ever since the pandemic began, the UK Government’s furlough scheme has stepped up to protect vital jobs and livelihoods in South Lanarkshire.
"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 55,700 jobs in South Lanarkshire.
“Sadly, SNP Ministers have been too slow throughout this crisis in delivering vital funding to businesses in South Lanarkshire. All our focus must be on our recovery and rebuilding our communities in South Lanarkshire, rather than obsessing over another referendum.”
