Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP for Central Scotland, Graham Simpson, says the SNP Government must bring in a cancellation compensation fund to prevent job losses caused by changes to Covid guidance.
Mr Simpson’s call comes as businesses in Lanarkshire are hit by a wave of cancellations following Nicola Sturgeon’s plea for people to avoid Christmas parties. That followed similar advice from Public Health Scotland.
However, the SNP are yet to say if any compensation will be given to businesses in Lanarkshire.
Mr Simpson says the Scottish Government have the funding at their disposal right now to set up a short-term compensation fund.
Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP, Graham Simpson said: “Jobs in Lanarkshire will be at risk if small businesses lose out on vital revenue that they were expecting over the festive period.
“The emergence of the new variant is a bitter blow to businesses across Central Scotland at one of their busiest periods of the year. The SNP need to step up and give them more support, but right now they appear to be passing the buck.
“Unlike businesses in Lanarkshire who have been badly hit by the pandemic, the SNP don’t have a cash flow issue.
“They have money in their accounts to establish an emergency compensation fund to protect jobs.
“I am very keen to see the Scottish and UK Government’s working together constructively in light of this new situation.
“If stricter restrictions return, then I accept that more support from the Treasury would be necessary and my colleagues and I would make that clear.
“However, in the short term, businesses in Lanarkshire need cash urgently. The SNP must act before even more damage is done.”
