UK Government Supports Nearly 900,000 Jobs Across Scotland

16th July 2020

New figures show the extent of UK Government coronavirus support for Scottish jobs and self-employed people.

Figures show, until the end of June, nearly 900,000 jobs across Scotland have been supported by the UK Government's unprecedented package of coronavirus support.

See the Figures HERE

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has furloughed 736,500 Scottish workers. This is an increase of more than 100,000 jobs since the end of May. The UK Government has also spent £449 million on supporting 155,000 self-employed people in Scotland through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.

Commenting on the figures, Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said:"The UK Government has supported almost 900,000 jobs in Scotland so far through our unprecedented package of UK-wide coronavirus assistance. People and businesses in Scotland also continue to benefit from UK-wide schemes such as VAT deferral, company loans and Universal Credit.

"This is in addition to the extra £4.6 billion allocated to the Scottish Government for coronavirus funding through the Barnett Formula.

"As shown by the Chancellor's "Plan for Jobs", the UK Government continues to do whatever it takes to get Scotland, and the whole of the UK, through the coronavirus pandemic and ensure our economy can get back on track."

The UK Government has pledged to extend the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme until the end of October, with flexible part-time furloughing starting at the beginning of July to support businesses as the economy starts to reopen.

The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme has also been extended with those eligible able to claim a second and final grant in August of up to £6,570.