UK government supports nearly 900,000 jobs across Scotland

New figures released by the government show that until the end of June, nearly 900,000 jobs across Scotland have been supported by the UK government’s package of coronavirus support.

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has furloughed 736,500 Scottish workers, 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 that not only have 900,000 jobs in Scotland been supported by UK-wide coronavirus assistance, but 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," said Mr Jack. 

“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.