Coronavirus in Scotland: charities warn of 'extraordinary threat' to Scots living in poverty

Oxfam Scotland has united with other organisations across the country.

Oxfam Scotland has joined forces with charities across the country to warn of the ‘extraordinary threat’ the coronavirus pandemic presents to Scots living in poverty.

In a frank letter to MSPs – in a bid to share their concerns – the eight organisations speak of people losing jobs, being unable to heat homes or be able to buy affordable food amid panic buying.

Furthermore, concerns are raised over mental ill-health during social isolation, those with poor literary skills being unable to access information and a spike in loneliness due to a lack of social contact.

“The anti-poverty sector is already working to develop and co-ordinate our policy responses to the range of issues which are rapidly emerging due to this crisis,” the statement reads.

“This is not an exhaustive list of challenges, and it will undoubtedly grow in the days ahead as the full impact of the crisis becomes clearer, but it does show the range of immediate and serious challenges facing people in Scotland, particularly those in poverty.”

The charities encouraged full discussion of the issues with MSPs.