More than three-quarters of a million Scots jobs saved by `furlough’ schemes

More than three-quarters of a million Scots have had their jobs safeguarded by the Treasury's bailout of the out the economy, official figures today show.

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack

It has emerged that 628,000 jobs have been furloughed, while 146,000 self-employed jobs have also been saved through £425 million of support.

The Job Retention Scheme has seen the Government pay 80% of the wages of workers forced to stay at home during the coronavirus lockdown.

The figures for Scotland, taking in the self-employment support, represent about a third of the country’s total workforce.

Scottish Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: "People and businesses in Scotland have also benefited from UK-wide schemes such as VAT deferral, company loans and Universal Credit. In addition, the Scottish Government has been allocated an extra £3.8 billion in coronavirus funding through the Barnett Formula.

“The UK Government is doing 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. This unprecedented package of UK Government support is protecting Scottish jobs and businesses, and will ensure that Scotland’s economy can recover for the future.”

Today’s figures cover the period up to May 31, across a wide range of sectors including retail, agriculture and construction.

Over 58,000 people have been furloughed in Edinburgh, with 74,400 receiving support through the CJRS in the Glasgow region.

Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said:

“The UK Government is doing everything we can to protect jobs and businesses in Scotland and across the UK during the crisis. “Our unprecedented job retention and self-employment support schemes have supported the livelihoods of millions and will help ensure our recovery is as swift as possible.”

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