SNP: SCOTLAND MUST HAVE POWERS IF WESTMINSTER WON’T ACT
5 August 2020
The SNP has renewed calls to extend the furlough scheme and devolve financial powers to protect jobs – as WH Smiths and M&Co become the latest businesses to announce job losses.
The news that 1,900 jobs could go at the companies follows 4,600 job losses at Pizza Express, Dixons Carphone, Hays Travel and DW Sports earlier this week.
It comes as the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) urged a rethink of support for businesses – warning replacement measures will not make up for the end of the Job Retention Scheme.
Last month, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) warned UK unemployment could surpass the peaks of the 1980s, after weaker than expected economic growth – while the UK manufacturing sector warned of a “jobs bloodbath” in the autumn.
Analysis from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) found the UK economy is 24.5% smaller than it was in February – with 650,000 fewer people employed. Separately, the British Chambers of Commerce quarterly recruitment outlook revealed almost a third (29%) of firms expect to axe jobs over the third quarter – a record high.
Commenting, SNP Shadow Business Secretary Drew Hendry MP said:
“The Tory government is failing businesses and causing mass redundancies by cutting off the furlough scheme prematurely and withholding the powers Scotland needs for a strong recovery.
“The Chancellor has been warned repeatedly that cutting off financial support in the middle of a global pandemic will lead to thousands of job losses but he is refusing to listen.
“The SNP has been pressing the UK government to act for months – and they have failed to deliver. By refusing to act, the Tories will bear the blame for the damage done to families and communities as unemployment soars.
“If Westminster won’t act then it must devolve the powers so Scotland can get on with the job. Scotland can make different choices for an investment-led recovery that protects jobs – but only with the powers that other normal independent countries already have.
“The Tories are leaving Scotland to tackle this unprecedented crisis with one hand tied behind our back. It is clearer than ever that the only way to properly protect Scotland’s economy is to become an independent country.”