‘FORGOTTEN MILLIONS’ STILL LEFT OUT OF SCHEMES
25 June 2020
The SNP has renewed calls on the UK Government to fix the serious gaps in its coronavirus support, as the New Starter Justice campaign launches a day of online protest for those still left out.
Backing the #GapsInSupport campaign, Alison Thewliss MP said there were still “gaping holes in the financial support on offer”- with many people not covered by any of the schemes despite months of pressure.
The SNP Shadow Chancellor renewed calls to maintain support for employed and self-employed people as long as is necessary in each of the four nations – and expand the schemes to cover the recently employed and self-employed, seasonal workers and freelancers.
Last week, the cross-party Treasury Select Committee urged the Chancellor to make good on his commitment to “do whatever it takes” to support people – warning that more than a million people have fallen through the cracks in the income support schemes.
Commenting, Ms Thewliss said:
“Despite months of pressure, the Tory government has ignored the evidence and left millions of people without the support they need.
“There are still gaping holes in the financial support on offer – with many recently employed, seasonal workers, freelancers, and self-employed people getting little to no help during this unprecedented health and economic emergency.
“Experts are warning we could face a year or more of this crisis, and the very real danger of local flare ups and a second wave. It is vital that the financial schemes are maintained for as long as is necessary in all four nations – and expanded to include those currently falling through the gaps.
“As the Fraser of Allander Institute has said – withdrawing financial support could result in a raft of redundancies and business closures. Saving people’s jobs and businesses must be the priority.
“With unemployment rising it is also integral that the Chancellor introduces a comprehensive recovery package, strengthened welfare protections and an emergency guaranteed income for all – to ensure no one is left behind.
“The SNP will continue to press for comprehensive support to help all people through this crisis – and for the financial powers and funding the Scottish Parliament will need to secure a strong recovery in Scotland.”
