Furlough scheme helps protect 3000 jobs across the Western Isles

Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron has hailed the UK Government’s Job Retention Scheme for helping to protect 3,000 jobs across the Western Isles, while £2.8m has been claimed under the self-employed support scheme.

By Kevin McRoberts

Published 27th Aug 2020, 07:10 BST

Donald Cameron MSP says the UK Government support has been vital for the Western Isles.

Mr Cameron said: “Unprecedented times call for extraordinary actions and Rishi Sunak has delivered them in spades.

“This crisis has clearly shown the strength of the Union and the benefit of a UK- wide response to the pandemic.

“I was delighted that the Chancellor demonstrated his commitment to all parts of the country by visiting several communities in Scotland to learn first-hand from local businesses and communities about the impact his measures are having.”

The latest figures show that 779,500 people in Scotland have been protected by the furlough scheme, with 3,000 protected in the Western Isles as at July 31.

And 1,000 claims worth £2.8m have been made in the Western Isles under the Government’s self-employed scheme up to the same date.