Government supports wages of more than 40,000 jobs across the Highlands and Western Isles during coronavirus pandemic
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Statistics from HMRC detail the number of employees and self-employed people being supported through the coronavirus crisis.
HMRC says that, since the launch of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) and Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS), the UK government has supported the wages of 44,100 jobs across the Highlands and Western Isles.
Businesses have furloughed 34,800 jobs in the Highlands and Western Isles, up to May 31 since the CJRS was launched on April 220.
An announcement was made on May 12 that the scheme will run until the end of October, though employers will be required to make progressively more contributions.
The SEISS has financially supported 9300 self-employed individuals across the Highlands and Western Isles and paid grants worth a total of £27.7 million up to May 31.
On May 29 this scheme was also extended.
Those eligible to claim the SEISS grant will be able to claim a second and final grant in August of up to £6750.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak 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.”
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: "So far, nearly 800,000 jobs across Scotland have been saved by direct UK government coronavirus support.
"Through the job retention scheme 628,200 Scottish jobs have been furloughed, and the UK government has spent £425 million on supporting 146,000 self-employed people in Scotland.
"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."
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