Labour MSP Rhoda Grant warns of ‘hospitality unemployment crisis’ if Scottish Government does not fight for jobs
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Scottish Labour believes thousands of hospitality staff could be laid off if the furlough scheme ends before a new Jobs Guarantee Scheme is in place.
The party has calculated that hospitality directly employs 6210 people across Inverness and Nairn.
Highlands and Islands MSP Rhoda Grant said: "Across Inverness and Nairn, many people will be enjoying their first meal out since March, and many chefs, waiting staff and kitchen staff will be back at work for the first time since then.
"But necessary social distancing measures mean businesses are unable to trade at normal levels.
"The effects of this are already being seen, with some workers having been laid off in spite of government support.
"The UK government has responded to pressure and offered restaurants support – but only in the short-term.
"Otherwise a hospitality unemployment crisis could cause serious damage – not just for the workers laid off, but for everyone in Inverness and Nairn.
"With 6210 workers employed in the sector, Inverness and Nairn’s economy depends on hospitality jobs, and the Highland hospitality sector needs jobs for good.
"Extending the furlough scheme in this sector could provide a lifeline to thousands of workers.
"The Scottish Government must step up the fight to save these jobs.
"Businesses need greater support to make the adaptations they need to accommodate greater social distancing, allowing them to keep more staff on their books.
"A quality Jobs Guarantee Scheme could stimulate demand as well, so that when the furlough scheme ends in other sectors workers can still afford to visit restaurants and bars."
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