Furlough scheme extended to March – the reaction in Moray
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Moray's politicians have welcomed the news that the furlough scheme will continue until the end of March.
However, there are widely different views on the timing of Rishi Sunak's announcement and the motives behind it
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, told the the House of Commons this afternoon that wages will continue to be paid up to 80%.
Richard Lochhead called the move a "long-overdue Tory U-turn", adding that it had come too late for thousands of workers who have already been made redundant.
Moray's MSP said: "For the last six months the SNP and devolved governments have consistently been calling for furlough to be extended and were repeatedly told ‘no’ by the UK Government.
"So this long overdue U-turn is welcome.
"The Chancellor has been forced to change tack after months of delays and uncertainty, and for many this will be too late.
"There will undoubtedly be people in Moray who have lost their jobs due to the Conservative Government’s refusal to extend furlough before now.
"Local employers had to work on the basis of what they were told which was that furloughing was ending.
"It’s a disgrace that Westminster was only willing to act when the south of England was facing lockdown.
"The UK Government has had to be dragged kicking and screaming into extending this support.
"Decisions on restrictions and lockdown should be taken based on scientific advice.
"It is hugely important for jobs in Moray that Scotland has access to the furlough scheme if and when we need it."
Meanwhile, Moray's MP said that people in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland should be assured that the government support will apply to all four nations of the UK, with an increase in upfront grants to the devolved administrations amounting £16billion in total.
Douglas Ross said: "I have consistently made the case since the weekend that jobs here in Moray and across Scotland had to be protected at all costs.
"I am very pleased to see that the Scottish Conservative pressure has now delivered.
"Rishi Sunak has gone above and beyond.
"Once again, this UK Government has demonstrated it will do whatever it takes to support the country.
"Thankfully, Moray is currently at Tier One in terms of Scottish Covid-19 restrictions.
"However, businesses now know they can access the furlough scheme to help keep staff in their jobs if this support is needed.
"Across Europe we saw changes to how counties delivered their job support schemes over the summer and the UK was no different.
"But the UK Government was right to keep this under review as we see more restrictions introduced to get on top of the virus.
"The UK furlough scheme and support for the self-employed are amongst the most generous in the world and have been vital in protecting jobs and businesses here in Moray since the start of this pandemic.
"The Chancellor's announcement will provide a huge amount of reassurance for any company worried about what the winter months may bring."
