Irvine’s MSP has called for clarification on the job retention furlough scheme as she welcomed news that wages for workers on leave will be extended

The announcement was made by Chancellor Rishi Sunak that workers will continue to receive 80 per cent of their wages up to £2,500 until October amid the continuing coronavirus lockdown. The government furlough scheme was originally meant to end in June.

Cunninghame South SNP MSP Ruth Maguire repeated calls from the Scottish Government on the need for additional information.

She said: “The extension of the furlough scheme is a welcome development which will help to ease short term anxieties regarding job security during this crisis.

“The flexibility the scheme allows in letting workers return to work on a part-time basis without financial penalty will also help as we eventually look to ease back into normal operation following lockdown.

“I echo the Finance Secretary’s call for further clarification on how much employers will be expected to pay in sharing the cost of the scheme and how any changes will relate to guidance on safer workplaces in each of the four nations.”

  **************

Scotland is in lockdown. Shops are closing and newspaper sales are falling fast. We’re not exaggerating when we say that the future of the Irvine Times, and the vital local news service we’ve provided since 1873, is under threat.

Please consider supporting the Irvine Times in whatever way you can – by paying just 90p for a copy of the paper, when you’re shopping for essential supplies for yourself and others, or by subscribing to our e-edition here.

Thanks – and stay safe.