Scottish Government announces £100m jobs and training support package to tackle rising unemployment

The Scottish Government has announced a £100 million employment support package to help people who are looking for work or are at threat of redundancy, with half the money being directed towards young people. The money will create a job guarantee scheme for young people and a new national retraining scheme, which will be vital in dealing with the employment fallout from lockdown.

The latest ONS labour market statistics show that Scotland had the biggest decline in employment in the three months to May, while the latest British Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Recruitment Outlook reveals that recruitment intentions of firms are significantly lower in Scotland than in any other part of the UK. Significant job losses are expected in coming months as the furlough scheme winds down and then stops, with young people expected to be very badly affected.

The UK Government is also taking substantial steps to head of a big rise in unemployment. Its ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme is designed to encourage consumers to return to restaurants, bars and cafes. Diners will enjoy a discount of up to £10 per person and the business can claim this back from HMRC. The scheme starts on 3rd August and runs to the end of the month, and businesses who want to participate are being urged to register now.

Read the Scottish Government announcement here

Latest ONS labour market statistics here

BCC Quarterly Recruitment Outlook here

‘Eat Out to Help Out’ registration guidance here