MORE than 77,000 jobs across Glasgow have been supported by the government’s furlough scheme according to the HMRC.

Figures released by the organisation on Thursday show that a total of 77,400 jobs in the Glasgow City Council area are being supported through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme where the UK Government pays 80 per cent of the wages to those unable to work as a result of the pandemic.

The data, which breaks down by both local authority and parliamentary constituency, also shows that Glasgow East is the largest beneficiary from the scheme of each constituency in the city – with a total of 12,800 jobs being directly underpinned there by government support. 

The figures show that 628,200 jobs Scotland-wide have been furloughed under the Job Retention Scheme, with an additional 146,000 claiming under the separate scheme for those who are self-employed. 

Glasgow Conservative Group Leader, Councillor Thomas Kerr said: “These figures show that the Chancellor’s clear commitment to maintain jobs and livelihoods across the United Kingdom has paid off. 

“Tens of thousands of people right across the city are in receipt of funds from the UK Government that enable them to provide for their families during these challenging times. 

“The recent announcement that the furlough scheme will continue until the end of 
October, with added flexibility to support a phased return to work as we begin to emerge 
from this crisis, is also welcome.”

Glasgow Times: Cllr Thomas Kerr Cllr Thomas Kerr

The Shettleston councillor argues that the unprecedented measure was made possible because of the strength of the UK economy. 

Mr Kerr added: “With an additional £3.8billion of Coronavirus-related Barnett consequential funding – as well as access to UK wide VAT deferral, company loans and a strengthened welfare safety net – the pooling of resources across these islands will help to support our economic recovery.

“In recent weeks some SNP politicians have been openly positing how they can best exploit this pandemic to advance the cause of independence. 

“Let me be clear, the financial devastation that would be wreaked by separation – admitted by the SNP in their own Growth Commission Report – would have rendered schemes like the furlough completely unsustainable. 

“Our shared experience these last few months have really shown beyond doubt that we’re better together.”