Chancellor, Rishi Sunak has announced a £30bn package of support aimed at boosting the economy as lockdown eases.

He announced £1000 for companies for every employee they bring back off furlough and who is still employed by the end of January 2021.

A VAT cut on food, accommodation and attractions from 20% to 5% from July 15 until January 12, costing £4 billion.

READ MORE: What the Chancellor announced

A scheme for firms to be given £2,000 for each new apprentice under 25 they hire and a new bonus of £1,500 for apprentices over that age.

And a half price voucher worth up to £10 to eat out for everyone to help the hospitality trade recover.

Ms Sunak said: “Our message to business is clear: if you stand by your workers, we will stand by you.”

He added: “Our plan has a clear goal: to protect, support and create jobs. It will give businesses the confidence to retain and hire.

“To create jobs in every part of our country. To give young people a better start. To give people everywhere the opportunity of a fresh start.”

The UK Government said the package means £800m for the Scottish Government.

He also announced a Stamp Duty holiday for homes up to half a million pounds in England, which supporters said the Scottish Government should replicate in Scotland through the equivalent Land and Buildings Transactions Tax.

Alister Jack, UK Government, Scottish Secretary, said: “The stamp duty cut gives a helping hand to the housing market and building trades in England. I urge the devolved administration to use their powers to do the same in Scotland.”

Scottish Government Finance Secretary, Kate Forbes, however, said the package is not enough.

She said: “Overall this package is a huge opportunity missed. It falls well short of delivering what is needed to boost the economy and protect jobs.

“There is no new capital spend, no extension to the furlough scheme for hard-hit sectors and no further support for households in financial difficulty. A half price meal out does not help those struggling to put food on the table.”

Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council, wanted more help for those reliant on the benefits system.

She said: “A few welcome commitments from the Chancellor today but still falls far short of what’s needed.

“No mention of desperately needed improvements to benefits.”

While Glasgow East, SNP MP, David Linden, said: “The Chancellor wants people to ‘eat out to help out’ but the reality for many is that they can’t afford to eat at all.”

Richard Leonard, Scottish Labour leader said: “The furlough scheme must be continued until a quality Jobs Guarantee Scheme is in place, and it must have the flexibility to continue in certain sectors where necessary.”

While Peter Kelly of Poverty Alliance, said: “At a time when more people than ever before are relying on emergency help from food banks, it is action to put cash in people’s pockets that is required, not the offer of a £10 discount on eating out.”