Angela Crawley MP has said the Tory government is making a “devastating mistake” by cutting off the furlough scheme prematurely – warning it will lead to thousands of unnecessary job losses.

The Lanark and Hamilton East MP said the cuts showed a “tale of two governments” – with the Scottish Government announcing new investment for jobs and a guarantee for young people, on the same day that the Tory government imposes a second round of cuts to the Jobs Retention Scheme.

Ms Crawley the UK government to follow the example of other countries, extend the furlough scheme and devolve financial powers so the Scottish Parliament can do more to protect jobs.

Commenting, Angela said:

“The Tory government is making a devastating mistake by cutting off the furlough scheme prematurely – with evidence suggesting it will lead to thousands of unnecessary job losses.

“This is a tale of two governments. The SNP are delivering new investment for jobs and a youth guarantee, the Tories are cutting vital support in the middle of a pandemic.

“The Tories must follow Scotland’s example and deliver the investment and powers that are urgently needed to protect jobs and avoid a wave of mass redundancies.

“I have been pressing the UK government to act for months but they have failed. By refusing to act, the Tories will bear the blame for the damage done as unemployment soars.

“If other countries such as France, Germany and Ireland can extend their furlough schemes into 2021, why is the UK government failing?

“Scotland can make different choices for an investment-led recovery that protects jobs but only where we have the powers that other normal independent countries have. It is clearer than ever that the only way to properly protect Scotland’s economy is to become an independent country.”

ENDS