Fears of redundancies in Inverclyde grow as Tory cuts start to hit home

INDEPENDENCE THE ONLY WAY TO PROTECT SCOTLAND’S ECONOMY

SNP MSP Stuart McMillan has said the Tory government must perform an urgent U-turn over its reckless decision to withdraw support for jobs – after more companies in Inverclyde voiced fears of redundancies after the furlough scheme ends next month.

Bakery chain Greggs, which has 25,000 workers across Scotland and the UK, is the latest company to indicate it may have to cut staff hours or jobs when the scheme ends – warning “with the Job Retention Scheme planned to end in October we are taking steps to ensure that our employment costs reflect the estimated level of demand from November onwards.”

The three local stores – two in Greenock and one in Port Glasgow – could be affected.

This would be a further upset for the community, who have learned the future of two local Fresh cafes, which are to remain closed, following an announcement from Stepwell who are responsible for the local eateries.  

It comes as a new survey revealed four in 10 (42%) small and medium businesses think they will have a smaller workforce in December than they did in September, and a quarter think they might go out of business next year if there is a second wave of Covid-19.

Commenting, Stuart said:

“The devastating impact of the UK government’s decision to withdraw support for jobs in the middle of a pandemic is starting to hit home, and add to growing fears of job losses in Inverclyde.

“Boris Johnson was repeatedly warned that thousands of people could lose their jobs unnecessarily as a result of Tory cuts – and those warnings are now starting to become reality.

“Inverclyde has already lost two local cafes, with those employees now out of a job. Seeing jobs go at a further three bakeries would be devastating for the community.

“The Tory government must perform an urgent U-turn, reinstate a full job protection scheme, and devolve financial powers to the Scottish Parliament so we can protect our economy.

“We shouldn’t have to wait for Westminster to act while the livelihoods of people in Inverclyde are on the line. If the Tories won’t act now to save thousands of Scottish jobs they will demonstrate beyond doubt that the only way to protect Scotland’s interests is to become an independent country.”