On the announcement by the UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak of changes to the UK Government’s business support package to support businesses affected by health restrictions, Gavin McDonagh, President of Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce, said:

“The UK Chancellor’s new business grant and job support scheme extension will be absolutely necessary to the survival of many businesses as Covid-19 restrictions are set to be in place indefinitely.

“The boost to the self-employed grant will be welcomed by many who have been at risk of not receiving the support that they need.

“Inverclyde Chamber and the wider Chambers of Commerce in Scotland & the UK have been campaigning for greater support for businesses experiencing big falls in demand as a result of new restrictions, and a number of the steps announced today, including the lowering of employer contributions and the number of hours worked needed to qualify for the jobs support scheme, respond directly to our calls.

“As the Scottish Government is set to confirm its own approach to a tiered system of restrictions, it is essential that consequential funding is delivered to where it is needed most to save jobs. This must also be tied to every stage of restriction as a matter of course and not in incremental, repeated tweaks.

“It is clear that this winter will be extremely difficult for local employers, their employees and a sustained approach to jobs support into 2021 is critical, especially in Inverclyde.’’