Jobs must be saved in 2021, says business group

A comprehensive package of support is needed as town centres across Scotland face a cataclysmic start to the New Year, say business leaders.

 

In a message to political leaders, Dr Liz Cameron of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce has warned that 2021 would start 'back at square one' due to the national lockdown across the country bringing a further threat to businesses and jobs.

 

But there was also a 'sense of hope and purpose' because of the rollout of vaccinations and a strong will to 'build back better' after learning the lessons of 2020, she said.

 

However, details about the UK Government's Brexit deal remained 'sketchy,' and ahead of May's Holyrood elections, she called on politicians to sit down with the SCC to plan Scotland's new future.

 

Dr Cameron wrote: 'Businesses will also need to see a comprehensive package of support and stimulus, one that will ensure businesses can preserve as many jobs as is possible. Businesses need meaningful not piecemeal plans that ensure cash gets to where it is needed immediately.

 

'We also need our political leaders to play an active part in shaping a vision for the economy and jobs like we have never seen before. Our city and town centres face a cataclysm as retail, hospitality and tourism industries which have been hit hardest by Covid-19 lockdowns falter and office workers stay home. Overcoming this will take commitment beyond any fine words about a green jobs revolution and such.'

 

She said businesses which had survived 2020 had shown 'resilience and tenacity' and that keeping them afloat would mean they could 'bounce back' when the time came.

 

'My ask to all of the business community – small and large – is please help one another,' she wrote.

 

'If you can all reach out and encourage each other, we can deliver on expanding into new markets, driving digital innovation and providing skilled jobs now and in the future.

 

'If we get it right, there is some real hope that this year can deliver the recovery we need to ensure that both health and prosperity make a strong comeback.'