BORIS Johnson has refused a plea to help save people’s jobs by granting Holyrood the powers to set up its own furlough scheme.
The Prime Minister rejected calls from Ian Blackford in the Commons to extend the jobs retention scheme for as long as it was required in all nations of the UK.
Johnson dismissed the request, claiming that people across the globe had been “overwhelmingly impressed” by the UK Government’s handling of the crisis.
Blackford warned the Prime Minister that 3.8 million people could face unemployment when the scheme ends. “The job retention scheme has been a lifeline to millions, yet we could see progress unravel,” he told MPs.
The SNP Westminster leader urged Johnson to commit to extending the furlough programme, adding “people must not lose their jobs because the Tories refuse to act”.
The Tory leader replied: “I think most people looking at what has happened in the UK over the last three or four months, around the world, have been overwhelmingly impressed by the way we as a government have put our arms round people – £164 billion invested in jobs, in incomes, in supporting people.
“It’s been a massive, massive effort. I think … you cannot go on forever with a furlough scheme which keeps employees in suspended animation in the way that it does. We need to get our economy moving again. That’s what I think the people in this country want to see in a sustainable and cautious way.
“I would just remind [Blackford] the reason that the furlough scheme has worked is because of the power and efficiency of the UK Treasury. It’s the UK Government that has funded the furlough scheme.”
He added that £4.8bn has gone to Scotland in Barnett consequentials and said: “I’m sure [Blackford] doesn’t hesitate to remind his colleagues of that.”
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Blackford then called on Johnson to transfer powers to Scotland to allow Holyrood to extend the furlough scheme north of the Border.
He said the job retention programme was about ensuring “people can be protected”. He pointed out that Spain has moved to extend its furlough payments into 2021. The SNP MP cited research which shows ending the scheme early in the UK could wipe up to £50bn off of the UK’s GDP, harming jobs and productivity.
He continued: “The Prime Minister seems intent on sinking the lifeboat which is keeping so many people afloat. If the Prime Minister will not extend the furlough scheme, will he give Scotland the powers so we can do it ourselves?”
Johnson offered no assurances, simply saying that he had already answered the question.
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