WESTMINSTER must reinstate the furlough scheme now to protect Scottish lives and jobs, the Scottish Greens say.
It's Chancellor Rishi Sunak who has the levers to introduce a new round of furlough.
The Scottish Greens say his administration must "urgently" reintroduce it "so that Scotland can take protective measures against Omicron whilst protecting jobs".
That's as hospitality and other firms suffer a new blow to trade as a result of Christmas party call-offs and other impacts of steps to limit the spread of the Omicron strain.
Without economic support, the options available to the Scottish and Welsh governments and Northern Irish Executive are "limited", they say.
Scottish Greens health spokesperson Gillian Mackay said: "The UK Government has an utterly chaotic approach to Covid, with confusing messages undermined by the Prime Minister himself failing to follow the rules.
READ MORE: Covid: First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to update Scotland on Omicron in TV address tonight
"Omicron is spreading fast and the UK Government must recognise the clear risks to vulnerable people and act decisively. The festive period is already disrupted, with many people cancelling plans for gatherings and hospitality struggling. It's time for the UK Government to act responsibly and reintroduce furlough where it is needed.
"Self-employed people could be particularly effected this Christmas so it's vital those who missed out last time are included in the scheme, and that sick pay is enhanced to make it easier for people to self-isolate."
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