PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Unemployment: Scotland (18 June 2020)

I have regular discussions with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on a range of matters, including trends in the level of unemployment in Scotland.

The UK Government recognises that this is a challenging time for Scotland. This is why the Chancellor has committed an unprecedented package of support. This includes a range of loan schemes and grants and, in particular, the Job Retention and Self-Employment Support Schemes which have protected the incomes of almost 800,000 people in Scotland – more than a quarter of the workforce. I am delighted that the Job Retention Scheme has now been extended to October.