CONSTRUCTION firms had one of the highest uptakes of the £2.9 billion UK Government funding made available to businesses in Scotland amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.
The figures were revealed by UK Government chancellor Rishi Sunak. Over 79,000 loans were taken by businesses across all sectors, with retail and construction firms benefiting the most from the support.
Some 126,000 people in Scotland benefited from the self-employment income support scheme (SEISS), with an average claim of £2,500.
Rishi Sunak commented, “Our support for businesses and workers has provided a lifeline to employers up and down the country, supporting people to stay in jobs and protecting livelihoods.
“We will build on this as we move to the next stage of our recovery through the Winter Economy Plan, which will continue to protect jobs and help businesses through the months ahead.”
Scottish secretary, Alistair Jack, added, “The UK Government is doing all it can to stop the spread of coronavirus and to help Scotland’s economy through these turbulent times. Providing more than £2.9 billion in loans to 79,000 Scottish businesses is a key part of this.
“We are also supporting nearly half a million people in Scotland through our job schemes and have committed a further £9 billion to help employers keep workers on.”
