This afternoon the Scottish Government outlined a new package of support for businesses facing difficulties because of the coronavirus outbreak. The value of the package is around £1.9 billion and includes grants to smaller firms.
In addition, the First Minister has confirmed that schools and nurseries are expected to close at the end of the week.
Andrew McRae, FSB’s Scotland policy chair, said: “Scotland’s independent businesses will be pleased to hear that there’s a significant £1.9bn package of help on the way. The crucial thing now, though, is to get this support to the front line as quickly as possible. We can’t see perfectly good businesses going to the wall – taking jobs and future tax revenues with them – because of temporary, if acute, cash-flow problems.”
On school closures, Andrew McRae said: “Ministers are right to be led by clinical advice and parents won’t be hugely surprised at this move. However, the closure of Scottish schools and nurseries will put additional pressure on many workers and their employers.”
Media contact
About FSB
As experts in business, FSB offers members a wide range of vital business services, including advice, financial expertise, support and a powerful voice in Government. Its aim is to help smaller businesses achieve their ambitions.