Covid-19 and Brexit combine to create the 'perfect storm' for vulnerable people, warns charity New Start Highland
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The looming impact of Brexit on top of the coronavirus pandemic and rising unemployment will hit the most vulnerable, the boss of a Highland organisation has warned.
James Dunbar, the chief executive of New Start Highland, described the potential impact for those people already scraping by as "ghastly".
But he also remained optimistic about the resilience of Highland communities and also revealed the development of a new training academy in Inverness which aims to equip people with the right skills for a changing jobs market.
Mr Dunbar vowed that New Start – a charity and social enterprise which works to tackle poverty, homelessness and long-term unemployment in the region – would be doing all it could and working with other organisations to meet the tough challenges ahead.
His comments come in the wake of new figures revealing unemployment in the Highlands has almost doubled while Inverness is one of the worst-hit areas with a 116 per cent rise in those out of work.
Unemployment is currently projected to reach 10,000 by next spring with 2200 of those being young people.
Warnings have also been sounded by Councillor Alasdair Christie, chairman of Highland Council's pandemic recovery board and general manager of the Inverness, Badenoch and Strathspey Citizens Advice Bureau, who said it could take people several years to recover from the impact of coronavirus and Brexit.
Mr Dunbar said: "The timing of things coming together has created a perfect storm.
"We have had the worst pandemic in generations, Brexit and the jobless figures.
"It is the worst combination of events I have seen in my lifetime.
"Our work is more crucial than ever."
He noted that although Scotland did not vote for Brexit, it was being taken out of the European Union which would have an impact.
"For that to happen at the same time as the worst pandemic for many generations is horrific and it will impact on all of us." he said.
"A five per cent increase for food is bearable for many.
"For people on the breadline, or who have lost their job, it is a stark choice of eat or heat.
"It is horrific and if you are already struggling and it is a cold dark winter, it is ghastly."
Although a possible no deal Brexit remained in the balance, Mr Dunbar said it was important to focus on making communities as healthy and strong as possible.
He also reflected of the challenges thrown up by the pandemic with many people consumed with fear and anxiety which exacerbated existing mental health challenges.
"A sudden drop in income left many people struggling to access sufficient food or money to cover energy bills," he said.
"With no childcare or regular respite from caring responsibilities, some felt the walls of their homes closing in around them."
But he remained optimistic that Highland communities would come together to find a way through.
"People are resilient," he said. "People get through.
"I think Highland communities are amazing.
"I think people will pull together and help each other and want to believe in hope."
He said with the approach of the New Year, organisations such as New Start were there to do what they could, working in partnership with Highland Council and others such as NHS Highland, to make the brightest possible future for people.
"Although there are challenges and difficulties, we are here for times likes this," he said.
"You can choose to be daunted or inspired to do what you can to help and engage with communities.
"We are blown away by the generosity of the community.
"Whatever lies ahead, the Highlands will rise to that challenge and contribute to make a stronger, more inclusive community."
Cllr Alasdair Christie said the past 10 or 11 months had been awful for many people from health and economic perspectives while Brexit would take things to a "whole new level".
"What we are seeing at Highland Council and the Citizens Advice Bureau is people are struggling with debt, struggling to get support, struggling to keep a roof over their head," he said.
"The risk of homelessness has never been so high.
"Really we are seeing people who are just two pay cheques away from being destitute. This is going to take years for people to recover from".
