'Vulnerability' of Highland economy revealed by new furlough statistics
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MORE than a quarter of the Highland workforce is furloughed – the highest proportion per head of population in Scotland.
The impact on the workforce has highlighted the local economy's vulnerability and heavy reliance on tourism, hospitality and public sector jobs, a senior councillor has acknowledged.
Statistics released by HMRC show that 32,000 people, 27 per cent of the working population, are currently furloughed in the Highlands.
"I know anyone who finds themselves currently furloughed must be feeling apprehensive about the future."
Cllr Alasdair Christie
Reflecting on the figure, Highland Council's deputy leader Alasdair Christie, who chairs its Recovery Board, said: “The chair of the Scottish government's growth commission says Scotland is more exposed to the impact of the Covid crisis and the figure for furloughed workers here, demonstrates the additional vulnerability of the Highlands.
“We have an economy that is very heavily reliant on tourism and the hospitality trade as well as public sector jobs. The figures don’t take into account difference in demographic make-up such as the number of retired people or economically inactive people in each area, so the true picture in Highland is likely to be even more stark.
“We have always been clear that in Highland we face unique challenges, such as a very dispersed and ageing population, high levels of deprivation, many fragile rural communities, as well as infrastructure and public transport issues and unreliable broadband coverage in many areas.
“The pandemic has highlighted the vulnerability of our economy being so reliant on tourism, hospitality and public sector jobs. I know anyone who finds themselves currently furloughed must be feeling apprehensive about the future. At the first meeting of our Recovery Board we discussed at length the impact of Covid-19 on the economy and the need for a Highland-wide approach to economic recovery. To do this we are committed to work in partnership with other agencies, local businesses and our communities.
"We will also continue to press for additional funding that takes into account our unique challenges.”
