Scottish Government fails to support hospitality rescue plan
The Scottish Government has failed to offer its support for Unite the Union’s hospitality and tourism rescue plan.
When asked by Scottish Greens Co-Leader Patrick Harvie MSP, “does the Scottish Government support the unite hospitality rescue plan,” in parliament this afternoon, the Tourism Secretary replied that, “the overwhelming majority of business leaders take their responsibilities extremely seriously.”
Speaking afterward Mr Harvie said:
“The Scottish Government’s failure to offer its support for Unite the Union’s hospitality and tourism rescue plan is extremely disappointing. The plan is critical to protecting livelihoods and businesses in the sector.
“Unite’s plan lays out five essential steps to support workers through the current crisis and while a number of them are reserved, including the establishment of a specific job retention scheme, there are issues which fall into the Scottish Government’s devolved responsibilities including the call for regular testing for hospitality staff.
“Many who work in the hospitality sector face precarious working conditions at the best of times and feel like they have been forgotten through this crisis. This sector has been hit harder than any other by government restrictions and it's absolutely essential that adequate support is put in place for these workers.
“The Scottish Greens will continue to speak up for hospitality workers in parliament, and I’d urge the Scottish Government to reconsider its position on Unite’s rescue plan, which would make a real difference at this difficult time.”