A massive hike in the numbers left unemployed by the coronavirus pandemic in the region has been branded “shocking”.
The total number of people out of work in Dumfries and Galloway has hit a 20-year-high.
As the impact of the coronavirus shutdown begins to bite, a host of industries, including the hospitality, retail, catering and beauty sectors, have been crippled by the outbreak.
New government figures released this week show the “economic tsunami” sparked by Covid-19 has left a trail of devastation.
Data from the Office of National Statistics shows that up to April 9, 4,865 people in Dumfries and Galloway made a claim for
Universal Credit.
The figure marks a rise of 2,220 claimants from the same period last year.
It is the highest jobless total in the region for 20 years and means 5.6 per cent of the workforce is now in receipt of the benefit.
South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth said: “These new figures are shocking and more evidence of the economic tsunami that Covid-19 has unleashed on our communities.
“While there are a number of economic support measures out there, I am once again calling on the UK and Scottish Governments, local council and our newly formed enterprise agency to come together and do more to help the many people who are suffering.”
He added: “As lockdown continues, I am getting calls and emails on a daily basis from people who have lost their jobs or who are at risk of unemployment.
“This is first and foremost a health crisis, but it is also an economic crisis and the more our governments can do to assist people during this time, the better.
“I will continue to push for extra support for overlooked businesses and individuals and I would urge anyone who needs help to get in touch with me.”
Business leaders in the region have also expressed concern over the figures but fear they are just the tip of the iceberg.
Lee Medd, of Dumfries and Galloway Chamber of Commerce, told the Standard: “This figure only takes into account the numbers until the end of March, just as lockdown was beginning.
“The real issue will only be seen in the next set of numbers which will take in April and May, these numbers will show the effect of Covid-19 on the economy.
“It could have been much worse had it not been for steps taken by the government and the introduction of the furlough scheme.”
“We need a longer term plan to support an economy that is so reliant on the tourist and hospitality sector, one that has been decimated for at least the next 12 months. We cannot afford to see these sectors fail. If they do, the unemployment numbers will rise for sometime and the regional economy will face a much longer road to recovery.”
