TENS of thousands of workers across Renfrewshire have been protected under the UK Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, latest figures show.

And a further 4,100 local people have had their income boosted through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS).

A report by HM Revenue & Customs reveals a total of 23,000 jobs in Renfrewshire had been furloughed between the launch of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme on April 20 and the end of May.

Meanwhile, almost £12million has been paid out to those who are self-employed and left without an income during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Maurice Golden, who represents Renfrewshire as part of his remit as Conservative MSP for West of Scotland, told The Gazette: “The UK Government have stepped up to provide unprecedented levels of support for people right across Renfrewshire to help protect jobs and livelihoods during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We have seen the benefits of having a UK-wide response to this crisis and the strength of being part of the United Kingdom.

“The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, has acted quickly and decisively to protect workers and that support will continue in the coming months.

“The UK Government is committed to helping the economy recover as we ease the lockdown measures and look to secure future job prospects in Renfrewshire.”

Mr Sunak said the UK Government has been doing “everything it can” to protect jobs and businesses during the coronavirus crisis.

He added: “Our unprecedented job retention and self-employment support schemes have supported livelihoods and will help ensure our recovery is as swift as possible.”

Read all the latest from Renfrewshire and beyond

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