Thousands of Borders jobs protected until March

Employees will get 80 per cent of their hours not worked paid for by the UK Government, up to £2500 per month. while the self-employment income support grant has increased to 80 per cent of average profits up to £7500.

The Scottish Government is also set to receive an extra £1bn pounds, taking it total extra funding to £8.2bn since the beginning of the pandemic.

Over 930,000 jobs have been protected as part of the furlough scheme in Scotland, with 123,000 people currently furloughed. 126,000 people in Scotland have benefitted from the Self Employment Income Support Scheme.

Rishi Sunak MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer said: “I’ve always said I would do whatever it takes to protect jobs and livelihoods across the UK - and that has meant adapting our support as the path of the virus has changed.

“Extending furlough and increasing our support for the self-employed will protect millions of jobs and give people and businesses the certainty they need over what will be a difficult winter.”

Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk MP John Lamont MP added: “The furlough scheme has been a vital lifeline for tens of thousands of jobs here in the Borders. The self-employment scheme has also ensured that those who are self employed have had their incomes protected as well.

“Through pressure from the Scottish Conservatives, the Chancellor has extended both schemes which will give much needed certainty and peace of mind to businesses and their employees.”