Collective action is key to stopping tidal wave of redundancies, says STUC as first phase of furlough scheme comes to an end

July 31st 2020

Collective action is key to stopping tidal wave of redundancies, says STUC as first phase of furlough scheme comes to an end

July 31st 2020

As the first phase of the furlough scheme ends and workers face spiralling levels of redundancy, the STUC calls for the coronavirus collective spirit to continue in order for jobs to be saved.

• STUC receiving multiple reports of employers moving to redundancies as employers reject additional contributions to continue furlough scheme

• Nearly 750,000 Scottish workers were on furlough in July

• As of June 11th the Scottish unemployment claimant count had doubled and a significant further rise is expected when updated figures are released

Dave Moxham, STUC Deputy General Secretary stated:

“We are deeply concerned at the impact on Scottish workers of the end of this phase of the furlough scheme and even more worried at the impact of its future discontinuation in October. We are hearing multiple reports of staff given dismissal notices, often with minimal notice and coinciding with the end of this phase of furlough. Workers are being pitted against each other and forced to fight for their jobs.

“We will continue to press government at all levels to provide continuing support, particularly for the worst hit sectors. But there is also a lot workers can do to dissuade employers from a knee-jerk reaction to the changes in the scheme.

“Throughout this pandemic, we have frequently witnessed the best of the human spirit. From mutual aid groups popping up in communities, to massive fundraisers, to the tireless strength of our key workers. In the face of uncertainty, workers have truly pulled together in support of one another.

“Likewise, we have seen many examples of workers coming together to push their employer to access the furlough scheme, in order to protect each other. Using innovative organising tools, such as Whatsapp, many workers have banded together, fought back and won.”

ENDS