Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme 2020-11-11
2020-11-11
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Discussions on extending the job retention scheme were ongoing. The SNP was concerned about levels of poverty when the scheme ended.
What recent discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues on extending the coronavirus job retention scheme in Scotland? May I associate myself and those on the SNP Benches with the comments of the Secretary of State?
Absolutely not. The Prime Minister was clear from the get-go that it was a UK-wide scheme with 80% funding for the whole of the United Kingdom.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The answer did not address whether targeted support would include Scotland and other devolved nations, focusing instead on reaffirming the UK-wide nature of the scheme.
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The UK Treasury provided an up-front guarantee of £8.2 billion to the Scottish Government for job protection and tackling coronavirus.
The UK Treasury has provided a substantial guarantee of £8.2 billion to the Scottish Government to help protect jobs and tackle coronavirus, yet we have not heard from the Scottish Government about where more than £2 billion of that funding will be spent. Does the Secretary of State agree that the Scottish Government needs to provide urgent details on how they will use this funding to support Scots?
I agree with my hon. Friend. There has been substantial extra funding, guaranteed funding, of £8.2 billion through the Barnett formula. The Scottish Government must be open and transparent about how that money is being spent to ensure accountability for the people of Scotland.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
There were discussions about extending the job retention scheme into next year, but concerns raised over the lack of clarity on another referendum.
The Minister has recently said that the job retention scheme will last into next year. However, he also stated there will be no referendums on Scotland's future for a generation. Can the Minister quote me where it says in the Edinburgh agreement that there cannot be another referendum?
The words 'once in a generation' were mentioned on several pages of the SNP Government's White Paper prior to the 2014 referendum.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not address the specific request for a quote from the Edinburgh Agreement, instead referring to the White Paper.
Changing Subject
Dismissing Question
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Positive news about a potential covid-19 vaccine was discussed, focusing on the need for joint working between Scottish and UK Governments.
The extension of the furlough scheme demonstrated again how the UK Government continues to support jobs in all four nations. Following positive news about a potential vaccine, will the Secretary of State outline the work done with the Scottish Government to ensure a seamless roll-out across Scotland and the UK?
We have invested more than £230 million in manufacturing any potential vaccine. Vaccines have been procured and paid for by the UK Government, to be distributed fairly across all parts of the UK according to population share.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
▸
Context
A business operator in Glasgow was distressed due to last-minute changes to the furlough scheme, keeping employees and taking on debt.
A business owner contacted me four days before furlough ended, feeling severe stress from this Government's decisions. Will the Secretary of State apologise for the distress caused to that business operator and his staff, as well as others who lost their jobs due to these last-minute changes?
This is a dynamic situation where decisions are made based on current circumstances. Employers can now put back onto furlough any staff who lost jobs after 23 September but were employed and on furlough up until that date.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The Secretary of State did not directly address the request for an apology or acknowledge the stress caused by last-minute decisions.
Changing Subject
Dismissing Question
Response accuracy