SUPPORT packages funded by the UK Government are making a significant difference to the local economy as the country emerges from the coronavirus pandemic.
This was the assessment of Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale MP David Mundell after he was briefed yesterday (Thursday) on business support uptake in his constituency.
He learned that across the largely rural seat 9,300 people had been furloughed through the UK Government Job Retention Scheme while a further 3,300 individuals had been supported as part of the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme,
"The positive impact from the various schemes designed to help safeguard jobs and businesses will be crucial in the coming weeks and months as we take further steps towards recovery." said Mr Mundell.
"There are still difficult times ahead but helping businesses of all sizes and the self-employed through the lockdown is giving our economy the best chance of adjusting effectively to the new norm. For some, these schemes have been a lifeline."