SNP calls for five-point plan to protect people’s incomes

SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford will meet with Boris Johnson today. Picture: House of Commons/PA Wire

The SNP has called for the UK Government to introduce a five-point plan to protect people’s incomes ahead of a meeting with Boris Johnson in Downing Street today.

The party’s Westminster leader, Ian Blackford, raised concerns that unemployment could go through the roof unless a wide-ranging multi-billion package is introduced to save employers.

The chancellor, Rishi Sunak, is set to announce later today an employment and wage subsidy package to try to protect millions of jobs.

Many firms are warning of collapse, wiping out thousands of jobs, as life in the UK is largely put on hold.

Mr Blackford said it was crucial that immediate action is taken, given the huge scale of the economic damage the COVID-19 crisis could cause.

He wants to see a universal basic income introduced and a rise in the UK’s statutory sick pay with expanded entitlement, including for the self-employed and those under the earnings threshold.

The MP will also call for a statutory retention pay scheme - covering at least 75 per cent of employees’ salaries on a monthly basis, with companies paying the remaining amount.

Mr Blackford said: “There is now a very real risk that the UK is heading for a devastating economic crisis, which could see unemployment go through the roof and levels of poverty soar.

“It is absolutely imperative that the UK government takes immediate action by introducing a wide-ranging multi-billion financial package for people today - to save jobs and protect incomes.

“The SNP has put forward a five-point plan, which would put cash in people’s pockets now by introducing a guaranteed income for everyone, increasing Statutory Sick Pay, raising Universal Credit and Child Benefit payments, and providing support for businesses to prevent redundancies.

”The scale of the UK government’s response must meet the unprecedented nature of this emergency. Thousands of people are already losing their jobs and livelihoods. Millions face the same threat. The UK government must deliver the immediate support that is needed without further delay.

“The SNP will continue to press for support for all our people. We must do whatever it takes to ensure everyone has a guaranteed income and no one is left struggling to support their families, pay their bills and keep a roof over their heads.”