Alister Jack responds to Scottish GDP figures for Q2 2020

Commenting on the publication of Scottish Q2 2020 GDP figures, Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said:

These figures continue to show the impact coronavirus and lockdown has had on our economy.

The UK Government was quick to put measures in place to shield people from the worst of the pandemic. More than 930,000 jobs in Scotland have been supported through the furlough and self-employment schemes, £2.3 billion loaned to Scottish businesses and £6.5 billion additional funding given to the Scottish Government.

As the economy re-opened in July, the UK Government has provided targeted support where it is needed the most with VAT cut for tourism, the hugely successful Eat Out to Help Out scheme for hospitality and comprehensive Plan for Jobs to create new opportunities right across the country.

We are also doing everything we can to build back better our economy, including protecting the vital UK internal market which accounts for more than 60 per cent of Scottish exports.