The SNP must deliver urgent financial assistance to the suppliers of Scottish retail and hospitality businesses, Scottish Labour has said, as the Federation of Small Businesses has highlighted that one in five suppliers have received no support from the government.

Commenting, Scottish Labour deputy leader and finance spokesperson Jackie Baillie said: “The retail and hospitality sectors are absolutely central to Scotland’s economy. But if the suppliers that keep the fridges stocked and the bars full are in danger then the whole sector and the thousands of jobs it sustains are in peril.

“We cannot have these vital Scottish businesses left high and dry by the SNP government. They need support, and they need it now.

“We urgently need the SNP government to engage with COSLA, the FSB and business leaders to ensure that no business falls between the cracks.

“If we are to avoid deep and permanent scarring to the Scottish economy, it is of the utmost importance that the SNP delivers the financial support that businesses so badly need.”