A report from the Resolution Foundation entitled ‘This time is different – Universal Credit’s first recession’, has revealed that it is more important than ever that the Scottish Government gets cash to families in need.

The report details that unemployment is still rising at unprecedented rates and claims for Universal Credit, as of 12 May, are still running at twice the pre-crisis average. A second peak in claims is also predicted as the Job Retention Scheme is phased out over the coming months.

Jackie Baillie, MSP for Dumbarton Constituency, has previously called on the Scottish Government to ensure that all available emergency funds are easily accessible for those most in need of financial aid. She has been in contact with local Citizen’s Advice centres who have experienced a dramatic increase in the number of enquiries that they have received regarding financial aid.

Jackie Baillie MSP said:

“This report gives a worrying insight into the further financial difficulties that many across Scotland will continue to face in the coming months.

“The Scottish Government must ensure that it is fully prepared to deal with the second wave of Universal Credit claims as other support schemes such as the Job Retention Scheme ends. I know that there are hundreds of people across my constituency who work in industries that will remain closed and are facing an unstable future.

“The Scottish Government has a responsibility to listen to the expert advice and predictions in reports such as these and to protect the most vulnerable in our society. The financial implications of the current crisis are only just beginning to be understood. We need to see both a short and long term recovery plan which rebuilds our economy and protects working people across Scotland.”