Holyrood committee seeking views from business and workers on virus impact

A Scottish parliament committee has launched a rolling inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on businesses, workers and the economy, and is seeking views with no current deadline for responses.

The Economy, Energy and Fair Work Committee has launched an inquiry to look at the best ways that businesses and employees can be supported and wants to hear from Scottish businesses and workers on the impact of the COVID-19 crisis.

The committee is also seeking views on “how economic recovery can be supported once the crisis has abated”.

The feedback will be used to recommend how the government can provide “effective support that mitigates the impact the virus is having on businesses and workers” and there is no deadline for responses at this stage.

“The call for views will remain open on an ongoing basis and will provide a forum for raising issues of concern and for highlighting best practice in delivering economic support to business and workers,” the committee said in a statement.

Economy, Energy and Fair Work Committee convener Michelle Ballantyne MSP said: “Mitigating the impact of this crisis must be a top priority of the Scottish Government, as it is for the committee. We will be working with the cabinet secretary to ensure all that can be done is being done.

“These are unprecedented times and the committee is here to listen,” she said.

“The protection of life and the ability of the NHS to cope as the virus spreads has rightly been at the forefront of everyone’s priorities but the economic shockwaves that COVID-19 has created will last far beyond any lockdown.

“It is vital that businesses and workers are supported effectively during this crisis, so that they can come back and contribute to the economy once more.”

Responses to the inquiry will be published on the committee’s website on a regular basis over the coming weeks and months.