WITH hundreds of hospitality staff working in the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area an MSP is worried that unless there is an extension of the furlough scheme local jobs could be at risk.

MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Claire Baker, is calling on the Scottish Government to step up the fight for jobs in restaurants, bars and cafes, or risk facing a hospitality unemployment crisis.

Scottish Labour has warned that if the furlough scheme ends before a quality Jobs Guarantee Scheme is in place, the jobs of workers in restaurants, bars and cafes could be at risk, including thousands across Fife. Scottish Labour is also calling for an extension of the furlough scheme in the hospitality sector and has calculated that the hospitality sector directly employs 11,750 people across the Kingdom Fife.

Claire Baker, said: “Across Fife, many people have been able to enjoy a meal out for the first time since March, and many chefs, waiting staff and kitchen staff are back at work for the first time since then.

“But necessary social distancing measures mean businesses are unable to trade at normal levels. The effects of this are already being seen, with some workers having been laid off in spite of Government support".

She added: “The UK Government has responded to pressure and offered restaurants support – but only in the short-term.

"We need to see more action to protect the employees of these businesses or we risk a hospitality unemployment crisis which could cause serious damage – not just for the workers laid off, but for everyone in Fife.

"With 11,750 workers employed in the sector (well over 300 of them in this area), Fife’s economy depends on hospitality jobs, and Fife’s hospitality sector needs jobs for good. Extending the furlough scheme in this sector could provide a lifeline to thousands of workers.

“The Scottish Government must step up the fight to save these jobs. Businesses need greater support to make the adaptations they need to accommodate greater social distancing, allowing them to keep more staff on their books.

"A quality Jobs Guarantee Scheme could stimulate demand as well, so that when the furlough scheme ends in other sectors workers can still afford to visit restaurants and bars.”