Forbes extends 'open invitation' to help rebuild economy

Finance secretary Kate Forbes has extended an “open invitation” to anyone who wants to play a part in rebuilding Scotland as it recovers from the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a speech at the Scottish Parliament, Forbes issued an appeal to entrepreneurs, job creators, thinkers and workers to help the country to thrive.

And she insisted that an economic transformation in the country must be a national endeavour.

She said: “I want to issue an open invitation to anybody who wants to play their part in rebuilding our country. Join us in leading that economic recovery.

“Our vision is nothing short of economic transformation – this has to be a national endeavour.

“Wherever you work, and in whatever capacity, if you think you can serve our country as we face the prospect of rebuilding, then this is your personal invitation.

“Our strength is our united vision to work together – across party lines, across sectors and across regions – to rebuild.

“We must unashamedly use the experience, the expertise and the ingenuity of government, businesses, trades unions and the workforce to deliver greater, greener and fairer prosperity.”

Forbes added: “This is an official invitation to the entrepreneurs and the thinkers, the job creators and the hard workers: we need you, work with us to make Scotland thrive.”

The finance secretary also pledged that the Scottish Government will listen to businesses to understand their challenges and how best to support them.

In her statement, she explained that all taxi drivers who previously received a £1500 grant under the Taxi and Private Hire Driver Support Fund will receive a second payment this month.

Taxi operators will then be contacted by their local authorities and receive tiered grants, taking their total support up to £10,000, Forbes said.

Businesses who were expecting to open or see reduced restrictions as a result of moving to level one but will now remain in level two will receive weekly support similar to the Strategic Framework Business Fund, Forbes added, as well as there being additional discretionary funding.