‘Furloughed’ Seasonal Workers Face Missing Out On Government’s Wage Replacement Scheme

SkyeConnect – the destination management organisation for Skye and neighbouring areas – is demanding an urgent change to the criteria used for paying the wages of staff who are not working due to the Coronavirus lockdown.

Under the unprecedented scheme the Government plans to pay up to 80% of the wages of employees up to a maximum of £2500 per month.

However, the current eligibility criteria is based on company PAYE returns for February. As much of the Highland Hospitality sector is seasonal with hotels and restaurants closed in January and February, many staff were not re-employed until the first of March. If the PAYE return shows they did not earn in February they will not be eligible for a wage replacement.

SkyeConnect has raised the issue with local MP’s and MSP’s. The Scottish Tourism Alliance is also lobbying Government to force a change in the eligibility criteria.

Dave Till, Chair of SkyeConnect, says hospitality workers face real hardship unless the Government pay their anticipated wages very soon.

“The wage replacement scheme is vitally important. Hotel owners are keeping their staff on the payroll and, in many cases, providing accommodation for their employees. But with no prospect of income for possibly months ahead they cannot afford to keep paying staff. The Government promise to cover 80% of wages was universally welcomed but we have to ensure seasonal hospitality workers do not fall through the cracks and face extreme hardship.”

“SkyeConnect continues to work hard to press the case for whatever the island economy needs to get through this crisis. We are talking to individual businesses on a daily basis and listening to their unique circumstances. There are many examples of unintended consequences from some of the Government’s emergency policies. Anyone with an issue that needs to be raised can get in touch through the SkyeConnect website – https://www.skye-connect.com/contact .”