Updates

Scottish Green warning over Coronavirus impact on child poverty

Thu 26 Mar, 2020

The child poverty rate could be exacerbated by the coronavirus crisis, the Scottish Greens have warned.

New child poverty figures show 24% of children in Scotland in the 2016-2019 period experienced relative child poverty, equivalent to 230,000 children.

With unprecedented numbers of people applying for Universal Credit as businesses across the country are closed and self-employed contracts are cancelled, Scottish Greens children and young people spokesperson Alison Johnstone said emergency measures should protect more children from falling into poverty.

Finnie: Scottish Government must ensure prison staff are paid

Tue 24 Mar, 2020

The Scottish Government must ensure that private prison operators Serco and Sodexo treat staff fairly during the COVID-19 crisis, says Scottish Greens Justice Spokesperson John Finnie MSP.

Mr Finnie made the call in parliament this afternoon, in response to a statement by Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf. Trade unions have reported that a number of private companies including those who operate HMP Addiewell and HMP Kilmanock have refused to pay cleaners who are self-isolating or those with childcare challenges as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. 

John Finnie MSP said:

Andy Wightman: more clarity needed on ‘essential’ work

Tue 24 Mar, 2020

There must be clearer guidance around what is and isn’t essential work during the coronavirus lockdown, Scottish Green MSP Andy Wightman has said.

Andy Wightman raised the issue at a meeting of the Economy, Energy and Fair Work Committee in the Scottish Parliament, following reports that some businesses were attempting to operate as normal despite clear instructions from UK and Scottish Governments.

Greens react to UK Government emergency measures to cover wages

Fri 20 Mar, 2020

The UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced plans to pay 80% of wages for employees unable to work due the coronavirus pandemic.

Responding, Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie said: “These measures from the UK Government are unfamiliar territory for the Conservatives, and should be welcomed as a recognition of the duty of care the state has for its citizens. If it had been done ten days ago, thousands of jobs would have been saved.