Report reveals 62 per cent of jobs in Fife at risk after coronavirus pandemic

It analyses which industries, places and groups face the greatest economic risk over the medium-term period (2020-2023) as a result of coronavirus.

The report reveals the Scottish areas facing the most severe job cuts and has revealed that Edinburgh and Glasgow are likely to be severely affected as a result of the two cities’ reliance on banking and finance jobs.

Construction is listed as another industry likely to be severly affected along with banking and finance.

Jobs at moderate risk were those in transport, hotels and restaurants and manufacturing while those jobs facing a mild risk included those in public admin, education and health, energy and water, agriculture and fishing.

The analysis by think-tank the Social Market Foundation shows in Scotland, West Lothian is likely to be the most impacted area at 71 per cent but Fife will also be hit with 62 per cent of jobs facing a moderate or severe impact in a Covid-19 downturn.

Gordon Mole, Fife Council’s head of business and employability, said the local authority recognises the potential scale of the challenge businesses are facing as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said: “As well as providing business support advice and financial support to keep businesses trading during the pandemic, including the Scottish Government Business Support and Newly Self Employed Hardship Funds, we’re working through the Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) process, led by Skills Development Scotland, to provide immediate response to those facing redundancy in Fife. We’re also working closely with affected businesses for opportunities to redeploy staff.

“Fife Council has also worked with partner local authorities across the Edinburgh and South East Scotland region in establishing a dedicated jobs portal, www.c19jobs.org for those seeking work during COVID, with over 400 vacancies placed within Fife to date.

“The Opportunities Fife Partnership and Developing the Young Workforce are supporting the needs of young people at risk of not achieving a positive destination and jobseekers, and in the longer term, we will continue work with national and regional partners to support economic recovery in Fife.”

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