Polar Star - March - May 2024
Tuesday 19 March 2024
 7.4°C   S Fresh Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

Coronavirus / Six in ten local jobs could face ‘moderate or severe’ impact from coronavirus, study suggests

SIX in ten jobs in Shetland are found in sectors which face a moderate or severe impact from coronavirus, according to a new study.

The analysis from the Social Market Foundation explores the industries, places and groups which face the greatest economic risk over the medium-term period between 2020 and 2023.

The report claims that 61 per cent of jobs in Shetland are liable to face moderate or severe impact from coronavirus.

Shetland MSP Beatrice Wishart said the calculations are “nothing less than a stark warning” and highlight the scale of the challenge coronavirus has created.

Shetland MSP Beatrice Wishart. Photo: Shetland News

The highest percentage in the UK – 79 per cent – is found in Camden and the City of London.

The area with the highest proportion in Scotland, meanwhile, is West Lothian at 71 per cent, with Orkney following behind.

More than two thirds of UK jobs are in sectors that face a moderate or severe impact from coronavirus in the medium term, the report says.

These sectors include hotels, restaurants, transport, manufacturing, construction and finance.

The industries which are placed in the ‘mild’ impact category include public admin, education, health, energy, agriculture and fishing.

Wishart said the figures show that the Scottish Government “need to keep listening and responding to the strains and stresses of different industries as they become clear”.

“Without the right support, these figures show the economic impact could be catastrophic. And the hospitality sector is already showing that strain,” she said.

“In the face of these kinds of warnings, it is difficult to be hopeful. But I know that Shetlanders are resilient and incredibly hard working. It’s going to take a mammoth effort, with everyone working together, to see this virus out.”

Become a supporter of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.

Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has  over 600 supporters  who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.

Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -

  • Bring you the headlines as they happen;
  • Stay editorially independent;
  • Give a voice to the community;
  • Grow site traffic further;
  • Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.

 

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.