CLYDEBANK’S MP has joined demands to extend the furlough scheme for people in the area working in travel, tourism and aviation.

Martin Docherty-Hughes has backed calls from an all-party group of parliamentarians for the UK Government to extend the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme until March 2022 to protect jobs in the aviation, travel, and tourism sectors.

Mr Docherty-Hughes says he has been contacted by airport staff living in West Dunbartonshire voicing concern about the safety of their jobs once the scheme comes to an end later this year.

Figures by the Office for National Statistics show that 57 per cent of passenger air transport employees, and 51 per cent of travel agency and tour operator staff, remain on furlough.

Seventy-six MPs have asked Chancellor Rishi Sunak to extend the furlough scheme and to work with the industry to provide additional financial support for firms and employees who continue to be affected by restrictions.

Mr Docherty-Hughes said: “One third of jobs at Glasgow Airport have already been lost, and a number of my constituents here in West Dunbartonshire whose employment depends on the airport and aviation sector face a worrying future.

“The UK Government’s removal of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme would come as a devastating blow and will inevitably lead to further job losses.

“The aviation, travel and tourism industry will not be able to recover with the current restrictions in place and as such the UK Government must protect these jobs.

In response, a UK Government spokesperson said: “We recognise the challenging times facing all sectors of transport as a result of Covid-19, which is why we have put in place an economy-wide support package, including around​ £7 billion of support expected to benefit the air transport sector by September 2021.

“We continue to work with the aviation sector to help them navigate this period, and encourage them to draw on the unprecedented package of support measures available.”