Largs MP Patricia Gibson is calling upon additional support for the tourism and hospitality sectors, which are particularly vulnerable at this time, particularly in Largs and Millport.

Mrs Gibson urged Chancellor Rishi Sunak to rethink his plans and instead extend furloughing schemes to prevent firms taking on unmanageable debt or being unable to afford salaries which could lead to mass redundancies.

It follows confirmation from the Treasury that it will reduce its 80% salary contribution for workers from 1 September, with companies having to pay pension and National Insurance contributions from 1 August, which are currently funded by the Treasury.

This will force businesses to plug the gap, which many cannot afford.

Mrs Gibson said: “Employees and employers must not be penalised due to the pandemic. Rather than reducing financial support for those impacted, the Chancellor must strengthen it and extend the schemes to secure a strong economic recovery. The alternative will be a deep recession and hardship for many.

"I urge the UK government not to undo the good work done so far to help businesses and employees through these challenging times."