Falkirk Council survey shows impact COVID-19 had on local businesses

Carried out by Falkirk Council during July, businesses of all sizes and sectors responded to a variety of questions about how they were coping during the pandemic.

Some of the main findings of the study included the fact almost 19,000 employees – that’s around 30 per cent of the local workforce – have been furloughed, with workers in the accommodation and food trade and arts and entertainment showing the highest rate of furloughed employees at 73 per cent.

The findings of the survey will be used along with material to produce an impact report that will help shape the Council’s economic recovery plan to be published in September.

Falkirk Council leader Cecil Meiklejohn said: “It is clear businesses across the Falkirk area have suffered as a result of COVID-19. The survey will inform a local economic recovery plan that will outline the ways in which we can all help to get businesses back on their feet.”The Falkirk Recovery Plan will include local actions to improve key business, place and strategic infrastructure and these will include a range of projects some of which it is hoped can befunded through the Investment Zone initiative.

According to the survey, unemployment is up – especially among young people – rising from 655 or 5.35 per cent in March 2020 to 1250 or 10.1 per cent in June 2020.Almost half the business surveyed – 44.7 per cent – said they would reopen with reduced hours, while 36.9 per cent said they would retain normal opening hours and 29.4 per cent said availability of finance was the key issue in recovery.

Councillor Meiklejohn said: “Our area has amazing assets that contribute significantly to the national economy, including a healthy industrial manufacturing sector, a great location for investing in and a resilient business community.

“In addition a significant number of renewal and investment projects are in prospect in the area. Sadly, there will be businesses that will not re-open as a result of the pandemic and we hope their owners and employees can find other ventures to become involved with.”

If people are looking for new business or employment opportunities, or need advice on their current business, the Business Gateway Service and Employment and Training Unit are available to help.