A Week in Parliament

Thanks

I would like to record my thanks to the NHS staff who are working incredibly hard during this Coronavirus epidemic. They cannot social distance at their work. Many nurses and doctors have to interact and directly look after those who have been infected with Coronavirus. It must be extremely concerning at times, no matter what precautions and PPE are put in place.

Similarly, our carers who go door to door and are the lifeline service for our elderly and most vulnerable citizens. It is fair to say their services have never been more needed or appreciated.

In times of adversity it is always heart-warming to see how communities can come together and look out for each other. There has been a tremendous amount of volunteers offering to do shopping and just look out for those in need. Well done all and to the companies offering to assist with deliveries and help the NHS. It is this type of co-operation that will get us all through this crisis.

Wabtec

In amongst the Covid-19 crisis it was particularly dispiriting that Wabtec announced an intent to close the Kilmarnock site, effectively re-directing the work to Doncaster. Any possible closure and job losses are hard to take – especially skilled engineering jobs. However, the timing of this is awful. I have submitted a number of questions to the company and have contacted the Scottish Government – as has my colleague, Willie Coffey MSP. We will certainly do all we can to hopefully make the company see that the Kilmarnock site has a future.

Social Distancing

The Scottish Government advice and guidelines are clear about the need for as many of us as possible to stay at home and only venture out on a limited basis – once per day. It has been obvious from media coverage that too many people are not adhering to these principles. However, it is for the safety of ourselves and our families so it should not be a difficult decision to adhere to.

Where I appreciate people having difficulties is workplaces staying open – it feels some businesses are finding whatever loophole they can to justify why they should remain operational. Now, I appreciate that it is a difficult decision to close a business even temporarily. Even with wage support for employees, companies can have large overheads to pay out while having no income. However, the safety of their workers should always be the number one priority. My office has had a lot of contact from concerned constituents – indeed I have now written to 20 companies asking them to consider if they really should still be operational and if so, as a fallback what protection measures are in place for their staff?

Social distancing does provide an opportunity for outstanding domestic jobs. On a lighter note, I know at least from my perspective my garden should end up in a better condition than it’s been for a few years. Travelling up and down to London and squeezing in weekend MP activities has saw parts of my garden overlooked. I have no more excuses now!