THIS week in the Scottish Parliament I spoke in the Protection of Workers Bill debate, a bill which seeks to support those working in the retail sector and protect them from abuse.

I want to thank retail workers across Scotland for their hard work, particularly during the coronavirus pandemic, when they have been presented with new stresses and challenges.

Those in the sector have had to navigate the implementation of new rules to keep their customers safe and have worked through a very stressful time, when the public have been more dependent on the sector than ever.

All workers should have the right to do their job without the fear of threat or abuse and that is why I wanted to speak on this subject.

I am pleased that the bill has been backed in parliament at Stage 1 and I’m glad we are sending a clear message that abuse and threats towards retail workers are never acceptable.

Many will be alarmed about the rising infection rates in students, and I hope that strict restrictions over the weekend can help lower the outbreaks in university campuses across Scotland. This is a difficult time for students, and I am glad that the Scottish Government and universities across the country are working with those studying to ensure they have adequate support through this period.

Even though young people are at a lower risk from coronavirus, there can still be serious implications when care is not taken to prevent the spread.

With only five weeks until the end of the furlough scheme, myself and colleagues within the SNP remain outraged that the UK Government has not taken stronger steps to provide businesses with certainty.

The UK Government has offered a watered down version of the scheme, which means employees must work a third of the hours.

For many businesses who remain unable to open, this offers no support.

It’s no wonder that 71 per cent of Scots believe financial powers should be devolved.