Coronavirus in Scotland LIVE: Nicola Sturgeon to give evidence in front of Covid committee at Holyrood

Last updated: Wednesday, 04 November, 2020, 08:04

• Scotland’s Finance Secretary claims Chancellor repeatedly refuses to 'provide clarity once and for all' on furlough
• First Minister to give evidence in front of Covid committee at Holyrood this morning
• More than one million people have been tested for Covid-19 in Scotland

Nicola Sturgeon's latest comment on the US elections:

"The 'good luck, America' sentiment of last night seems even more apposite this morning. Crucial hours and days ahead for the integrity of US democracy. Let's hope we start to hear the voices of Republicans who understand the importance of that," she said. 

Nicola Sturgeon to give evidence at Covid Committee in Holyrood from 9.30am

The First Minister is likely to be questioned about whether Scotland is going to go under tighter restrictions or not ahead of the winter period 

Actor James McAvoy has voiced his support for the arts in a new film urging people to support future students through a fundraising campaign.

Nicola Sturgeon to give evidence in front of the Covid-19 committee at Holyrood this morning. She will be questioned about the 5-tier coronavirus system and MSPs will want to know more details on the furlough scheme and if the First Minister has heard any more information from the treasury

Fall in number of permanent jobs in Scotland amid Covid-19, according to recent study

Permanent jobs across Scotland have reduced in October, according to a new report.

Data from the Royal Bank of Scotland has shown that permanent jobs have continued to fall.

Recruiters across the country have reported a ninth successive monthly fall in the number of people securing permanent jobs.

Those who responded to the survey said the drop was down to firms suspending hiring during the coronavirus pandemic.

However, the report also showed that due to uncertainty over Covid-19 closures, temporary employment has seen its biggest growth since late 2018.

The number of both permanent and temporary jobseekers continued to rise sharply amongst reports of further redundancies, although the rates of increase slowed slightly compared with September.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman has announced a plan to try to help the social care sector prepare for winter in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.

Ms Freeman said the adult social care winter preparedness plan will be supported by an additional £112 million in funding and stressed that lessons have been learned to protect staff and people who need social care.

Detailing the new measures in the Scottish Parliament, Ms Freeman said the strategy was based on «evidence to protect people from the direct impact of Covid-19 and winter viruses».

More than 1m people in Scotland have tested for the virus

The Scottish Government figures confirm 1,003,492 people have been tested for Covid-19 in the country 

The latest figures to date from yesterday

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Source: scotsman.com