A NEW report has warned that Brexit will hit the most vulnerable people in East Renfrewshire – highlighting negative consequences such as the loss of employment protections and healthcare rights.
The report, commissioned by the Scottish Government, identified 137 potential impacts on those already facing inequality, discrimination or social exclusion.
It warns that a 'hard Brexit,' along the lines of the deal being proposed by Boris Johnson, could lead to a slowdown in the economy, with job losses increased, the cost of living and food prices pushed up and reductions in public spending.
The Social and Equality Impacts of Brexit report also warned that Brexit, which will become official at 11pm this Friday, could negatively affect supply and access to food, fuel and medicines.
Tom Arthur, Renfrewshire South MSP, said: “Any form of Brexit will hit jobs and household incomes in East Renfrewshire.
“With just days until the UK is due to leave the EU, people and businesses in East Renfrewshire will be understandably concerned with the complete lack of clarity coming from Boris Johnson’s government.
“Far from delivering extra cash for the NHS, as was infamously promised by the Leave campaign bus, those on low incomes face losing access to public services, the ability to buy daily essentials in the case of price rises and access to affordable housing.
“East Renfrewshire voted to remain in the EU – just like every local authority in Scotland – and yet we’ve been entirely sidelined and ignored by the Tory government ever since.”
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