Around 80,000 jobs are to be suspended in Glasgow this Friday as the city will enter the highest level of coronavirus restrictions.

Level four of the Covid-19 constraints system will mean a temporary closure of all non-essential businesses - including indoor seating within the hospitality industry. 

Glasgow's Chamber of Commerce, Stuart Patrick has since warned the move from level three to level four of restrictions will have a "devastating impact" on the city the city as he described businesses being "switched on and off like light bulbs".

Glasgow Times:

READ MORE: Coronavirus Scotland: Glasgow's businesses react to new Covid-19 lockdown

He said: “The immediate outcome of today’s announcement will be a devastating impact on non-essential shops, the entire hospitality sector, leisure and entertainment and personal services, with almost 80,000 jobs now back in suspension in Glasgow City alone.

“Once again businesses are being switched on and off like light bulbs, putting livelihoods in serious jeopardy. The lead up to Christmas is the time when small companies build up their reserves to survive, particularly in the early part of the following year when trade is much weaker.

"Businesses want to stay open and safe. What we need – and fast - is more emphasis on mass testing as has happened in Liverpool. Without improved and extensive testing we are doomed to repeat a miserable cycle of lockdowns all through winter until the promised vaccines are roiled out."

Glasgow Times:

READ MORE: Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitklen reveals she fought against level four lockdown

Mr Patrick warned that although the UK Government's furlough scheme is welcomed, it won't be enough to keep small, city businesses afloat.

He added: “There seems to be an assumption that the Job Retention Scheme and other support measures keep businesses going.

"But while they are welcome, they don’t cover the regular costs that small businesses have to find the cash for – rent, insurances, National Insurance contributions, staff pensions, equipment leases, bank loan repayments and so on.”

Level four restrictions will come into force in Glasgow this Friday and will be reviewed after three weeks.