The committee is launching a rolling inquiry that will consider how best businesses and employees can be supported during this time. It is also keen to hear views on how economic recovery can be supported once the crisis has abated.

The committee will use feedback received to recommend how the Scottish Government should provide effective support that mitigates the impact the virus is having on businesses and workers.

Unusual for a parliamentary inquiry, the committee has set no deadline for responses. 

The call for views will remain open on an ongoing basis and will provide a forum for raising issues of concern and for highlighting best practice in delivering economic support to business and workers.

Committee convener Michelle Ballantyne MSP said: “These are unprecedented times and the committee is here to listen.

“The protection of life and the ability of the NHS to cope as the virus spreads has rightly been at the forefront of everyone’s priorities but the economic shockwaves that COVID-19 has created will last far beyond any lockdown. It is vital that businesses and workers are supported effectively during this crisis, so that they can come back and contribute to the economy once more.

“Mitigating the impact of this crisis must be a top priority of the Scottish Government, as it is for the committee. We will be working with the cabinet secretary to ensure all that can be done is being done.”

The committee will publish responses on its website on a regular basis over the coming weeks and months.

• Read all of our articles relating to COVID-19 here.