1st October 2020
Responding to the latest update of the route map for Scotland through and out of lockdown restrictions, Dr Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce said:
“The guidance and rules on preventing the spread of the virus must be followed; we simply cannot afford further lockdowns or any further rolling ‘circuit-breaker’ restrictions.
“The reality is that thousands of businesses are about to go under, particularly those operating soft play facilities and in our world-class culture and events sectors.
“These businesses are bitterly disappointed that breakouts that have not stemmed from their operations mean they now must remain closed for longer and potentially face ruin. The Scottish Government must move quickly to deliver the necessary financial support to save jobs and livelihoods in these sectors immediately.
“Meanwhile office-based businesses have followed and often exceeded every piece of guidance and health and safety regulation when it comes to making their premises Covid safe. All are ready to start breathing life back into our moribund city centres.
“Business, trade unions and the Scottish Government have worked together over the last three weeks on a set of clear recommendations and actions driven by health and economic data which shows that a managed reopening of our offices – for those who wish to reopen – can happen safely. We expect this plan to be positively considered and actioned, before the next review of the route map.”
