Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) calls for Scottish and UK government support to continue for Highland firms after easing of coronavirus Covid-19 restrictions
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Many businesses will require continuing support even after legal restrictions around Covid-19 are further eased next week it has been claimed.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed on Tuesday that most current restrictions will be lifted from Monday though she also warned that the virus still poses a threat.
For that reason the wearing of face coverings will continue to be legally required in all settings as they are today, such as in shops and on public transport.
Hospitality venues will also be required to continue to collect customer details as the Test and Protect system will continue to operate.
Ms Sturgeon said that people with symptoms of Covid-19 and those who test positive would still have to self-isolate, but there would be a change of approach in terms of close contacts.
Rather than imposing a strict 10-day isolation period, close contacts who are double vaccinated and had their second dose at least two weeks previously will, from Monday, be able to get a PCR test and, should it come back negative, their isolation period can end.
She said a similar system would be in place for under-17s that would reduce the instances of whole classes having to isolate.
Young people aged five to 17 should take PCR tests and those under five would be “encouraged” to do so.
The Federation of Small Businesses’ (FSB) Highlands and Islands development manager David Richardson said the further easing was “very good news” for businesses across the region, but added: “However, we know from our survey work that a worryingly large number of tourism businesses remain concerned that the delayed start to the season combined with the absence of international visitors are having a serious impact on their business’s survival chances.
“Moreover, serious, long-term problems remain, and the announcement is no guarantee of economic success.
“In particular, if we don’t make every effort to solve the staffing shortage issue long-term it is hard to see a full and successful recovery taking place.”
The organisation’s policy chairman Andrew McRae said: “Ministers in Edinburgh and London have an opportunity to bolster rising Scottish business optimism by helping firms get back on their feet.
“That means keeping a lid on overheads they control, like taxes and charges, and plainly communicating the remaining rules.
“Policymakers need to take action to help firms get the skills and labour they need to adapt to a world that the pandemic changed.”
n Business Briefing – page 15
