CBI Scotland director Tracy Black calls for Scottish Government to give clear guidance on Covid testing
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The Scottish Government needs to take urgent action to restore business confidence as the country enters a new phase of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to business body CBI Scotland.
Responding to the latest announcement on Covid-19 restrictions from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, CBI Scotland director Tracey Black also called for a swift roll out of the test and release programme to help speed up economic recovery.
Ms Black stated: “It’s clear we’re entering a new phase of the pandemic: living with the virus. Instilling a sense of confidence as we move to level 0 then beyond – both for businesses and the public – is now crucial.
“Developing a more agile and responsive test and release system for self-isolation will be a key part of that. The removal of the requirement for contacts of positive cases to isolate from 9 August is welcome, but Covid-related absences are hitting firms hard now and impacting their ability to trade their way to recovery.
“The Scottish Government should work with the hardest hit sectors to introduce a test and release scheme as swiftly as possible.
“The removal of the requirement for double-jagged people to isolate when arriving from amber list countries will provide a much-needed boost to the travel industry. This consistent approach across the UK to reopening international travel will provide welcome clarity, not only for the travel sector but for the public as well."
Ms Black added that many firms which had been planning for a safe return to office working would be disappointed by the First Minister calling for home working to remain in place.
“Many firms are well advanced in their plans and are proceeding with hybrid working models," Ms Black continued.
“It’s up to employers to engage positively with staff to shape the new and unique ways of working every business now needs to consider. Clear communication and guidance from the Scottish Government on new support for workplace testing in Scotland will help those who want to add an extra layer of security for their staff as they reopen their office doors.
“It is now mission critical that the Scottish Government, with the support of business, does all it can to build confidence in the reopening.”
Related article: Scotland will move to Level 0 of the coronavirus restrictions
