Outdoor work to start, while construction sites get ready
MOST outdoor work can resume from today but people are still being urged to work from home if they can do so.
Nicola Sturgeon said firms can ask staff to return if they are working outdoors in industries such as landscaping and roofing.
She also gave the green light for construction sites to prepare to restart work – with a view to projects resuming once that has been approved by the Scottish Government.
The First Minister also said she was relaxing restrictions on drive-through restaurants, as long as social distancing is still implemented.
But she added: ‘We continue to ask other business premises to remain closed at this stage, unless providing essential goods and services, and we ask all businesses to let staff work from home wherever possible.’
Dr Liz Cameron, chief executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: ‘Entering phase one of the easing of restrictions will be welcome for many, but the clock for businesses is ticking.
‘The need for firmer timelines is an increasingly urgent matter for companies across all sectors who still face significant risk if they are not able to open urgently.
‘Preparing for a safe return to the workplace is the utmost priority for businesses and should be too for government.’
The Scottish Government published detailed guidance for the construction sector, setting out how firms can begin to prepare ‘non-essential’ sites ahead of a ‘soft start’ to work.
Robin Blacklock, chairman of the Scottish Property Federation, said yesterday: ‘The real estate industry is relieved to see the start of a firm path to recovery signalled today by the First Minister. The construction sector has worked hard to develop detailed safe working practices.
‘We encourage the Government to press ahead as quickly as possible with the sector’s advice on a gradual return to work for construction and building works.
‘This week’s retail guidance is also welcome, but we feel the emphasis should be on ensuring retail facilities can trade safely rather than on the size of the property.
‘We are entering a critical period as we move towards the more substantive phase two of the route map. With government collaboration, the real estate sector should be trusted to adopt safe, innovative and flexible working practices in order to get the economy moving again and to secure crucial jobs and investment.’
Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said: ‘With the gradual easing of lockdown it is vitally important we publish updated guidance for the construction sector to help it restart safely and recover from the damaging impact of Covid-19.
‘The focus of the Scottish Government remains on tackling the virus, protecting public health and saving lives, but we are also acutely aware of the need to support vital sectors of the economy, such as construction, as they begin to recover.
‘In recent weeks we have worked tirelessly with representative bodies, employers and trade unions from the construction sector to prepare guidance that is clear and realistic.’
He added: ‘I am pleased businesses can begin planning and preparing sites for restart.
‘Future progress will clearly depend on our ability to continue to control Covid-19 transmission rates.
‘This also emphasises the importance of ongoing risk assessment with full input from trade union or workforce representatives and to keep all risk mitigation measures under regular review so workplaces continue to feel, and be, safe.’
‘Support vital sectors’