Council deals with more than 220 complaints

Fife Council has revealed it dealt with more than 220 complaints regarding the safe working conditions at companies continuing to operate since the coronavirus lockdown began.

New figures show between March 21 and June 2, the council received and resolved 227 enquiries or complaints relating to new regulations for firms continuing to operate during the lockdown.

It is unclear how many of those resulted in further action being taken against individual companies.

New powers were given to local authorities under the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions) (Scotland) Regulations 2020, to ensure businesses permitted to stay open have appropriate social distancing measures in place and other business premises remain closed.

In the wake of the lockdown being introduced, councillors in Fife reported being inundated with concerns from employees being required to continue working despite the restrictions.

A number of firms across the region were visited by police but ignored orders to close citing differences over UK and Scottish government advice.

Fife Council, in common with all other Scottish local authorities, said it has been working closely with the Scottish Government to progress policy and guidance for businesses to restart as well as establish joint working arrangements with Police Scotland, Food Standards Scotland and the Health and Safety Executive.

In addition, the council said it had carried out a “significant number of proactive visits and other direct advisory communications” to businesses.