Extended lockdown putting Scottish businesses ‘at risk’

Businesses have been shortchanged by “utterly inexplicable” decision-making on loosening lockdown restrictions and many will be left struggling to survive, a leading Dundee business figure has warned.

Nicola Sturgeon announced yesterday that non-essential workplaces will remain closed until at least September 14, but could stay shut even longer as she warned working from home will remain the “default option” for the foreseeable future.

The first minister said Scotland will remain in phase three of the Scottish Government’s four-step route map out of lockdown, and suggested the current stage could stretch beyond the next review date in three weeks time.

Gyms, swimming pools, arts venues, sports stadiums and other businesses have been given “indicative dates” for reopening but many firms will be forced to stay shut for several more weeks to avoid putting the reopening of schools at risk.

The first tranche of changes will come into effect from August 24 but Ms Sturgeon said no further easing is expected before September 11.

She stressed non-essential offices should remain closed until at least September 14 – and possibly later.

“Even then, working from home and working flexibly will remain the default position,” Ms Sturgeon said.

The first minister said gyms and swimming pools had been given an indicative reopening date of September 14 but will be reviewed again in three weeks.

Derek Marshall, chairman of Dundee Social Enterprise Network, said the announcement had left many of his members lacking the clarity needed to effectively plan their reopening.

“Many of the facilities, with only indicative dates for reopening, will struggle to survive and the first minister needs to provide additional financial support for those sectors she is demanding more sacrifice from,” he said.

“Many of our members have been asked to stay closed for longer with no additional support. That is not good enough.”

Andrew McRae, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Scotland policy chairman, said the first minister must not forget local businesses.

“The pandemic is no more the fault of the local driving instructor or personal trainer than anyone else, but their livelihoods will take a greater hit,” he said.

Meanwhile, coronavirus shielding in Scotland will be paused from tomorrow.