Tag: STUC

Beyond Level Zero!

First Minister confirms relaxation of restrictions from Monday

The legal requirement for physical distancing and limits on gatherings will be removed on 9 August when all venues across Scotland are able to re-open.

Some protective measures will stay in place such as the use of face coverings indoors and the collection of contact details as part of Test and Protect. Capacity limits of 2000 people indoors and 5000 people outdoors will also remain in place although some exceptions may be possible on a case by case basis. These will be reviewed on a three weekly basis to ensure they remain proportionate.

Adults identified as close contacts of someone who has tested positive for Covid-19 will also no longer be automatically required to self-isolate for 10 days from 9 August. Anyone who is double-vaccinated with at least two weeks passed since their second dose and who has no symptoms will be able to end self-isolation if they return a negative PCR test.

The same conditions will also apply to anyone aged between five and 17 years old, even if they have not been vaccinated. The requirement to take a PCR test will not apply to children under the age of five.

Test and Protect will also implement revised guidance for under 18s. This means that the blanket isolation of whole classes in schools will no longer happen and a targeted approach, that only identifies children and young people who are higher risk close contacts, will be adopted.

Fewer young people will have to self-isolate, and most will be asked to self-isolate for a much shorter period of time. To allow time to monitor the impacts of these changes, the majority of the mitigations that were in place in schools in the previous term will be retained for up to six weeks. This will help support a safe and sustainable return to education after the summer break.

While the gateway condition on vaccination has been met, with 92% of those over the age of 40 protected by two doses of the vaccine, there are still many more people who have not had the vaccine, cannot have it, or are not yet eligible for it.

Invitations for vaccines are now going out to 12 to 17 year olds with specific health conditions that make them more vulnerable to Covid. This follows the recent advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation. We expect to have offered first doses to this group by the end of August.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “The move beyond level 0 will entail the lifting of most of the remaining legally imposed restrictions – most notably, on physical distancing and limits to the size of social gatherings. It also means that from 9 August, no venues will be legally required to close.

“This change is significant and it is hard-earned. The sacrifices everyone has made over the past year and a half can never be overstated. However, while this move will restore a substantial degree of normality, it is important to be clear that it does not signal the end of the pandemic or a return to life exactly as we knew it before Covid struck.

“Declaring freedom from, or victory over, this virus is in my view premature. The harm the virus can do, including through the impact of long Covid, should not be underestimated. And its ability to mutate may yet pose us real challenges.”

Gregor Scotland, CBI Scotland Head of Policy, said: “Moving beyond level zero to remove the vast majority of Covid restrictions creates a much-needed platform for kickstarting Scotland’s economic recovery.  

“Ending social distancing requirements is a vital step that boosts business capacity just when firms need it most. For struggling retailers, getting more customers through the door is just the tonic they need to make the most of the final weeks of summer and trade their way to recovery.

“There will also be a sigh of relief that double-jagged staff will finally no longer have to self-isolate if they test negative once contacted by NHS Test & Protect. Across the economy absences have been hitting businesses hard, as well as exacerbating existing skills shortages that threaten to put the brakes on recovery.

“However, with so many restrictions lifting, businesses will be confused why the Scottish Government is continuing to advise people to work from home.

“The reality is that many firms are well-advanced in their plans and are proceeding with hybrid working models, just as the government advises. It’s up to employers to engage positively with staff to shape new ways of working that work for them, while remaining as safe as possible.

“The Scottish Government should now work with business to instil a sense of confidence in the reopening. Only by bolstering public and business confidence can we really begin to live with the virus and deliver a strong recovery.”

STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said: “There is a long way to go before this virus is behind us. Vaccination does not provide total security from infection and we know that long COVID can affect people of all ages.

“Using terminology such as beyond level zero is confusing. This along with some parts of the media’s irresponsible use of the term ‘Freedom Day’ risks sending messages that all caution can be put to one side whereas in reality there are a whole range of mitigations and safety measures that remain in place.

“We recognise that the First Minister has tried to remain cautious despite some significant moves to open up Scotland socially and economically. We are supportive of keeping mitigation measures such as face coverings and social distancing. Many workers particularly in areas such as health and social care remain concerned at the lifting of self-isolation restrictions for the double vaccinated – both workers and the wider public. We know that the asymptomatic can still transmit the virus.

“As we move away from legal requirements to recommended approaches the duty on employers to keep staff and the general public safe will increase. There is a clear steer from the First Minister that there should be no rush back to office working.

“This is particularly important in larger offices with poor ventilation and high staff numbers. We cannot overestimate the importance of requiring decent ventilation in schools, colleges, universities and other places of work.

“We still need rigorous risk assessments and urge all employers to consult with unions and workers and to be sensitive of the very genuine fears some workers will have. In this, both governments have a role to play. Ongoing support for workers and businesses is vital to persuade employers not to become less cautious and open up too quickly.

“We support the First Ministers call for an extended and more generous furlough scheme and for the Scottish Government to intervene to continue business support.”

City of Edinburgh council leader Council Leader Cllr. Adam McVey said: “The latest announcement from the First Minister will be extremely welcome news for many, not in the least the businesses across the city who have shown an enormous amount of skill and resilience over the last year and a half.

“The removal of physical distancing and changes to rules on self-isolation will of course impact on Council services too and allow the return of more normality to local services. Over the coming days and weeks we’ll be drawing up plans to support services to respond to this and to further assist our economy’s recovery.

“However, the COVID virus is very much still with us and I appreciate the First Minister’s careful and steady approach. We need to do everything we can to limit its continued spread and we all have our part to play.

“For everyone eligible to get vaccinated, please do so if you haven’t yet. With vaccinations now being given to everyone aged 18 and over, it’s essential that young people get theirs as well if we are to keep enjoying this gradual return to normality.

“The NHS has made getting a vaccination quick and easy wherever you are in the city. We’ll be working with the NHS to drive home the importance of getting both jabs and helping inform people about the easiest way to get them.”

Additional Information:

Further detail about measures announced today and updated guidance for the education sector will be published shortly.

Further guidance will be provided to businesses to help them adopt measures to mitigate risks, including ensuring good ventilation; maintaining good hand hygiene; practising respiratory hygiene; getting vaccinated; and continuing to engage with Test and Protect.

Some baseline measures will remain in place:

  • it will continue to be the law, subject to exceptions, that face coverings must be worn in indoor public places and on public transport
  • Test & Protect will continue to contact-trace positive cases. To assist with this there will be a continued requirement for indoor hospitality and similar venues to collect the contact details of customers. Anyone who is required to self-isolate will, if eligible, continue to have access to support
  • we will work closely with local incident management teams on appropriate outbreak control measures
  • we will continue to use travel restrictions, as and when necessary, to restrict the spread of outbreaks and protect against the risk of importation of new variants
  • for now, we will continue to advise home working where possible, recognising that some staff will start to return to offices in line with staff wellbeing discussions and business need. we will encourage employers to consider for the longer term, as the Scottish Government is doing, a hybrid model of home and office working – which may, of course, have benefits beyond the need to control a virus
  • we will, for a limited period, keep in place a gateway process through which organisers of outdoors events of more than 5000 and indoor events of more than 2000 will have to apply for permission. This will allow us and local authorities to be assured of the arrangements in place to reduce risk
  • we will continue to issue appropriate guidance to assist individuals and businesses to reduce the risk of transmission as much as possible, such as rigorous hygiene, including regular hand washing

First Minister’s statement – 3 August 2021

Thank you Presiding Officer

In updating Parliament today on the Government’s decisions about further easing of Covid restrictions, I will confirm that from next Monday, Scotland will move beyond the current level 0 restrictions, and I will set out the basis for that decision.

However, in line with the cautious approach we have taken throughout this pandemic, I will also set out a number of mitigation measures that will remain in place.

I will then outline changes to the requirement for self-isolation of close contacts of positive Covid cases.

And finally, I will summarise the key points from new guidance being published today on arrangements for the start of the new school year.

However, let me start by summarising today’s statistics.

The total number of positive cases reported yesterday was 1,016 – which is 8.1% of all tests.

There are 406 people receiving hospital care – one fewer than yesterday.

And 61 people are receiving intensive care, which is one more than yesterday.

Sadly, nine further deaths were reported over the past 24 hours, taking the total number of registered deaths, under this daily definition, to 7,952.

And as always, I want to convey my sincere condolences to everyone who has lost a loved one.

I can also report that 4,014,212 people have now received a first dose of vaccine.

And 3,231,331 have now had both doses of vaccine.

So all of these figures are broadly in line with the trend that has been evident for the past four weeks.

The number of new cases in Scotland reached a peak in early July.

At that time, more than 400 new cases per 100,000 of the population were being recorded each week.

That has now fallen by two thirds – from 425 per 100,000 at the peak to 144 now based on our most recent figures.

And although as we can see today this fluctuates on a daily basis, the average proportion of tests that are positive has also fallen – from more than 10%, to now less than 6%.

Thankfully, the number of people in hospital with Covid is also falling – in the past two weeks it has reduced from 529 patients to 406.

And the number of people in intensive care also now seems be declining, albeit gradually, as well.

So all of this is good news. And I think it demonstrates the value of taking a careful and steady approach to easing restrictions.

Another reason for this progress is, of course, the continued success of the vaccination programme.

All over 18-year-olds have now had the opportunity to receive at least one dose of the vaccine.

And all over 40-year-olds have been offered both doses. These were key milestones for moving beyond level 0.

These milestones have been met. And take-up of vaccination has been exceptional by any previous standard, or indeed by comparison with our expectations.

90% of over 18 year olds have now had at least one dose of the vaccine, and 72% of all 18 year olds have had both doses.

93% of over 40 year olds have had both doses of the vaccine. And indeed for those over 60, take-up for both doses is as close to 100% as could reasonably be hoped for.

There is of course still more to do, and I want to stress this point, especially amongst 18- to 29-year-olds. Take-up in that age group has been good, relative to our initial expectations, but we want it to be better.

That is why, for example, we are deploying walk-in and mobile vaccination centres across the country.

I can also confirm that preparatory work is underway for the next phases of vaccination.

Invitations for vaccines are now going out to 12- to 17-year-olds with specific health conditions that make them more vulnerable to Covid. And this follows recent advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation. And we expect to have offered first doses to this group by the end of August.

In addition, I can advise Parliament that we are hoping to receive in the next few days updated advice from the JCVI on possible vaccination of others in the younger age groups.

And we stand ready to implement any recommendations as soon as possible.

And we are also preparing to deliver booster jags during the autumn for those already vaccinated, if that is indeed recommended.

The vaccination programme, therefore, is likely to continue for some time to come. It may become a feature of life. But it has already saved many lives, and achieved a huge amount of success. And I am grateful to everybody who has and continues to help deliver it.

Presiding Officer, Ii is the combination of the steady decline in cases, the success of vaccination helping to weaken the link between cases and serious illness, and of course our understanding of the social, health and economic harms that continued restrictions cause – all underpinned by our obligation to ensure that any restrictions that remain in place are lawful, in other words that they are both necessary and proportionate – that forms the basis for our decision today to move beyond level 0.

The move beyond level 0 will entail the lifting of most of the remaining legally imposed restrictions – most notably on physical distancing and limits to the size of social gatherings.

It also means that from 9 August, no venues will be legally required to close.

This change is significant and it is hard-earned. The sacrifices everyone has made over the past year and a half can never be overstated.

However, while this move will restore a substantial degree of normality, it is important to be clear that it does not signal the end of the pandemic or a return to life exactly as we knew it before Covid struck.

Declaring freedom from, or victory over, this virus is in my view premature.

The harm the virus can do, including through the impact of long Covid, shouldn’t be underestimated. And its ability to mutate may yet pose us real challenges.

So even as we make this move, care and caution will still be required. Which is why I now want to focus on the protections and guidance that will remain in place after 9 August.

Firstly, it will continue to be the law, subject to existing exemptions, that face coverings must be worn in all the same indoor settings as is the case now.

We will keep this under review, but my expectation is that face coverings are likely to be mandated in law for some time to come.

Second, Test & Protect will continue to contact-trace positive cases.

To assist with this, there will be an ongoing requirement for indoor hospitality and similar venues to collect the contact details of customers.

And while – as I will set out shortly – there will be a change in the approach to self-isolation for close contacts of positive cases, anyone who is required to self-isolate will, if eligible, continue to have access to support.

Thirdly, we will continue to work closely with local incident management teams on appropriate outbreak control measures, including the use of localised restrictions in future if necessary.

We will also continue to use travel restrictions, as and when necessary, to restrict the spread of outbreaks and protect against the risk of importation of new variants.

Fourthly, we will continue to advise home working where possible for now. I know most businesses are not planning a wholesale return to the office, but recongise that a return for some staff will be beneficial to them and to employers. But it is vital that this gradual approach continues.

We will also encourage employers to consider for the longer term, as indeed the Scottish Government is doing, a hybrid model of home and office working – which may, of course, have benefits beyond the need to control a virus.

Fifth, while we expect to see the careful return of large scale events, we will for a limited period, keep in place the processes through which organisers of outdoor events of more than 5,000 and indoor events of more than 2,000 will have to apply for permission. And this will allow us and local authorities simply to be assured of the arrangements in place to reduce the risk of large scale gatherings.

And last – but by no means least – we will continue to issue clear guidance to assist individuals and businesses to reduce the risk of transmission as much as possible.

Rigorous hygiene, including regular hand washing, will continue to be essential.

Good ventilation will also be important. I will set out shortly our intention to strengthen guidance on ventilation in schools, but we will also work across the public and private sectors to ensure an approach to improved ventilation.

And even though the law will not stipulate physical distancing from Monday, we will continue to advise the public that – especially indoors – keeping a safe distance from people in other households and avoiding crowded places will minimise risk. 

We will also engage with businesses – and issue guidance as necessary – to ensure that safe environments for staff and customers are provided, and that all reasonable steps are taken to reduce the risk of outbreaks.

Presiding Officer, I can also confirm that we continue to consider very carefully the possible, albeit limited, use of Covid status certification for access to certain higher risk venues in future.

We are currently developing an app to make access to Covid status certificates – which will include vaccination details – easier for international travel. This will be launched next month.

The app will have functionality to support the use of such certificates for domestic settings should we decide that this is appropriate.

However, I want to assure Parliament that we do not underestimate the ethical, equity and human rights issues associated with Covid status certification, and we will keep members updated and consulted on our thinking on this issue.

The decisions I am confirming today reflect the fact that – principally due to vaccines – we are now in a different stage of this pandemic.

Vaccination has weakened the link between case numbers and serious health harms, and that means it is no longer appropriate or necessary – and therefore not necessarily even lawful – for us to rely as heavily as we did previously on blanket rules and regulations.

That’s something that will be welcome for many, but a source of anxiety for some.

The Chief Medical Officer will be writing to those who have been at the highest risk from Covid – who might previously have been asked to shield – to provide advice and information, and to give assurance that they too can return to a much greater degree of normality. The needs and concerns of this group will not be ignored, now or in future.

I want now to turn to the change that we propose to the current rules on self-isolation – to ensure that they remain reasonable and proportionate.

Let me be clear at the outset that those who have symptoms of, or  who test positive for, Covid will still be required to self-isolate as now.

However, from 9 August, an adult who is identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive for will no longer be required automatically to self-isolate for 10 days.

Instead, if someone is double-vaccinated – with at least two weeks since the second dose – and if they have no symptoms, they should get a PCR test as soon as possible. And if the PCR test is negative, self-isolation can then be ended.

And as PCR results come back quickly – frequently within 24 hours – this will greatly reduce the amount of time that many people will need to spend in self-isolation.

We are proposing a similar change for people aged 17 or under – most of whom, of course, are not yet eligible for vaccination. 

If a young person aged 5 to 17 is identified as a close contact, they will need to take a PCR test – but they can end their self-isolation if they test negative. Children under the age of five will be encouraged but not required to take PCR tests.

In addition, Test and Protect will implement revised guidance for under 18s, including in schools.

This means that the blanket isolation of whole classes will no longer be routine. Instead a more targeted approach will identify close contacts at highest risk of infection.

So fewer young people will be asked to self-isolate, and most will be asked to self-isolate for a much shorter period of time. 

Obviously his is especially important as we approach the start of the new school year. So let me turn to the wider arrangements for the return of schools. And updated guidance is being published today.

As a consequence of the new approach to self-isolation – which is important to minimise disruption to education – and in line with advice from our Expert Advisory Sub-Group on Education, we have decided to retain, for the first six weeks of the new academic term, most of the other mitigations that are currently in place in schools.

This also reflects the unique environment of schools, where large numbers of unvaccinated children and young people mix with adult staff.

So for up to six weeks – subject then to review – there will be a continued requirement for staff to keep at least a metre distance from each other and from children and young people while on the school estate.

And we’ve also decided, after careful consideration, to retain the current requirements for face coverings in schools for staff and for children aged 12 or over. That includes asking young people and staff in secondary schools to wear face coverings during lessons, and while inside school buildings.

I am acutely aware that many, many young people find this difficult – and it will be kept under review. But for now, we consider this an important protection for them, and for others in the school.

The Expert Advisory Sub-Group has also emphasised the importance of good ventilation, and we are therefore strengthening guidance in this regard.

Many local authorities have already taken steps to improve ventilation in the school estate, and this work has highlighted the value of CO2 monitors.

These devices are useful in assessing how well ventilated a space is, and therefore how likely it is that the virus could be present.

The new guidance, published today, makes clear that all schools and daycare services for children must have access to CO2 monitoring – through either fixed or mobile devices – and that these should be used to assess the quality of ventilation in schools and childcare settings, and identify any necessary improvements.

These assessments will be ongoing obviously over the coming weeks, but we expect them to be completed – and necessary improvements identified – by the October half term.

And I can also confirm today that we are making available to local authorities an additional £10 million to support this work.

Ventilation is one of the most important ways in which the risk of Covid transmission can be reduced – and so improving it will be vital, now and in the future, to ensure that schools and childcare centres are as safe as possible.

Finally, local authorities and schools will ask all secondary pupils, and all school staff, to take a lateral flow test one or two days before returning after the holidays, and then to take tests twice a week after that.

This continues to be an important additional way in which Covid can be identified, even in people who do not have symptoms.

We are also working with the further and higher education sector on plans for the year ahead. Specific guidance on operating beyond Level 0 for universities and colleges has now been published. In addition, students will be encouraged to take a PCR test before any move to term-time accommodation, and then to test twice a week after that.

Presiding Officer, the last year and a half has been – and this inevitably will be an understatement – it has been difficult and stressful for children and young people, parents, and all staff working in education settings. I am so grateful to them for the understanding and cooperation shown. The new school and academic year will still bring challenges, I think there is little doubt of that. But I hope it will also bring fewer disruptions, and also allow a much more normal learning environment for young people.

Presiding officer, today’s decisions are – in my view, and I hope those listening will agree –  positive. They are possible only because of vaccination and the prolonged sacrifices of people across the country. Once again, I want to convey my deep appreciation of that to everyone across the nation.

The last year has reminded all of us just how precious some of the simplest things in life really are, and many of us I suspect will resolve not to take them quite so much for granted in future.

Undoubtedly, the best way of doing that in the short term is to continue to be careful, cautious and sensible, even as legal restrictions are lifted. The government will continue to provide guidance to help get that balance right.

We all hope – I know I certainly do – that the restrictions we lift next Monday will never again have to be re-imposed. But no-one can guarantee that.

This virus remains a threat – and as we enter winter, it may well pose challenges for us again.

So as we have done throughout, the government will seek to take whatever action is necessary to keep the country safe.

But as has also been the case throughout, we all have a part to play in keeping the virus under control.

And as always, although counter-intuitive perhaps, it is when we lift restrictions – and inevitably give the virus more opportunities to spread – that it becomes even more important for us to remember the basic actions that can reduce risk.

So I want to end by stressing again what all of us can do to help ensure that this next step forward is a sustainable one.

The first and most important thing is to get vaccinated. If you haven’t done so already – particularly if you are in these younger age groups, looking forward to resuming a more normal social life – then please do so. You can register through the NHS Inform website, or by going to a drop-in centre.

Second, please test yourself regularly. Free lateral flow tests are available by post through NHS inform, or collection from test sites and local pharmacies.

If you test positive through one of these – or if you have symptoms of the virus – you should still self-isolate and get a PCR test.

Third, stick to the rules which remain in place – for example, on face coverings. And keep being sensible about the things we know can help to keep ourselves and each other safe.

Meet outdoors as much as possible – especially for as long as we have reasonable weather. If you are meeting indoors, open windows – the better ventilated a room is, the safer it will be.  

Remember that keeping some distance from people in other households and avoiding crowded indoor places – even if no longer legally mandated – these are still sensible precautions.

And continue to wash your hands and surfaces as much as possible.

In short, enjoy being able to do more and meet up more. We’ve all waited a long time for that. But please protect yourself as you do so, principally through vaccination, and continue to take the greatest of care.

If we all do that, we will increase our chances of keeping the virus under control. We will protect ourselves and our loved ones.

And we will safely and securely return to the ways of life that we all value so much.

Move to Level 0 is ‘encouraging milestone’, says business chief

Scotland moves to a ‘modified’ Level 0 from tomorrow, Monday 19th July.

Dr Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce said: “The confirmation that Scotland will move to Level 0 on 19th July marks another encouraging milestone towards the full re-opening of Scotland’s economy and business’s ability to recover.

“The fact remains though that the modified framework deviates away from what businesses had been preparing for and moving the goalposts at this late stage will cause uncertainty, negatively impacting on business confidence and recovery.

“The postponing of the phased return of offices will be a bitter blow for employees and employers alike, many of which had been getting ready to welcome employees back into offices from next week. T

“his will also sound alarm bells for those town and city centre businesses, reliant on office worker footfall and custom, who now need to wait another month until those workers start to return.

“Scotland’s hospitality sector, one of the hardest hit by restrictions, will be concerned that anticipated restrictions were not lifted, including little reprieve for the night-time economy, with challenging restrictions on trading remaining.”

On changes to rules for self-isolation and quarantine, Liz Cameron said: “A greater four-nations alignment on international travel restrictions and self-isolation is positive, however, until all restrictions are lifted many businesses operating in Scotland’s travel and tourism sector simply won’t be able to open.

“The international travel industry is vital to Scotland’s wider tourism and hospitality sectors, and it’s essential that financial support for these businesses is not only continued but enhanced to allow them to fully recover when restrictions do finally lift.”

On moving beyond Level 0, Liz Cameron said: “Our view is clear that we should continue on the path set out towards the lifting of all restrictions on the 9th of August as planned.

“The role of the Scottish and UK Government must evolve to enable businesses and communities to operate with autonomy, according to personal circumstances, business preferences and sectoral requirements.”

STUC General Secretary, Roz Foyer, said: “We welcome the more cautious approach set out today by the First Minister. The trade union movement has consistently called for a cautious approach to easing restrictions, based on the data in conjunction with vaccine uptake.

“Many workers will be breathing a sigh of relief at the continuation of mandatory use of face masks. However, for hospitality staff, many of whom will not yet be fully vaccinated, the announcement of larger indoor events may understandably cause fear and worry.

“When planning for the return to office working, we need employers to work with trade unions and employees to consider a phased and flexible approach for their return to work, ensuring workers’ health and wellbeing is protected while working from home or in the office.”

A ‘modified’ level zero: Covid rules relaxed but masks to remain

Level 0 from 19 July

People should continue to follow public health measures to protect one another as all of Scotland prepares to move to Level 0 at 00:01 on Monday 19 July.

Confirming the change to Level 0, the First Minister urged people to adhere to protective measures and sensible precautions to suppress coronavirus (COVID-19) to help create conditions that allow Scotland to move beyond Level 0 on 9 August.

From 00:01 on Monday 19 July, physical distancing in Level 0 will reduce to 1 metre in all indoor public settings and outdoors. Additionally, informal social gatherings of up to 15 people from 15 households will be permitted outdoors without physical distancing. Gatherings of up to 10 people from four households will be permitted in all indoor public settings with 1 metre physical distancing.

Other easings to Level 0 taking effect at that time include:

  • under-12s will no longer count towards the number of households that can gather indoors in public spaces and homes
  • hospitality settings can open till midnight, if their current licence permits that, and customers will no longer be required to pre-book a two-hour slot to go to a pub or restaurant but will still be required to provide contact details to assist Test & Protect
  • up to 200 people will be able to gather at weddings and funerals

Employers are asked to continue to support home working where possible until we move beyond Level 0.

From 04:00 Monday 19 July, travellers who are fully vaccinated through a UK vaccination programme and children arriving into Scotland from Amber List countries will no longer be required to self-isolate and take a day eight test, but adults and children over 12 will still take tests before travelling and on day two after arrival. Anyone testing positive for or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 will still require to isolate for 10 days.

A survey is being launched for those at highest risk from COVID-19 to gather views on what additional support might be needed as restrictions ease. Later this week, the Chief Medical Officer will also write to this group with advice on what moving to Level 0 will mean for them.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “While Scotland will move to Level 0 from next Monday, we will do so with certain modifications to our original indicative plans. This is intended to ensure that our pace of easing restrictions is sensible in light of the challenge we continue to face from the Delta variant.

“There is no doubt that Delta has become, unfortunately, something of a game-changer – even for countries on course to achieving full vaccine protection – so COVID does remain a threat that we must treat seriously.

“The Scottish Government understands the temptation to lift more restrictions more quickly. In our view, and in line with clinical advice and modelling, a gradual approach stands the best chance of minimising further health harm and loss of life – and also because a gradual approach stands the best chance of being a sustainable approach, it will be better in the long term for the economy as well.

“We are easing restrictions next week – but we are not abandoning them. We will also keep in place for now certain other measures – such as the requirement to wear face coverings, co-operate with test and protect teams, and comply with advice on good hygiene and ventilation.

“If we do all of this, frustrating though it all continues increasingly to be, we will help protect ourselves and our loved ones. As we continue to complete the vaccination programme, which does offer us still the route back to greater normality, we will make it easier for more restrictions to be gradually and sensibly lifted in the weeks ahead.”

Statement given by the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday, 13 July 2021:

Presiding Officer,

I will update parliament today on the decisions the government has reached in relation to the current Covid restrictions.

In doing that, I will reflect on the mix of positive and more challenging developments we have experienced recently.

And I will emphasise that this is a time for continued caution – for government to take the tough decisions necessary to help safeguard the health and wellbeing of the country.

That means that while Scotland will move to level 0 from next Monday, we will do so with certain modifications to our original indicative plans.

This is intended to ensure that our pace of easing restrictions is sensible in light of the challenge we continue to face from the Delta variant.

And I will confirm that certain mitigations – such as the mandatory wearing of face coverings – will remain in place not just now but, in all likelihood, for some time to come.

It is important to stress that measures like the continued wearing of face coverings are important, not just to give added protection to the population as a whole, but also to give protection and assurance to those amongst us who are particularly vulnerable and who previously had to shield.

Lifting all restrictions and mitigations right now would put all of us at greater risk – but in particular it would make it much more difficult for the most clinically vulnerable to go about their normal lives. It would risk the imposition of shielding by default and, in my view, that is not something we should do.

Before I turn to the detail of all of this, let me summarise today’s statistics.

The total number of positive cases reported yesterday was 2,529 – 11.5% of all tests.

The total number of confirmed cases is now 318,566.

There are currently 506 people in hospital – 37 more than yesterday.

And 41 people are in intensive care – 1 more than yesterday.

Sadly, 4 more deaths were reported in the past 24 hours, taking the total number of deaths registered, under this daily definition, to 7,761 .

As always, my condolences go to everyone who has lost a loved one.

3,941,571 people have now received a first dose of the vaccine – an increase of 7,163 since yesterday.

And 10,286 people got a second dose yesterday, bringing the total number of second doses to 2,903,557.

The continued success of the vaccination programme continues to give us real hope.

We are in the final stages of offering first doses to all adults.

More than 80% of 30 to 39 year olds have had a first dose, along with around two thirds of 18 to 29 year-olds.

All 18 to 29 year olds have now had a first dose appointment scheduled.

Turning to second doses.

Virtually all over 60 year olds have now had both doses – uptake is 96% among 55 to 59 year olds, 89% in 50 to 54 year olds, and 61%, so far, in 40 to 49 year olds. 

Second dose appointments are being scheduled for 8 weeks after the first dose – so in the next couple of weeks, coverage of 40 to 49 year olds will get much closer to the levels achieved for older age groups.

Walk-in vaccination centres are now open in all mainland health board areas for anyone over 18 who has not yet received a first dose, or who received a first dose eight weeks or more ago.

I appeal to everyone due to receive a first or second dose to get it as quickly as possible. It is the single most important thing we can all do to protect ourselves and each other.

As I said earlier, in coming to today’s decisions, the government has had to weigh up both positive and more challenging developments. The continued progress of the vaccination programme is obviously positive.

Also encouraging is that case numbers – which were rising sharply two weeks ago – now appear to have levelled off. In fact, they have fallen in recent days.

In the week to 4 July, an average of 3,300 positive cases per day were recorded. 

That is now just under 2,700 – a reduction of more than 15%.

However, cases are still high – more than twice the level when I last updated parliament.

And not all cases are confirmed by testing. So although the current fall is encouraging, we continue to monitor all data – including, for example, on wastewater sampling – to get the fullest possible picture.

Another positive is that vaccination is definitely weakening the link between case numbers and severe acute illness.

In January more than 10% of people who tested positive for Covid had to go to hospital. That is now around 3%. It is also the case that people admitted to hospital with Covid are being discharged more quickly.

All of this reflects the fact that a much greater proportion of cases now are in younger people who are much less likely to become seriously ill.

However, for all the welcome signs, there are still reasons to be concerned – and certainly not complacent – about the current level of infection.

Firstly, if case numbers are high, even just 3% ending up in hospital puts pressure on the NHS.

We can see that already.

Three weeks ago, there were 171 people with Covid in hospital, and 18 in intensive care.

Today, it is 506 and 42 respectively.

Hopefully, with new cases starting to fall, we will also see hospital admissions fall over the next few weeks.

But at the moment, the pressure on the NHS is of concern.

First and foremost, it means a significant number of people suffering illness. It also means more pressure on a workforce that has already given so much.

And it holds back NHS recovery. Every hospital bed occupied by a Covid patient is one less bed available to tackle the backlog of non Covid care.

Another reason to take the current level of infection seriously is the risk of long Covid.

Many people, including young people, who get the virus but never need hospital care will still suffer long Covid.

This is a condition that experts still don’t yet fully understand – but we do know that it is causing misery for many.

Indeed, it is one of the main reasons that, in my view, we cannot be complacent about young people getting this virus.

To say that it just doesn’t matter – when we don’t yet fully understand what the long term consequences might be for some young people – would risk treating them as an experiment and it won’t surprise anyone to hear that i don’t think we should do that.

These are just some of the reasons for continued caution – even as our optimism about the impact of vaccination continues to grow.

That sense of caution is reinforced by looking at the international situation and listening to the WHO.

Several countries across Europe – for example Portugal and Spain – are now dealing with very sharp rises in cases. Holland has just reintroduced restrictions that were lifted at the end of June.

Israel has also seen a significant rise in cases as a result of Delta – despite its very high level of vaccination.

And some countries which did well in suppressing the virus last year – for example in the Asia and Pacific region – are now seeing cases rise. Japan, for example, has decided not to allow spectators at the Olympics.

As the Delta variant becomes more dominant in more countries, we are likely to see resurgences elsewhere too.

There is no doubt that Delta has become, unfortunately, something of a game-changer – even for countries on course to achieving full vaccine protection. 

So Covid does remain a threat that we must treat seriously.

The Scottish Government understands, I understand, the temptation to lift more restrictions more quickly – of course we understand that.

But in our view, and in line with clinical advice and modelling, a gradual approach stands the best chance of minimising further health harm and loss of life.

And also because a gradual approach stands the best chance of being a sustainable approach, it will be better in the long term for the economy as well.

So we will continue to ease restrictions, we are not slamming on the breaks, but we will do so carefully.

Let me turn then to the detail of our decisions.

From Monday 19 July, all parts of Scotland not currently there will move to level 0.

However, this move will be made with certain modifications – applied consistently across the country – to ensure that we are not easing up faster than is sensible.

Full details are on our website.

However I will highlight some key points just now

In level 0, up to 8 people from up to 4 households can meet indoors at home – compared to 6 people from 3 households in levels 1 and 2.

Up to 10 people from up to 4 households can meet in a public indoor space – such as a pub or restaurant.

And up to 15 people from up to 15 households can meet outdoors – whether in a private garden or public place.

Children under 12 already don’t count towards the total number of people. From Monday, they will not count towards the total number of households ether.

In level 0 up to 200 people can attend weddings and funerals.

Soft play centres can open – as they could at level 1, but not at level 2.

And for hospitality businesses, at level 0 – unlike in level 2 – there is no requirement for customers to pre-book a two-hour slot to go to a pub or restaurant.

However, customers will still be required to provide contact details to assist Test & Protect. And they will still be required to wear face coverings except when seated.

There will still be limits on the size of events and stadia attendances – but these will increase outdoors to 2000 seated and 1000 standing, and indoors to 400.

As of now, organisers will be able to apply to stage larger events.

Let me turn now to the modifications to our indicative plans.

Firstly, hospitality venues in level 0 – in all parts of Scotland – will require to close at midnight. This is a change to what we had previously indicated for level 0 – that venues should follow local licensing rules.

This reflects the fact that indoor hospitality – despite the sector’s sterling efforts – remains a relatively risky environment, particularly later at night when people may be less likely to follow rules. A midnight closing time represents progress from level 1 and 2 but it will help mitigate some of this risk.

The second modification is to physical distancing. Let me be clear, what I am about to set out applies to public places. We have already removed the requirement to distance for groups of family and friends meeting in private houses or gardens – as long as these are within the permitted limits.

In indoor public places – as indicated previously – where there isn’t already a 1m rule in place, the physical distance requirement will reduce from 2m to 1m and will apply between different household groups.

The main modification is in relation to outdoor public places.

We had hoped to lift physical distancing outdoors completely and, by extension, remove any limit on the numbers who can gather together outdoors.

However, for precautionary reasons at this stage, we intend to keep in place a limit on the size of outdoor group gatherings – as indicated earlier, this will be up to 15 people from up to 15 households.

Because meeting outdoors is less risky than indoors, there will be no requirement to distance within these groups of 15. However, for the next 3 weeks at least, there will be a requirement for 1m distancing between different groups of 15.

The Economy Secretary intends to work with the events sector on guidance to explore how events already organised might still go ahead, with appropriate modifications.

The final and perhaps most substantial modification to what we had indicatively planned relates to working from home.

We had indicated that a gradual return to the office could begin from level 0.

However, given the current situation we intend to postpone this until we move beyond level 0 – which we still hope will be on 9 August.

Until then we will continue to ask employers to support home working where possible.

I know this will be disappointing for many businesses – and also some employees who are finding home-working hard.

But this will reduce the extent to which people are meeting up in enclosed environments or travelling together, and so will help to contain transmission during this phase.

Presiding Officer

I hope that the move to level 0 – albeit in a modified form – will be welcomed.

It is not a complete and wholesale lifting of all restrictions – it was never intended to be.

However, it does restore yet more freedom to all of us.

Indeed, it is worth emphasising that we are no longer in lockdown – nothing like it. Life is much more normal than at any time since the start of this pandemic.

However, the gradual approach we are taking means that sensible precautions will remain in place to limit transmission while we make even more progress on vaccination.

To that end, as I indicated earlier, we will also keep in place for now certain other measures – such as the requirement to wear face coverings; co-operate with test and protect teams; and comply with advice on good hygiene and ventilation.

On the issue of mandating mitigations like face coverings, let me say this.

It is my view that if government believes measures like this matter – and we do – we should say so, do what is necessary to ensure compliance, and take any resulting flak from those who disagree.

We shouldn’t lift important restrictions to make our lives easier and then expect the public to take responsibility for doing the right thing anyway.

Presiding Officer

I have addressed today the move to level 0.

We previously indicated that we hope to move beyond level 0 on 9 August. That remains our expectation.

By then almost everyone over the age of 40 will have had their second vaccine dose at least two weeks previously.

However, as with today’s decisions, we will assess the data before coming to a final decision nearer the time, and I will provide a further update to Parliament in the week before 9 August.

Presiding Officer

Finally, today I want to confirm our future intentions in relation to the requirement for close contacts of positive cases to self isolate. We know how onerous and disruptive this is.

So, firstly, when we move beyond level 0, we intend to remove the blanket requirement for close contacts to self isolate, as long as they are double vaccinated – with at least two weeks having passed since the second dose – and take a PCR test that comes back negative. We will publish guidance on the practical operation of this shortly.

Secondly, as part of our wider preparations for the new academic term, we have asked our education advisory group for advice on whether, to what extent and with what mitigations we can remove the self isolation requirement for young people in education settings who are close contacts of positive cases. We will set out our conclusions well in advance of the new term.

We are of course still waiting for advice from the JCVI on whether children over 12 should be vaccinated.

Lastly, from next Monday, 19 July, self-isolation will no longer be required for people arriving from countries on the amber list, provided they are fully vaccinated through a UK vaccination programme and take a PCR test on the second day after arrival.

We will continue to take a precautionary approach to the inclusion of countries on the amber list.

And, notwithstanding this change, we continue to advise against non essential overseas travel at this time.

For the avoidance of doubt, let me be clear that anyone testing positive for, or experiencing symptoms of, Covid will still require to isolate for ten days.

The decisions I am setting out today show that – despite the impact of Delta – vaccination is allowing us to continue easing restrictions, albeit cautiously.

That will be a relief to the vast majority. But it will be a source of anxiety to some.

So let me address again those at the highest clinical risk – many of whom previously shielded.

I know that many of you feel anxious about any easing of restrictions – particularly if you cannot have the vaccine; or have conditions, or are on treatments, that suppress your immune system.

The Scottish Government is very aware of that. We will not abandon you.

For as long as necessary we will ask people to take sensible precautions – like the wearing of face coverings – to allow you, like everyone else, to enjoy more normal life again.

We are also launching a survey this week for those on the highest risk list to tell us what additional support you need.

And the Chief Medical Officer will write to you this week with further advice.

Lastly, we know that there are around 13,000 people at high clinical risk who haven’t yet had both doses of vaccine.

If you are one of them – and if you are able to get the vaccine – please do so.

Presiding Officer

That final note of caution explains again the careful balance at the heart of our decisions today.

The vaccination programme is working, it definitely is working, and that gives us confidence to ease restrictions further.

But case numbers are still high. Covid still poses a risk to the health of many.

In the race between the vaccine and the virus, we believe the vaccine will win. But we cannot allow the virus to run too far ahead.

So we must stick to a cautious approach.

We are easing restrictions next week – but we are not abandoning them.

And even when we move beyond level 0, we will continue to require some baseline measures such as face coverings for a period longer. 

I will end by emphasising again what we can all can do to protect each other.

First, get vaccinated. If you are over 18 and haven’t had a first dose appointment – or if you are 8 weeks or more from your second dose – register on the NHS Inform website for an appointment or go to a drop-in clinic.

Second, please get tested regularly.  

Free lateral flow tests are available by post through NHS Inform, or for collection from test sites and local pharmacies.

If you test positive through one of these devices – or if you have symptoms – make sure you self-isolate, and book a PCR test as quickly as possible.

Third, stick to the remaining rules, and follow basic hygiene measures.

Meet other people outdoors as much as possible.

If you are meeting indoors, stick to the limits on group sizes. And open windows – the better ventilated a room is, the safer it is.  

And remember physical distancing, hand-washing, the cleaning of surfaces, face coverings – all of these basic measures are as important now as ever.

If we do all of this, frustrating though it all continues increasingly to be, we will help protect ourselves and our loved ones. And as we continue to complete the vaccination programme which does offer us still the route back to greater normality, will make it easier for more restrictions to be gradually and sensibly lifted in the weeks ahead.

THE STUC HAS WELCOMED THE ANNOUNCEMENT

STUC General Secretary, Roz Foyer, stated: “We welcome the more cautious approach set out today by the First Minister. The trade union movement has consistently called for a cautious approach to easing restrictions, based on the data in conjunction with vaccine uptake.

“Many workers will be breathing a sigh of relief at the continuation of mandatory use of face masks. However, for hospitality staff, many of whom will not yet be fully vaccinated, the announcement of larger indoor events may understandably cause fear and worry.

“When planning for the return to office working, we need employers to work with trade unions and employees to consider a phased and flexible approach for their return to work, ensuring workers’ health and wellbeing is protected while working from home or in the office.”

STUC calls on UK and Scottish Governments to condemn Israeli action in Palestine

The STUC has called on the UK and Scottish Governments to condemn the action of the Israeli Government in occupied East Jerusalem, including forced relocation through the demolition of Palestinian homes in Sheikh Jarrah to create new settlements.

Pointing to the criticism of the actions from the United Nations, STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said: “The whole world is watching events in Israel and Palestine. Most of the world is clear that the actions of the Israeli state are both wrong and a breach of human rights.

“It is time for our governments, and political leaders, to speak out. The historic Israeli occupation of East Jerusalem and the West Bank and its encouragement of illegal and often violent settler activity is a disgrace.

“We have an international duty both to our Palestinian trade union sisters and brothers, and to peace and justice more generally, to offer solidarity and campaign against the repressive actions of the Israeli state.”

Key workers: “We’re worth more!”

Ahead of the start of the 124th STUC Annual Conference today, GMB Scotland members from care, nursing, refuse, ambulance, and school support services, will tell Ministers, “We’re worth more!” as they campaign for a rejection of the NHS and COSLA pay offers for 2021.

GMB workplace representatives in NHS Scotland and COSLA are strongly urging members to reject the respective 4 per cent and £800 increases for the lowest paid workers, arguing the Scottish Government can and should go further after the last twelve months.

The union’s consultative ballot in COSLA will run until Thursday 22 April, and until Wednesday 5 May in NHS Scotland.

GMB Scotland Senior Organiser Drew Duffy said: “We were told at the start of the pandemic that Scotland was prepared for COVID-19, but nothing could have been further from the truth.

“Health and social care staff tackled the first wave of COVID-19 without proper PPE, home carers were left without workplace testing until January, and school support staff were an afterthought in the education recovery plan.

“From PPE, testing, sick pay support and socially distanced working arrangements, everything that’s been put in place to protect the workers on which we all depend had to be fought for by the workers’ themselves.

“And after a wretched year and desperate decade, where their modest incomes have been cut by thousands of pounds, our members are prepared to fight again for their proper value, against pay offers that don’t amount to much more than a £10 a week increase for many.

“They’ve heard the applause and they’ve read all the political platitudes, but now they are telling the Scottish Government to listen, and the message is clear: “We’re worth more.”

The continuing safety concerns due to COVID-19 means that the 2021 annual Congress will be held as a digital event.

Delegates from over 50 affiliated unions and trades union councils, as well as the STUC equalities committees, will meet over three days to debate and agree new policies.

We will also hear from sisters and brothers from other Trade Union Centres and from politicians.

The STUC General Council will deliver its report of the past 6 months work.

The digital format of Congress limits some of the things we can do but we still have a busy fringe event as well as expo sessions from our sponsors and supportive organisations.

You can watch the whole of Congress live on Facebook or YouTube!

Roz Foyer, STUC General Secretary

Congress Documents

Fringe meetings

Congress videos

Congress Live

Politcal parties must address voter priorities, says STUC

The STUC has called out politicians for the ‘suffocating and self-obsessed debate’ on the parliamentary tactics for or against a second independence referendum rather than addressing the concerns of most working-class people in Scotland.

The STUC remains committed to Scottish self-determination and supports a second referendum if that is the clear will of the Scottish people, but will challenge all parties contesting the election to also address the priorities of voters – a jobs recovery, tackling inequality and supporting public services.

The STUC campaign will call for commitments to restore the pay of public service workers and for the use of all available levers to push up pay in the private sector.

It will call on candidates to support a plan for good jobs with a focus on younger workers and a step-change in government investment to create green jobs.

It will also call for urgent action on the back of the Feely Review to remove the profit motive, tackle a flawed model of procurement, and end low pay through sectoral bargaining in the Care Sector.

The STUC was due to host a trade union hustings for leaders and senior party representatives yesterday, but this was postponed following the death of the Duke of Edinburgh. It is hoped that the event can be rescheduled.

Later this month it will release “COVID winners and losers” research and a series of papers outlining the potential for jobs creation in the green economy with a proper industrial strategy.

STUC leader, General Secretary Rozanne Foyer said: “If we need a super majority for anything in this next parliament it should be for a radical plan to increase pay, create good jobs and for a Scottish National Care Service of which we can be proud.

“The STUC will challenge candidates of all parties to commit to a ‘People’s Recovery’, rebuilding a better economy and shifting power in favour of working-class people from day one of the new Parliament.

“That challenge will be carried directly to candidates by raising the voices of workers who have become all too used to being dictated to, rather than listened to, by the politicians.

“Whilst many companies have suffered during the pandemic, many others have profited greatly. Workers have borne the brunt of the suffering and very few of the profits.

“Over the past year more than half of people in the top income quintile continued to be paid in full, but this was only true for 28% of those in the lowest income quintile. We need urgent action to address this.”

We’re getting there: FM sets out lockdown easing timetable

The First Minister has set out a timetable for the re-opening of parts of society over the next two months.

Stay at Home regulations will be lifted on 2 April and replaced with guidance to Stay Local, with more services including hairdressers, garden centres and non-essential click and collect services able to open from 5 April.

More college students will also return to on-campus learning and outdoor contact sports will resume for 12-17 year olds on 5 April if progress on vaccination and suppression of Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues.

The Scottish Government then hopes to lift all restrictions on journeys in mainland Scotland on 26 April.

Discussions will be held with island communities already in lower levels on the possibility of having a faster return to more socialising and hospitality with restrictions on mainland travel to protect against importation of the virus.

Vaccination of all nine JCVI priority groups – more than half of the population, accounting for 99% of COVID-related fatalities – is expected to be completed by mid-April, supplies allowing.

The dates outlined are enabled by strong new evidence that suggests vaccines reduce the chances of transmitting the virus as well as reducing serious illness and death, even after a first dose.

Further expected easing on 26 April includes:

  • all retail premises, libraries, museums and galleries, tourist accommodation would be able to open
  • the hospitality sector would be able to reopen outdoors for the service of alcohol, and potentially open indoors for non-alcohol service
  • up to four people from two households could be able to socialise indoors in a public place such as a café or restaurant
  • six people from up to three households could be able to meet outdoors and the limit on wedding and funeral attendance could be raised to 50 people
  • gyms and swimming pools would be open for individual exercise and non-essential childcare would be permitted
  • non-essential work in peoples’ homes and driving lessons could resume from this date

On 17 May, it is hoped that groups of four people from two households would be able to socialise indoors in a private home, and that cinemas, amusement arcades and small scale outdoor and indoor events could restart with limits on capacity.

Further easing on this date would include outdoor contact sport for adults and indoor group exercise

The First Minister also indicated that in early June it is hoped that Scotland could move to Level 1 and by end of June to level 0.

Grants of up to £7,500 for retailers and up to £19,500 for hospitality and leisure businesses will be paid in April to help businesses re-open progressively.

These one-off re-start grants will replace ongoing Strategic Framework Business Fund (SFBF) payments and will provide more money up front to help with the costs of re-opening. Eligible businesses must have applied to the SFBF by 22 March in order to receive these payments.

The last four-weekly SFBF payment of up to £3,000 will be paid on 22 March, as scheduled. Targeted restart grants for businesses that are not in scope for the current SFBF support package may be considered if the Scottish Government receives further consequentials from the UK Government.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Vaccination is already having a significant impact on the number of deaths in Scotland, and research giving us more confidence in its effects against new variants and in helping prevent transmission.

“That gives us more confidence in setting possible dates for our next steps out of lockdown in addition to the significant changes set out last week to allow more socialisation, and get children back to school as soon as possible.

“It is not possible to provide specific dates or details for coming out of lockdown beyond 17 May – that will depend on what impact there is from the changes already made – however my hope and ambition is that from early June, all of Scotland will effectively be in level 1 of the levels system, allowing for a further easing of restrictions – and possibly moving to level 0 in late June.

“That is not the endpoint – we hope and expect that vaccination, better treatments, continued use of the test and protect system, and proportionate ongoing precautions such as good hand hygiene will allow us to keep COVID under much greater control.

“This will allow us to enjoy many of the things that we took for granted before the pandemic– normal family gatherings where we can hug our loved ones, sporting events, gigs and nightclubs.

“I cannot set a date for that point yet, but I do believe that over the coming weeks as more and more adults are vaccinated it will be possible to set a firmer date by which many of these normal things will be possible, and I am very optimistic that this date will be over the summer.

“Thanks to the sacrifices we all made three months ago, and the success of the vaccination programme we are now in a much better and brighter position, with well-earned optimism as we look ahead to the summer.

“We are getting the virus under control, but it is still dangerous, and to reach these dates it’s more important than ever now to stay within the rules – until 2 April stay at home, except for essential purposes; don’t meet people from other households indoors, and follow the FACTS advice when out and about.”

Responding to the announcement of the timetable for lifting estrictions, CAMRA Scotland’s Director Joe Crawford said: “Pub goers, licensees and brewers will be disappointed to see our pubs being treated unfairly compared to similar businesses like cafés and non-essential retail. 

“The return of curfews and a ban on alcohol being consumed indoors is devastating news for the industry which is looking to reopen covid-secure venues so that people can socialise safely. For many businesses it just won’t be worthwhile opening back up as they won’t be able to turn a profit under these draconian restrictions. 

“Restart grants announced today are welcome – but without a full and proper reopening, and with continuing restrictions like table-service only requirement lasting for the foreseeable future, it is vital that the Scottish Government provides dedicated financial support for our pubs, social clubs and the breweries that serve them until they can trade at full capacity.  

“CAMRA are also campaigning for the UK Government to cut tax on beer served in pubs to help them compete with supermarkets.” 

Responding to the latest update on lockdown restrictions and the outline of indicative dates for the re-opening of the economy from the First Minister, Dr Liz Cameron OBE, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:

“Businesses have been patiently waiting for indicative dates to re-open and today’s announcement is a good start. It will enable many businesses and customers to start planning and preparing for re-opening with confidence and optimism.

“In particular, the intention to relax travel restrictions should support the viability of the tourism, hospitality and retail sectors. We are pleased to hear that the Scottish Government will work with the UK Government and the travel & aviation sectors to look at the detail as to how international travel can re-open safely and quickly.

“We also need to see clarification of what is allowed in the various levels of restrictions, sooner rather than later. We would urge alignment across all UK nations which enables the industry to restart together and to avoid confusion for travellers.

“There is still a lot of work to be done to plan for the re-opening of the remaining sectors of the economy. We are now looking to engage on the granular detail of the levels, associated criteria and trigger points. We will work with government to help enable that to be done as quickly and as safely as possible, in line with the continued successful roll-out of the vaccination programme.”

On the establishment of restart grants, Dr Cameron said: “It makes more sense to provide businesses with a lump sum so they can deploy these resources where it can be of most use – businesses themselves are the best judges of this.

“Businesses will welcome the certainty of when they can expect the funds to be allocated and we look forward to working with Scottish Government and local government to ensure this process runs as smoothly as possible.”

‘Tough times ahead’ for licensed hospitality sector, warns Scottish Licensed Trade Association, following the First Minister’s statement today.

The SLTA has expressed bitter disappointment after today’s announcement by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon that bars, restaurants and cafés will not be able to serve alcohol indoors when the licensed hospitality industry reopens next month.

Warning that there remain “tough times ahead” for licensed hospitality as Scotland slowly emerges from lockdown, SLTA managing director Colin Wilkinson said: “This is not the news we were hoping for. Yes, it’s good news for those bars, restaurants and cafés with suitable facilities who will be able to serve people outdoors – in groups of up to six from three households – until 10pm from 26 April.

“However, for indoor hospitality, today’s news is yet another bitter blow and we are surprised that the Scottish Government has chosen not to allow premises to sell alcohol when they reopen next month. “We of course welcome the news that from 17 May, hospitality venues will be able to open until 10.30pm indoors with alcohol permitted and, for outdoors, until 10pm.

“We welcome these indicative dates for reopening as they provide more clarity for businesses but overall, these slight lifting of restrictions don’t go far enough and, for the majority, reopening will remain unviable. We’re bitterly disappointed.”

The SLTA welcomed confirmation that on 22 March, recipients of support under the Strategic Business Framework Fund will receive a final four-week payment then in April a further combined payment of a two-week payment under the Strategic Business Framework Fund  and eligible hospitality and leisure businesses will also receive a further payment of up to £19,500 in the form of a restart grant.

But Wilkinson added: “Restrictions will continue into June and beyond, leading businesses further into debt.

“The typical small hospitality business has taken on between £60,000 and £90,000 in bank debt and deferred bills as of February this year just to survive Covid – and the debt is rising with every week of low or no income.

“If there is a positive to come out of today’s announcement it is that we have something to work towards but that doesn’t change the fact that for a very high percentage of business, reopening in April will simply be unviable.”

Council leaders are encouraging communities and businesses to ‘stick with it’ after a proposed date for lifting the ‘stay at home’ rule was announced today by the Scottish Government.

Council Leader Adam McVey said: “This is a welcome and clear roadmap out of lockdown that gives us all something positive to look forward to. 

“The successful roll-out of the vaccine programme and the fall in positive cases across Edinburgh is testament to the collective efforts of our health services, our residents and our businesses. The hard work and sacrifices we’re making are the only way can achieve the roadmap and return to normal.

“We are moving in the right direction, with rates across the city at one of the lowest levels since spring last year. We must stick with it and stay within the guidelines, to continue to keep the virus under control and keep our communities safe.

“I know so many of our local traders are anxious to open their doors again and I hope everyone will join me in getting out when we can to support businesses near us and in our city centre. We’ll very soon be able to fully enjoy everything our amazing city has to offer and welcome back friends and visitors to our Capital.

Depute Leader Cammy Day said: “Tuesday 23 March, a week today, marks a full year since the country went into lockdown and our condolences go out to all those who have lost loved ones during this unprecedented crisis. We will remember them during a national silence next Tuesday.

 “Today’s announcement is really good news for businesses across Edinburgh as travel restrictions look to be eased across Scotland from 26 April. Opening up retail, hospitality and tourism gives us all something to look forward to and meeting up with more loved ones in outdoor settings for something to eat and drink will be a real treat again.

“Until then it’s important we don’t drop our guard – we need to continue to observe this gradual, phased approach so we can protect people’s health and safety while working towards Edinburgh’s successful recovery from the pandemic. We all want to keep the virus under control and keep everyone safe.

“So for now, until 2 April, our advice remains the same – please stay at home and help save lives. Hope’s on the horizon and we’ll get there even faster if we stick together now.”

Responding to the First Minister’s announcement on an indicative timeline for lifting restrictions, STUC General Secretary said: “We welcome this cautious approach that is entirely reliant on continuing progress in suppressing the virus. The implications for public health and sustainable economic recovery of moving too fast would be catastrophic.

“We have no doubt that the First Minister will continue to be subject to sustained pressure from bosses in many sectors, including hospitality, to move more quickly but this must be resisted.

“We believe that effective test, trace and isolate measures are essential, along with the flexibility to increase local restrictions when necessary to control any outbreaks.

“For the sake of the public’s health and the safety of workers we need the future return to work to be a steadily managed stream and not a torrent.
“It is essential that the proposed return of students to colleges and universities is only undertaken with full and early consultation of education unions.

“We urge employers planning the return to work to learn from previous mistakes made during the emergence from the first lockdown. They must ensure that all continuing guidelines on social distancing and face coverings in the workplace continue.

“They must respect any ongoing fears and concerns of their own workers and, critically, fully consult with employees both on what is expected of them and on the protection they have a right to expect. Any worker with concerns should contact their union or the STUC.”

Green budget deal sealed

More than 200,000 additional children to receive free school meals

More than 200,000 additional primary school children will receive free school meals, including over 17,300 in City of Edinburgh, over 4,900 in East Lothian, over 4,400 in Midlothian and over 8,800 in West Lothian thanks to a budget deal struck between the SNP and the Scottish Greens.

The deal will see free school meals provision expanded to all primary children by next summer, phased in on a timetable agreed with local councils, and ensure that those currently eligible get free meals throughout the school holidays.

The agreement will ensure passage of the Scottish Government’s budget through parliament.

Finance Secretary Kate Forbes has struck a deal which guarantees the Budget Bill can clear its final stages.

It will see the phased introduction of free school meals for all primary pupils, an enhanced public sector pay deal, new Pandemic Support Payments and additional funding to support environmental, active travel and energy efficiency initiatives.

Talks are continuing ahead of tomorrow’s Stage 3 debate with the Scottish Liberal Democrats, who voted for the budget at Stage 1 in exchange for increased spending on mental health, business support and education recovery.

The new commitments build on the budget’s existing measures to address the challenges of the ongoing pandemic and lay the foundations for recovery. These include meeting the main ask of business by extending 100% rates relief for the retail, hospitality, leisure, aviation and newspaper sectors for a further 12 months – considerably exceeding the relief offered in England – supporting families by allocating money for a council tax freeze and providing record £16 billion to the NHS.

The new initiatives will be funded mainly from the unallocated balance of funding from last week’s UK budget.

They include:

  • Pandemic Support Payments of £130 to households receiving Council Tax Reduction and two payments of £100 to families of children qualifying for free school meals
  • the phased introduction of free school meals to all primary school children by August 2022
  • an £800 pay rise for public sector workers earning up to £25,000, and a 2% increase for those earning over £25,000 up to £40,000.
  • extending free bus travel to under 22s
  • £40 million to support the green recovery, including a further £15 million for active travel, £10 million for energy efficiency, £10 million for biodiversity and £5 million for agri-environmental measures

Ms Forbes said: “We continue to face unprecedented challenges and I have sought to engage constructively to deliver a budget that meets the needs of the nation.

“I would like to thank all parties for the positive way they have participated in this process. The budget addresses key issues raised by every party and I hope all MSPs feel able to support it. We have reached an agreement with the Scottish Greens and I am hopeful about the outcome of my continuing talks with the Liberal Democrats.

“Today I can announce that we are able to go further in offering a fair and affordable pay settlement to the public sector workers to whom we owe so much through the pandemic, particularly the lowest paid.

“The budget already contains measures to help struggling families, but in this deal we are also announcing details of a £100 million programme of one-off Pandemic Support Payments. And we commit to providing free school meals to every primary school pupil by August 2022, with expansion for P4s starting after this year’s summer holidays.

“A green recovery lies at the heart of the Scottish Government’s policies and today we are delivering significant new investments in energy efficiency and active travel, while providing additional funding to support biodiversity and make our agriculture more environmentally-friendly.

“And, as we rebuild from Covid, we will support our young people by extending our original commitment to concessionary travel for all under 19s to include everyone up to age 22, giving all 18-21 year olds free bus travel.

“Every penny made available to us to tackle the pandemic has been allocated. These remain difficult times, but this budget puts us on the path to a fairer, greener and more prosperous Scotland.”

Scottish Greens Lothian MSP Alison Johnstone said: “I am absolutely delighted that our budget deal ensures that all primary school children will receive free school meals from the summer of 2022, with p4 pupils getting them from this summer and p5 from January.”

“I know this news will be welcomed by the families who will benefit from this forward-thinking policy. Knowing that every primary school child will benefit from a healthy meal every day will make a huge difference to families’ finances and wellbeing.”

All P1-P3 pupils currently get free school meals. The Green deal will expand this to P4 in August 2021, P5 in January 2022, and P6 and P7 children in August 2022.

£49.5m has been allocated to fund this this year, and £112m next year.

Scottish Government ‘no longer clapping for carers’

Responding to the Finance Secretary’s comments to the Finance and Constitution Committee meeting this morning on social care pay, Rhea Wolfson of the GMB Scotland Women’s Campaign Unit said: “On International Women’s Day Kate Forbes has cut a budget deal with the Greens that sells short tens of thousands of women across the social care sector – and what’s worse is the Finance Secretary used our NHS nurses as a reason for not delivering a £15 an hour minimum.

“The fight for a £15 social care minimum hasn’t been “plucked out of a hat”. What our members are asking politicians to do is support the objective of bringing social care pay into line with the average hourly rate of pay, to help tackle the recruitment crisis in care and to ensure a chronically exploited workforce are properly valued for the work they do. 

“The Scottish Government claimed it wanted to put social care on an equal footing with the NHS and the Feeley Review has shown that a significant investment in social care and its workers could have a transformative effect on our economy and society.

“After the tragic events of the last year, a golden opportunity was there to do the right thing by our care workers but instead the Finance Secretary has chosen to pit key worker against key worker to keep one group mired in low-pay.

“It’s clear the Scottish Government is no longer clapping for our carers.”

Responding to the amended Scottish Budget with improvements in public sector pay policy, expanded access to free school meals and additional payments to less well-off households, STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said: “We have strongly pressed the Scottish Government to reject the real terms pay cuts approach of the Tories at Westminster and we recognise the different course that the Finance Secretary has taken on Public Sector Pay Policy in Scotland.

“We welcome the Scottish Greens’ intervention to press for a better deal for public sector workers, the expansion of free school meal to all primary children and additional payments to poorer households.

“But revising public sector pay policy is less than half of the story. We remain deeply concerned that pay commitments must be funded across the public sector. Local councils continue to be starved of funding despite delivering so many of our essential public services and with so many workers who deliver those services being underpaid and undervalued.

“Nowhere is this more the case than for our social care workers in the public, third and private sectors. The Cabinet Secretary indicated that this will not be the final budget revision of the year and that she will respect the outcome of a collectively bargained pay deal for the care sector.

“To make this commitment meaningful and to address the scandal of low pay, the Government must commit to fund that deal and we intend to campaign hard to hold them to this.”

“The proposed extension of free schools meals to all primary aged children is an important step towards our campaign goal of achieving universal provision for all secondary school, primary school and nursery children. We intend to continue that campaign.”

First Minister sets out Scotland’s Covid recovery route map

Gradual easing of lockdown restrictions announced

Scotland’s phased and careful approach to easing lockdown restrictions while continuing to suppress Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been outlined by the First Minister.

The updated Strategic Framework sets out the six tools the Scottish Government will use to restore, on a phased basis, greater normality to our everyday lives.

The immediate priority will continue to be the phased return of education, building on the return of some pupils to school yesterday.

On the basis that progress in suppressing the virus and vaccinating key groups remains on track restrictions would be eased in the following order:

  • the next phase of school returns with the rest of the primary school years, P4 to P7, and more senior phase secondary pupils back in the classroom for part of their learning and the limit on outdoor mixing between households increasing to four people from a maximum of two households
  • the stay at home restriction to be lifted and any final school returns to take place. Communal worship to restart in limited numbers mindful of the timing of major religious festivals. This phase would also see the re-opening of retail, starting with an extension of the definition of essential retail and the removal of restrictions on click-and collect
  • return to a levels approach with all of Scotland moving to at least level 3, with some possible adjustments. This could mean that from the last week of April that we would expect to see phased but significant re-opening of the economy, including non-essential retail, hospitality and services like gyms and hairdressers

There is likely to be a gap of at least three weeks between each easing of restrictions to assess the impact of changes, and to check that it is safe to proceed further using the six conditions for safe easing set out by the World Health Organisation.

As the vaccination programme progresses, a return to more variable levels of restrictions, which can vary by location, is likely when it is safe to do so.

Ongoing financial support is set out in the Framework and will continue to be available to businesses as we emerge from lockdown. This includes the ongoing commitment to fund the Strategic Framework Business Fund and to provide Level 4 payments for an additional month once businesses are moved down a level. These proposals are contingent on receipt of additional consequentials from the UK Government.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told Parliament: “I know how hard current restrictions are after 11 long months of this pandemic, however they are working and we can now see our way out of them.

“We are in a far better position now than at the start of January and these measures are initial steps on a slow, but hopefully steady, route back to much greater normality.

“Our intent remains to suppress the virus to the lowest possible level and keep it there, while we strive to return to a more normal life for as many people as possible.

“At the moment, and for a bit longer, we need to rely very heavily on restrictions to suppress the virus. This is essential when the virus is so transmissible, and when case numbers are still quite high.

“In time though – once the vast majority of the adult population has received at least one dose of the vaccine – we hope that vaccination will become our main tool for suppressing the virus.

“The Strategic Framework is deliberately cautious at this stage but in the coming weeks, if the data allows and positive trends continue, we will seek to accelerate the easing of restrictions.”

https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-strategic-framework-update-february-2021/

CAMRA: First Minister must make sure tier system is fair and extend financial support to save our pubs as lockdown is lifted

A spokesperson for CAMRA said: “Whilst there is now light at the end of the tunnel for pubs and breweries, today’s announcement still leaves lots of uncertainty about what re-opening our pubs could look like.  

“The beer and pubs industry will need next month’s announcement on a return to the tier system and the plan for re-opening the economy to treat pubs fairly compared to other industries like non-essential retail.  

“CAMRA has concerns that a return to any unfair or unevidenced restrictions like alcohol bans, curfews or only being allowed to serve alcohol with a meal as we move back to the different Covid protection levels would mean we aren’t getting a proper or fair re-opening.  

“The First Minister mentioned ongoing tapered financial support. This must include enough help to make sure pubs are viable for as long as they are facing restrictions or having to operate at reduced capacity.  

“Next week’s Budget at Westminster is also now more vital than ever. Pubs, breweries and the wider supply chain desperately need ongoing financial support beyond the next few weeks.  

“The Chancellor must commit to extending furlough for as long as pubs are running at reduced trade, even if that is longer than in England. CAMRA are also campaigning for a reduction in VAT for on-trade alcohol sales as well as food and cutting duty for beer served in pubs to help them compete with supermarkets.” 

STUC broadly welcomes cautious approach set out by First Minister in Framework announcement and that future decisions will be driven by data not dates – but STUC remains concerned about precautions required for safe return of more pupils to schools.

STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said: “We welcome that the First Minister has taken a cautious approach towards the easing of lockdown restrictions and that, in contrast to the Prime Minister, the government will be driven by data rather than fixed dates. It is entirely correct that Scotland should not move out of national restrictions till all priority groups are immunised.

“We also welcome the call for employers to continue to allow employees to work from home. Unfortunately a minority of employers still seem to be resistant to this and we will name and shame any employer that does not stick to the Government’s guidance.

“Whilst we understand that giving hope is important, we must also manage expectations and tightly control the transition from restrictions to vaccinations as the key way we suppress this virus. If we rush too fast we risk people’s health and the future economic recovery.

“On schools, we echo the concerns of education unions at the Scottish Government rejection of the use of medical grade face masks, already used in other countries, as short-sighted given the need to guard against aerosol transmission.”

“Essential Edinburgh said: “We welcome @ScotGovFM‘s Strategic Framework announced today. It is imperative businesses can plan effectively, with some certainty for re-opening and the statement allows this.

“The proposed date of 26th April for a potential return to Level 3 is still however two months away.”

City council Leaders have welcomed the Scottish Government’s plans for easing restrictions, though have urged the public to continue following guidance.

The gradual easing of restrictions began on Monday when early learning and childcare and schools reopened for primary one to three, as well as for senior pupils carrying out essential practical work. Further easing will be subject to several conditions being met.

Council Leader Adam McVey said: “Today’s announcement by the Scottish Government offers hope for better times to come, where some sense of normality is restored and where we can return to some of the activities we have all been missing so much. 
 
“Right now, though, our number one priority is keeping the public safe. The First Minister has made it clear that we must be cautious. While the overall number of cases are falling and the rapid vaccine rollout continues, increased cases in Edinburgh of recent days highlight that our position is still fragile.

“That’s why it’s still so important that we continue to observe the restrictions in place, led by expert public health data, to limit the impact of this virus, which has by no means gone away.
 
“We’re working hard to deliver services with as little disruption as possible during this time, and this week welcomed the return of some of our pupils to schools across the city. We’ll continue to adapt and respond to guidance as it changes, and I encourage everyone to do the same. We’ve come this far – let’s work together to follow the path out of lockdown safely and sustainably.

Depute Leader Cammy Day said: “The Scottish Government’s route map outlined today offers guidance on how we could carefully, steadily reduce restrictions.

“It’s essential that we observe this gradual, phased approach if we are to protect people’s health and safety while working towards the city’s successful recovery from the pandemic.

Responding to today’s announcement by the First Minister, a spokesman for Edinburgh Airport said: “We of course understand the priority given to protecting public health and whatever steps are taken now to prepare the economy for a sustained period of recovery should not distract health professionals from the important job to save lives and protect the NHS.

“But today we hoped we would hear some indicative dates to allow us to begin planning for some form of recovery, but we are no further forward and remain in limbo.

“There does not appear to be a plan, we are unsure what data will be used to make vital decisions about our future and the remit and membership of a task force announced two weeks ago is still to be confirmed. Meanwhile further divergence will see travellers, airlines and jobs move to England. It seems the Scottish Government remains indifferent to Scotland’s impending connectivity crisis.

“If we are going to use New Zealand as a blueprint on suppression then we must also follow their act in support for aviation. Aviation facilitates many things, such as tourism which contributes more than £6 billion to the economy. We cannot afford to throw that away because we failed to invest in protecting our hard-earned direct connectivity.”

The Scottish Licensed Trade Association commented: “Pubs and hospitality businesses, while welcoming the Scottish Government’s “cautious” road map out of lockdown for the sector, are bitterly disappointed that today the First Minister said nothing other than that there will be a “reopening of the economy and society” from April 26th.

“While today’s announcement by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon brings hope for the country, a late spring reopening will sadly be too late for many and for those who do survive there remain serious challenges ahead.”

Paul Waterson, SLTA media spokesman, added: “Brighter days lie ahead – there’s no doubt about that. However, pubs, bars and restaurants have been unable to open since before Christmas – under significant Covid constraints – and large swathes of 2020 were lost to lockdown closures or severely limited trading conditions.

“While it is encouraging that our sector can hopefully reopen from the end of April, we are concerned that a return to the previous tiered system will lead many operators to decide that such restrictive reopening conditions are simply not worth the time, effort and money involved.

“Hospitality is not a ‘one size fits all’ sector given the breadth of premises that operate within it – pubs, restaurants, hotels, nightclubs and so on – and depend on events and functions to survive.

“Of course, we welcome today’s news that the Scottish Government is committed to continuing financial support for those firms suffering as a result of the pandemic, and we also welcome the First Minister’s announcement that she is considering support for businesses facing trading restrictions after they are allowed to reopen.

“However, our response to today’s announcement is one of disappointment for the licensed hospitality industry which has been among the hardest hit by trading restrictions throughout the pandemic, an industry that invested an estimated £80 million on becoming Covid compliant.

“For us, it is now a case of waiting to hear what the First Minister puts on the table in her next announcement in three weeks’ time – until then, we will work with her officials to help the Scottish Government make the best decisions for our industry.”

Call Centre Workers Still Putting Their Lives On The Line

Covid-19 still a major threat to call centre workers’ health

Workers call for more action to protect staff

Covid-19 still presents a major threat to contact centre workers and action needs to be taken to protect them, according to a letter from the STUC to the Scottish Government.

The letter is a response to the work of the Scottish Government’s Working Group for Contact Centres and urges them to audit Scottish call centres and ensure employers are following guidelines and revising risk assessments.

The letter comes after new variants of the disease have been confirmed and a major outbreak in DVLA Swansea confirms the danger presented in large workplaces. The letter argues that the conditions in sealed buildings with mechanical heating and ventilation systems magnify the problem.

The letter has the backing of Call Centre Collective- a trade union-backed grassroots organisation formed in response to the pandemic- who have organised a petition in support.

Craig Anderson from Call Centre Collective said: “The Scottish Government needs to listen and take active steps to protect workers. We know there are some employers cutting corners and taking unnecessary risks with the safety of their staff.

“It would be unforgivable, after seeing what happened in Swansea, if no lessons are learned from it. We urge anyone who with an interest in protecting workers to sign our petition supporting the STUC’s letter and keep up the pressure.”

Roz Foyer, STUC General Secretary, added, “Throughout this pandemic one of the largest sources of complaints to unions and MSPs has been from call centre workers.

“The new evidence on transmission and the risks inherent with new variants makes it absolutely essential that we see action now.”