City of Glasgow issued the following announcement on April 24.
It’s nearly the end of another busy week and I wanted to provide an update and summary for you on today’s [23 April 2020] First Minister’s presentation of Scottish Government Framework for Decision Making. The presentation was cautiously optimistic and the First Minister made it clear that the Scottish Government wants to be able to allow businesses to re-open and people to go back to work just as soon as it is safe to do so. The First Minister floated a wide range of options that are being considered ahead of the next review period on 7th May. The broad principles upon which any policy will be based were also outlined.
During this period, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce has been engaging with all levels of Government to seek immediate economic support, whilst also making the case for clear guidance on the steps towards recovery and redesign of our economy. As such, we have reiterated our offer to engage in the next stage of the decision-making process and will draw upon the expertise of the Glasgow Business Resilience Council and wider Chamber network.
Businesses have regularly expressed concerns about different guidance from the Scottish and UK Government, particularly with regards to key workers and sectors. The Scottish Government framework should provide a level of comfort that there is a willingness to collaborate with business. This process should afford sectors, that can follow appropriate distancing measures the confidence to accelerate restart planning. We will work with the Scottish Government to establish clear guidance and support to kick start our economy in a safe and responsible manner.
SUMMARY
• Framework sets out emerging thinking as the Scottish Government begins to consider the recover and renew stages of COVID19 pandemic plan
• Acknowledges the significant impact of business closures, lockdown and social distancing measures on business and the economy with forecast 33% GDP fall
• Spread of virus has been slow, but not yet eradicated, and is therefore opportunity to look at restarting the economy while complying with social distancing measures.
• The report states that the Scottish Government want to be able to allow businesses to re-open and people to go back to work just as soon as it is safe to do so. Opportunity for business engagement and innovation to return to work while complying with social distancing and mitigating virus spread
• Explores easing of restrictions in a phased manner, opening up different parts of the economy sector by sector, considering different restrictions in different areas dependent on how the pandemic is progressing
• The Scottish Government will also assess the merits of tailoring options to, for example, specific geographies and sectors, or parts of the rural economy, or those able to work outdoors
This clearly provides an opportunity for Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and our members to communicate with the Scottish Government over the next three weeks to support them to develop considered and pragmatic policy and guidance.
We continue to seek feedback from members on whether they are experiencing any issues with scheme rules or implementation.
As guidance is updated, we will refresh our website to provide links to sources of funding and support.
Thank you for your continued support and I would ask that you keep in touch regarding any issues that you are experiencing or observations that you have. You can do so by contacting resiliencesupport@glasgowchamberofcommerce.com.
Original source here.
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