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Category: Covid-19

First Minister’s Statement 2nd February 2021

Posted on by Fiona Campbell

The First Minister has announced the results of the latest review of COVID-19 restrictions in Scotland in a statement to Parliament.

Current lockdown restrictions – including the stay at home requirement – will remain in place until at least the end of February with limited exemptions relating to education.

From the week commencing 22nd February, the intention is to see a full time return of Early Years Childcare and of primary 1-3 students, with a part time return for senior pupils in specific circumstances to allow for in-school practical work necessary for national qualification courses.

Testing in educational settings will be significantly expanded to support this in the weeks ahead, with the intention being that those who work in schools or work in early learning and childcare settings attached to schools being offered ‘at-home’ testing twice a week.

In addition, the First Minister said work is ongoing with businesses with high transmission risks, such as food production and distribution, with a view to introducing routine testing for their workforces over the course of this month.

Following a four nation agreement that travellers from countries with a travel ban in place will be required to quarantine in hotels, the Scottish Government intends to introduce a managed quarantine requirement for anyone coming into Scotland regardless of the country they have come from.

More details will be set out as soon as possible and the First Minister confirmed plans to work with the UK Government to ensure the travel and aviation industry is supported.

The First Minister also confirmed the extension of eligibility of self-isolation payments to everyone on an income below the real living wage.

Business Support

If your business is required to close by law or to significantly change its operations due to COVID-19 restrictions, you may be eligible to apply for grant funding.

There is further information at https://findbusinesssupport.gov.scot/service/funding/strategic-framework-business-fund

Further Information

Link to today’s statement  https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-update-first-ministers-statement-2-february-2021/

ASSC SECTORAL SURVEY: THE IMPACT OF SHORT-TERM LET LICENSING ON THE B&B SECTOR IN SCOTLAND

Posted on by Melanie Allen
  • The ASSC conducted a Scotland-wide sectoral survey relating to issues concerning the impact that STL licensing would have on the Bed and Breakfast accommodation sector.
  • The online survey elicited over 300 responses from Bed and Breakfast operators in Scotland.
  • The results offer valuable insights into the experiences and problems faced by Scottish Bed and Breakfast operators and the threat this licensing will have on valuable micro businesses.

Survey Overview

  • The ASSC gathered data from Bed and Breakfast Businesses to ascertain the percentage of businesses that would fall into Use Class Order 9 (residential) and fall within the scope of the regulations and gain insights into how this legislation would affect them.
  • The ASSC ran an online survey consisting of 11 questions. This was publicised via the ASSC’s social media pages on Twitter and Facebook and shared across the tourism sector in Scotland.
  • In just 48 hours, the survey generated 308 responses.
  • The full list of questions and survey results are set out below. It also includes examples of powerful testimony from individual respondents relating to their current difficulties and why this legislation is not fit for purpose, and is damaging to the bed and breakfast sector.

Summary

It is hoped that the survey results will inform The Local Government and Communities Committee regarding the impact of this Legislation on Bed and Breakfast Operators in Scotland, as well as what changes are necessary to protect livelihoods to businesses which are a key component part of Scotland’s tourism offering.

Some of the key findings include:

  • 88% of respondents have businesses in rural / semi-rural / island locations across Scotland
  • 78% of businesses have been operating over 3 years, with 20% of businesses over 15 years, one business has been operating for over 37 years
  • 76% of Bed and Breakfasts fall in UCO9 (residential) compared to 24% UCO7 (Guest House) Therefore, 76% will be required to obtain a licence
  • 39% of respondents believe that any additional licence fee would render their business unviable.
  • While, 55% of respondents believe it would have a negative impact on their business
  • Bed and Breakfast Operators in Scotland do not have positive outlook: 85% are feeling pessimistic or very pessimistic about their business over next 6 months, and 73% over the next 12 months.

Read The Survey in Full:

The Impact of STL Licensing on the B&B Sector in Scotland

 

Na h-Eileanan Siar

Posted on by Fiona Campbell

Due to an increase in prevalence of COVID-19 and an increase in infection rates Na h-Eileanan Siar will move to Level 4 from 00.01 Saturday.

New cases following a previous rise – including a community outbreak on Barra – have placed a significant strain on hospital capacity in the Western Isles Health Board area and the hospital on Stornoway is now reaching full capacity within available staffing resources. Some non-urgent procedures will be rescheduled but the hospital will maintain a full emergency service.

Clinical advice is that the move to lockdown is necessary to avoid the NHS becoming overwhelmed.

Nobody who lives in an area under lockdown should leave or remain outside their home except for an essential purpose like caring responsibilities, outdoor exercise and work that cannot be done from home.

Business Support

In addition to the UK furlough scheme, all businesses that require to close, at any level, are eligible for a four weekly grant of £2,000 or £3,000, depending on rateable value. Grants of £1,400 or £2,100 are available to businesses that are open, but subject to trading restrictions.

There is further information at https://findbusinesssupport.gov.scot/service/funding/strategic-framework-business-fund

Further Information

Link to today’s news release https://www.gov.scot/news/western-isles-in-lockdown/

Read the Stay at Home Guidance  https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/

Link to COVID-19 protection levels https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-protection-levels/