Business leaders call for self-isolation changes to be fast tracked

Business leaders in Scotland are pushing for planned changes to self-isolation rules to be fast tracked with warnings of crippling staff shortages.

Many firms across the country are reporting high levels of absences due to staff having to stay at home as a result contact tracing.

It has forced some to temporarily close their doors.

The First Minister announced on Tuesday the rules will change from August 9th with close contacts of positive cases avoiding the need to isolate if they have been double jagged and test negative.

But that is not soon enough for leading business figures.

Gregor Scotland is the Head of Policy for the CBI in Scotland:

“The announcement for the 9th of August is very welcome, but for many firms the impact of isolation is hitting hard right now, and the 9th of August does feel like it is still far away.”

He believes there needs to be a more targeted approach to help alleviate the pressure on firms:

“The majority of businesses we’ve spoken to over the last couple of weeks would like to see a test and release scheme introduced as soon as possible so we can reduce the impact Covid-related absences are having on the workplace, while at the same time ensuring they remain as safe as they possibly can be.”

The call has been echoed by Scottish Chambers of Commerce Deputy Chief Executive Charandeep Singh:

“What we want to see is the Test and Protect system, including the self-isolation requirements, to adapt to the fact we have a high vaccination roll-out across Scotland.”

Ahead of more restrictions easing on Monday, he says all sectors are being hampered by absences:

“Every time the economy opens up, that’s good for all of us, it protects jobs and brings communities back to life. But one thing we can’t lose sight of is that these businesses rely on people to open them, to work in them and to serve customers.”

He adds:

“We can’t lose sight of the fact these self-isolation requirements are there to protect the health of our communities and we support that, but equally we know there are changes pending in August and we are looking for those to be brought forward. Otherwise, we will see more businesses having to close for long periods of time.”

In response, a Scottish Government spokesperson said:

“We fully appreciate the frustration of many as we try to ease restrictions safely, continuing to protect the most vulnerable, while giving some certainly to businesses. The First Minister set out what changes will come into force on 19 July and we will continue to monitor the evidence as we look forward to further easing in August, including exempting vaccinated close contacts from isolation on receipt of a negative PCR test.”

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