SCC comment on exemption scheme from self-isolation
Dr Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce said:
“We have been calling for the Scottish and UK Governments to adapt self-isolation requirements for workers who have been double vaccinated, recognising that we are in a different position in the pandemic from a year ago.
“The changes announced today by the Scottish Government are a step in the right direction but they still leave many businesses and sectors facing the worrying prospect of staff absences as the exemptions do not go far enough.
“Even for those sectors who will qualify for this critical worker scheme, the criteria and process for applying for exemption is overly restrictive and requires a lot of evidence. An application-based process is very likely to create delays and logjams as each application is to be considered on a ‘case by case’ basis.
“While it is welcome to see general alignment between the Scottish and UK Government on a ‘critical worker’ scheme, the UK Government have created a separate scheme that is focused on the food & drink industry which would appear to be wider in scope. No such similar scheme has been unveiled for Scotland and we urge the Scottish Government to give this serious consideration.
“The Scottish Government is almost certain to face a large number of applications for exemptions in the coming days. They must be adequately resourced to respond fairly and quickly to businesses, who require fast turnaround on decisions. They must also consider alternative measures for ‘non-critical’ roles to allow for more double vaccinated people to avoid self-isolation, such as the above UK Government scheme which relies on daily COVID testing or direct financial compensation.”
ENDS
