Commenting on the Prime Minister’s address this evening (10th May) in which he set out a conditional plan for the next phase of the response to Covid-19, Dr Liz Cameron OBE, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce said:

“The health and safety of all is our primary priority. The Prime Minister Boris Johnson has presented a road map, subject to review, as to how and when specific sectors of our economy could return.

“Companies will do everything they can to protect employees and customers, maintain social distancing and operate successfully, so we need clarity on when more sections of the economy are permitted to re-open in Scotland.

“We urge the Scottish Government to update their framework for decision making to set out a return to work, as soon as it is possible so that businesses in Scotland do not fall behind their counterparts in England. There is also a risk that variations in the approach between the nations will inevitably confuse business owners and employees.

“We recognise the unique balancing act of decision making our politicians are currently undertaking to reflect different conditions and data on the spread of the disease. However, if we don’t have a clear line of sight out of lockdown, businesses will struggle to survive and struggle to protect livelihoods.”