Commenting on the latest COVID-19 update from the First Minister, in which the Scottish Government confirmed publication of a new Strategic Framework, Dr Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce said:

“While no changes have been made today, businesses remain concerned and uncertain about the potential impact of upcoming decisions. If restrictions are reintroduced or extended, businesses will be hit financially impacting on jobs and loss of trade.

“This would be especially painful as many have been seeing growth from the easing of restrictions and are looking ahead to the traditional Christmas boom period.

“To have seen no new business support measures outlined in the updated strategic framework will be very disappointing for firms concerned about the prospect of restrictions returning, without any safety net. Considering the damage that restrictions would do to businesses at this time, we urge the Scottish Government to reconsider and outline how they would reimburse firms and protect jobs in this scenario.”

On the vaccine passport scheme:

“There continues to be a sense of anxiety over extending the vaccine passport scheme, as it would hit consumer confidence and increase costs for business. However, the decision not to extend the vaccine passport scheme at this stage is good news for now. We will engage with our members to inform the consultation exercise outlined by the First Minister today.”