Responding to the latest changes to lockdown restrictions on Inverclyde and Scottish businesses, George McKay, Chief Executive of Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce, said:

“Today’s announcement will be very disappointing to those who have carefully adapted their businesses to be COVID safe and continue the trading that has kept them afloat up to this point.

“There is a lack of any certainty over when currently closed shops will be allowed to re-open added to the importance of the Click and Collect services businesses have adopted to help prop up many small and independent retailers.

“The Scottish Government must provide detailed evidence on how these new measures will support public health restrictions and urgently provide sufficient financial support to Inverclyde businesses if they are to get through yet more rules suddenly imposed upon them without prior consultation.

“Otherwise, it will only add to the growing desperation of businesses who have put finance and time aside to make their business COVID compliant, only to have to close anyway, with no clear route back to reopening.’’