New guidance has been published by the Scottish Government for retailers and manufacturers to consider how people can safely return to work, with updated guidance for construction now included below.

The documents, which are among the first for a number of specific sectors, have been developed in consultation with business, trades unions and regulators. It will provide advice on essential equipment and services needed to create the conditions for safer workplaces.

Companies are expected to undertake a robust risk management approach that has been developed and maintained through joint working with employees. This will offer assurances to workers when the time is right to return to work.

Working to the phased approach in the route map on easing lockdown published last week, it details the steps required for businesses, acknowledging that some will face more complications when reopening than others, while also considering the impact on employees.

Responding to the sector guidance shared today Inverclyde Chamber President, Gavin McDonagh said:

“We have been calling for detailed guidance from the Scottish Government on safety measures to enable businesses to begin to plan and prepare.

“It is welcome to see these issued for our manufacturing and retailing businesses. Operating safely and safeguarding the health of our employees, customers and supply chains is in the best interests of all of us.

“We will now look at this detail to understand what businesses in these sectors need to do practically in order to begin to prepare for re-opening. We will be working with the Scottish Government and companies across Inverclyde to adapt, adopt and implement these guidelines. It would now be helpful to see timelines so that businesses and our employees have a common goal in sight.

“Further, the Test and Trace system will be a major contributor to Inverclyde and Scotland being able to open for business.’’

Click here for the Manufacturing Sector Guidance.

Click here for the Construction Sector Guidance.

Click here for the Retail Sector Guidance.

Click here for Customer Guidance.