Coronavirus: Scots corporations urged to not convey again staff early

Nicola Sturgeon has urged Scottish firms to not name employees again to work early whereas the coronavirus lockdown stays in place.

The UK authorities is asking those that can’t do business from home in England to start out returning to the office.

However Ms Sturgeon stated she was “not but encouraging extra individuals to return to work” north of the border.

She stated her authorities was working with employers and commerce unions on how employees may return to work safely.

The primary minister stated Scottish companies would have the ability to reopen “as quickly as they will safely achieve this” and predicted that they might not want to attend for “lengthy intervals of time” after corporations resumed operations in the remainder of the UK.

• Stay: Newest on coronavirus in Scotland

The UK authorities is encouraging some individuals to return to work, though Chancellor Rishi Sunak has prolonged the job retention furlough scheme – which is presently supporting 7.5m staff UK-wide – by one other 4 months.

Ms Sturgeon welcomed this extension, and stated there have been “ongoing discussions with the Treasury” about how it could apply north of the border.

She stated: “We have been very clear that there must be help in place for so long as we’re asking companies to not function as regular, and we have now to keep away from cliff edges.

“If there are cases of us shifting at completely different speeds as a result of the proof says that is essential, then the help buildings must replicate that.”

Addressing whether or not individuals ought to begin returning to work, Ms Sturgeon harassed that “the lockdown restrictions stay in place for Scotland”.

She stated: “I do know the UK authorities printed steering for companies yesterday – that’s not but operational in Scotland, as we’re not but encouraging extra individuals to return to work.

“I might ask as a substitute that each one employers observe Scottish authorities steering, and I’m very grateful that the overwhelming majority of employers have been all through this disaster.”

‘Protected working’

Ms Sturgeon stated that whereas the nations of the UK could also be “shifting at barely completely different speeds” out of lockdown, she was not “considering or predicting” that corporations north of the border can be out of motion “for lengthy intervals of time” whereas counterparts in England are buying and selling.

She stated the Scottish authorities was “working with employers and commerce unions to develop steering on protected working”.

Teams are specializing in 14 completely different sectors “to contemplate how shortly and in what method we are able to return to work”.

The retail, manufacturing and development sectors have been picked out as precedence areas, though there are additionally groups taking a look at areas together with tourism, vitality and foods and drinks.

Ms Sturgeon stated firms would ultimately get again up and working, however stated this have to be completed in “a cautious and regarded manner” to “give individuals very important reassurance that this isn’t placing well being at pointless threat”.