SCC respond to 3rd August Scottish Government update on lockdown restrictions

Published

4th August 2021

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Scottish Chambers Scottish Government Regional

SCC welcome changes to travel quarantine rules

Scottish Chambers of Commerce Chief Executive, Dr Liz Cameron OBE, has responded to the news that fully vaccinated travellers from the EU and US will not have to quarantine on arrival in Scotland. She said:

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The Quarterly Economic Indicator survey is an important opportunity for Scottish businesses to share feedback on current trading conditions and inform our representations to policymakers in Holyrood and Westminster.

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Q4 Quarterly Economic Indicator 2021

At Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce we work closely with local partners and the Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) to feed business research into the national Quarterly Economic Indicator, conducted in partnership with Strathclyde University's Fraser of Allander Institute. The SCC QEI is Scotland's longest running business survey of its kind.

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Scottish Chambers of Commerce Chief Executive, Dr Liz Cameron has responded to the First Ministers update on lockdown restrictions. She said:

“The First Minister’s statement today will be largely welcomed by Scotland’s business community as we move towards the most significant lifting of restrictions on our economy since they were first imposed 17 months ago.

“The removal of physical distancing requirements and changes to self-isolation rules will have a major positive impact on all businesses. This will enable us to increase capacity, whilst removing the massive pressures on staff being forced to self-isolate due to close contact guidance which has left many businesses unable to fully operate if at all. These are both sensible, appropriate, and welcomed changes.

“Many businesses however believed that moving beyond the levels system would result in the removal of all restrictions, however some uncertainty remains as to mandating the continued use of face coverings in certain settings.

“Whilst ongoing restrictions will be subject to review, businesses need greater clarity now and will want to see clear end dates forthcoming to instil consumer confidence. Moving towards greater individual and business choice is vital and any measures remaining in place to mitigate and manage risk must be proportionate and appropriate.

“It’s vital that the vaccine and testing regime rollout continues at pace and that Scotland continues to make progress toward the complete lifting of all legal restrictions as soon as possible to enable businesses and the economy to start recovering.”

On the re-opening of offices, Liz Cameron said:

“Giving Scotland’s businesses the green-light for the phased return to offices is the news many have been waiting for and will lay a firm foundation towards securing economic recovery for our hard-hit town and city centre businesses, many of which rely on office employee footfall for custom.

“Many businesses, even before the pandemic, were in discussions with employees over moves towards potential hybrid models of working and increased flexibility generally. Business models have already changed due to the pandemic and will continue to evolve further as restrictions lift and this will ultimately come down the needs of business and employees.”