The safe re-opening of small and micro businesses following the
coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is being supported by new
guidance.
The publication provides practical advice for employers on the
steps they need to take before and after re-opening.
Key measures include:
- risk assessments to protect the safety of employers, staff
and customers
- provision for employees to work from home where appropriate
- consultation with employees, trades unions or employee
representatives before re-opening
- infection and control measures such as physical distancing
and good hygiene
- staggered break and start times to reduce contact between
employees
Economy Secretary said:
“The importance of small and micro businesses to our economy
cannot be overstated. Over 98 per cent of all businesses in
Scotland have less than 50 employees so it is critically
important that they can re-open as soon as it is safe to do so.
“This guidance, developed in partnership with employers and
trades unions, provides the information small and micro
businesses need to ensure the safety of staff and customers as
they re-open.
“And we are providing grant support worth over £1 billion to
businesses as part of a wider support package worth over £2.3
billion and we will continue to do all we can to support this
vital sector.”
Andrew McRae, the Federation of Small Businesses’ (FSB) Scotland
Policy Chair, said:
“It’s in everyone’s interests to get as many small businesses as
possible back up and running as quickly as is safe.
“But to do so, small businesses need to make a lot of changes to
how they work – often involving lots of complex, changing
information.
“That’s why we asked the Scottish Government to help them cut
through the mountain of information by providing some clear steps
to follow. This is particularly important for all the smallest
businesses who don’t fit neatly into a specific sector – the dog
groomer, say, or the portrait photographer.
“For businesses that aren’t sure where to start, this guide will
help, as it sets out the key steps they should take across four
key areas, as well as providing links to other support and
advice.”
Background
The guidance covers both small businesses, with fewer than 50
employees, and micro businesses, with fewer than 10 employees.
This guidance sits alongside any other relevant sector specific
guidance.
