CORONAVIRUS UPDATE 10th April 2020

Use of Air Conditioning Units in Food Premises

We have been asked about whether it is safe to use air conditioning units in food premises.
We have asked Food Standards Scotland who have informed us that it is not in their remit.
Our health and safety advisors informed us that HSE have not issued any guidance on this either.
However, they have pointed out that the NHS states that the virus could survive for about 90 minutes in an airborne situation.
We would recommend and it is only a recommendation, air conditioning units are not used in small shop type areas.
When we receive any further information on this, we will send out immediately.

Protective Visors, gloves and facemasks.

The current advice we have from Food Standards Scotland is that Visors, gloves and facemasks are not a legal requirement in the food industry. They point out that any available PPE of this sort are currently being prioritised for the NHS and care sectors.

The most up to date advice from FSS can be found here:-

—Advice from Food Standards Scotland Link

Payments over the phone guide from Ruth at Paymentsense.

Payments Over the Phone

Now, more than ever, you will have seen a massive rise in 'over the phone' payments. We are here to help. First of all “¦ it's important to know that if you take over 10% of your sales by phone you should seriously consider switching to a more economical way of doing it “¦ through an 'add-on' MOTO ACCOUNT.

TO EXPLAIN “¦ taking payments over the phone and inputting card details into the card terminal is 'CNP' (card not present) which generates an additional bank charge for all types of businesses using this method.

THE SOLUTION “¦ A MOTO ACCOUNT is a virtual terminal using a link to your iPad or laptop to input the card details. It's easy to set up and there is NO contract. Please email me or call me for more information on this unique product which you can cancel at any time if it is no longer of use. 'STAY SAFE – USE MOTO'.

Lastly, the growing increase in card payments means now may be a good time to book your free analysis of recent card statements to see what extra savings could be made for your business. Indeed, over the last few months we have made significant savings to many butchers within the federation. Either myself (Ruth) or my PA (Kay) would be happy to assist you with this and answer any questions you may have on card payments.

I hope some of the above may have been helpful to some of you and is just a small gesture in recognition of the support we have enjoyed from the Federation and its members as well as your hard work at this time.

Ruth Anderson
Concession Manager (Scotland)
Card Processing ~ E-Commerce Gateway & MOTO ~ Integrated EPOS Systems ~ Pay-at-Table ~ Apple Pay

E. [email protected]
M: 07957 855067

Steaks and Roasts Promotions

During out regular discussions with other stakeholders in the meat industry it has become clear that customers have prioritised the purchase of mince and stew and cuts from the forequarter.

Wholesalers are reporting that they have higher than normal levels of prime cuts from the hindquarter.
This is something we have agreed to help promote the purchase of steaks and roasts through social media.

Quality Meat Scotland have started a media campaign to encourage people to try new recipes and cuts of meat that they would not normally cook. Look out for this in the media and the Daily Record in particular.

We will always try to provide tips, advice and cooking tips with each post, these are all available on the members website for you to print off and issue to your customers.
If you are offering promoting steaks or roasts, please highlight the availability of the guides.
There is also a social media campaign currently running to promote “Great British Steak Night”.

Furloughed employees update

We have had numerous enquiries from members asking about employees who have been advised to “shield” or employees who live with someone who is “shielding”. The guide so far was that neither would qualify for the furlough scheme.
Our employment lawyers, Lindsays, have now updated their FAQs section:-

The guidance now states that:
– employees unable to work because they are shielding in line with public health guidance
– employees unable to work because they need to stay at home with someone who is shielding
can be furloughed.

I stress that this relates to employees/family members who are shielding not just those in vulnerable groups. Shielded employees will have received or will receive a letter from the NHS confirming this.

The full FAQs document can be viewed on the attached file:-

HAPPY EASTER TO YOU ALL. WE WISH YOU A HAPPY, HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS WEEKEND!

The Scottish Craft Butchers office in Perth is now closed following government guidelines.
We will be available to our members to answer any queries via email or by mobile phone and will be available out of office hours for any members wanting to contact us.
Our contact details are below
Gordon King: – [email protected] 07917524313
Bruce McCall: [email protected] 07834490922

Attachments:

• Lindsays_FAQs_10-04-2020.docx