CORONAVIRUS UPDATE 12TH NOVEMBER 2021

Covid Reminder of the measures you should have in place

As Covid cases remain stubbornly high since the peak in September it is worth reflecting on the measures which businesses should consider to ensure the safety of customers and staff.

The Food Standards Scotland COVID-19 webpage has now been updated in light of the published Scottish Government central safer workplaces guidance, which has replaced all individual sectoral guidance documents. This guidance came into effect 9th Aug 2021 and aims to support business and workplaces to reduce the risk of COVID-19.
FSS food specific sector guidance has been removed from the webpage, however their risk assessment tool and IMT outbreak guidance has been updated to assist FBOs to reduce risk and support staff and customers: COVID-19 Guidance for Food Business Operators and Their Employees | Food Standards Scotland. the food businesses guidance has now been archived.

In addition to the Scottish Government safer workplaces guidance, Scottish Government have produced central guidance on how to stay safe and help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
REMEMBER YOU WILL STILL NEED TO HAVE A COVID RISK ASSESSMENT THAT REFLECTS THE PROTOCOLS IN YOUR BUSINESS!
We have been advised that each business will have to decide what protocols to keep and which ones to remove safely. Each business is different regarding size and numbers of staff working.
If you decide to allow more customers into the premises, then your Covid Risk Assessment must reflect this and ensure that facemasks are worn by those who are not exempt.
If you are removing screens between customers and staff, then you will have to ensure that face coverings are worn instead.
Ultimately, the relaxing of the Covid regulations will mean that business owners still must show they have taken all reasonable precautions to protect staff and customers so it may be that the protocols you have in place currently will be the best option going forward for the time being.

Face masks must still be worn in indoor settings such as shops.
From 9 August, double vaccinated adults will not automatically have to self-isolate for 10 days if they come into contact with someone who tests positive.

Instead, they will take a PCR test and can end their isolation if they test negative.
Scottish Craft Butchers Risk Assessment Tools are available on the members only website at:-
https://craftbutchers.co.uk/members/news.php?c=HEALTH+AND+SAFETY&sc=Covid-19%20Risk%20Assessment%20toolkit

If you need to discuss any of this, please contact Gordon or Bruce.

Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting will take place at The Landmark Hotel, Kingsway West, Dundee on Wednesday 24th November.

Presentation will be from The National Craft Butchers on the UK Butchers survey, Alan Clarke, Chief Executive, Quality Meat Scotland. Gary McLean, Scottish National Chef will present the Training Awards and President Tom Courts will address the members.

Members have been sent out the AGM papers on Wednesday 3 November. We hope to see as many as possible there.

If you have anything you would like raised, please let the office know if you are unable to attend.

Contact Details
Gordon King: [email protected] 07917524313
Bruce McCall: [email protected] 07834490922
The Scottish Craft Butchers office in Perth is staffed every weekday.
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.