CORONAVIRUS UPDATE 13TH JULY 2020

First full weekend of mandatory face coverings in shops.

Non-essential shops inside shopping centres have reopened as lockdown is eased
The wearing of face coverings – which was already compulsory on buses, trains, trams, planes and taxis – has been mandatory in shops since Friday.

FM says compliance with mandatory face coverings in shops seems very high
The first minister moves on to say this has been the first full weekend of mandatory face coverings in shops.

“Everything suggests that compliance with the new law has been extremely high indeed,” she tells the briefing.
She reminds people that shopping malls have reopened, and face coverings should be worn in the shops and the shared spaces of these malls.
Shop staff are not be expected to enforce the rule, with the police instead mandated to issue fixed penalty notices to people not wearing face coverings.

Confusion around brand-new bonus for employers

The Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced a “brand new bonus” for employers to hire apprentices over the next six months. However, there is confusion about whether this applies in Scotland!

Announcing the incentives during his summer statement, Sunak told the House of Commons: “We know apprenticeships work. Ninety-one per cent stay in work or go on to further training.
The Scottish Government may announce a different scheme for employers here.
We will update you on this information as soon as we get it. Of course, it will be of interest to anyone who is thinking of taking on an apprentice in the next few months.

The team from Craftskills Scotland returned to work on Wednesday 1st July having been on furlough for the previous 12 weeks. The team will initially be calling around to make appointments to either visit any apprentices or arrange to carry out assessments via video conferencing, whichever format suits the individual and the business.

If you have an apprentice or are thinking of taking on an apprentice, the team would love to hear from you. We offer Modern Apprenticeships in various Food and Drink qualifications from Meat and Poultry Skills to Customer Service and Café Skills. Even Brewing apprenticeships!

Get in touch with Claire on 01738 637785
or e-mail: [email protected]

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