CORONAVIRUS UPDATE 1ST September 2020

Re focus on covid 19 procedures

We are reminding our members that they must ensure a covid 19 risk assessment for your premises must have been carried out. We sent out the risk assessment toolkit a few weeks ago and we expect local authorities will now look for this to be in place.
However, this is not something we do once and then forget about. There is a need to revisit this regularly to ensure this is up to date with the changing situation.
The scale of the cluster at Coupar Angus has again brought the red meat sector's own control measures in sharp focus. Furthermore as the Scottish Government has now empowered local authorizes to issue closure notices, the risk that your own business may be closed if a cluster is found in your workforce is likely to be high if you are observed not to be applying all proportionate and practical steps to combat the potential for virus transmission to occur on site. The findings at Coupar Angus suggest the following actions should be incorporated into your Risk Assessment if not already being covered.

The advance submission of completed health questionnaire for all visitors.

The provision of training to all staff to embed observance of the 2-metre rule and personal hygiene requirements, including the mandatory use of face coverings, throughout the premises (i.e. inside and out)

Customers should be reminded of the need to wear a face covering whilst purchasing or collecting food within the premises. Wearing of face coverings is mandatory for all staff and customers in food retail premises when the shop is open. However, there is an exemption for staff where 2 metre physical distancing can be maintained, or Perspex screens are in place to separate contact with customers. There are further exceptions for staff undertaking food handling tasks, where it has been identified that face coverings could cause a risk to the hygiene or safety of food.

If non-UK nationals are not fluent in English the provision of advisory staff notices in all native languages (as required) throughout the premises, including entry points, parking & changing areas, the staff room and in smoke shelters.

Install hand sanitisation gel and/or hand cleaning points before all high touch areas. Make sure those high contact touch points are cleaned regularly and that this is recorded in your cleaning schedule.

All managers and shift leaders etc to be instructed to proactively monitor Covid 19 compliance throughout the day.”

Youth Guarantee backed by £60m of investment

The programme for government establishes a national mission to create new, high-quality, green jobs, says the first minister.
There needs to be “a massive focus on up-skilling and re-skilling the workforce,” she says.
“I can confirm that central to this, and central to our programme, is a Youth Guarantee.”
“A new partnership with Scotland's employers – backed by £60m of government investment – to guarantee everyone aged 16-24, a job, a place in education or a place in training.”

The economy secretary will publish the implementation plan tomorrow.

The first minister insists this guarantee signals her government's absolute determination that youth unemployment will not be a legacy of this pandemic.
She also highlights £10m to help employers recruit and retain apprentices.
We will issue further information when we get the details tomorrow.

New video showcases industry's love for Scotch Lamb PGI

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) has launched a new video, bringing together representatives from across the Scotch Lamb PGI supply chain, to help raise awareness and celebrate the brand during Love Lamb Week (1 – 7 September).

The video, which launched on QMS social channels today (1 September), includes representatives from NFU Scotland, Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland, National Sheep Association Scotland, John Scott Meat, Scottish Association of Young Farmers' Clubs, Scottish Craft Butchers, Scotch Butchers Club, Scotch Beef Club, alongside local farmers and chefs detailing what they love about Scotch Lamb PGI.

“Great things happen when our industry rally to support initiatives like Love Lamb Week,” said Kate Rowell, QMS Chair.
“From field to fork, representatives from across the whole supply chain have come together to promote why they love Scotch Lamb PGI. The video, and follow-up content that will be posted over the next week, will promote our industry's world-renowned quality assurance schemes and impressive sustainability credentials.
“The aim of Love Lamb Week and this video is to highlight the quality, taste and nutritional benefits of lamb, and who better to do that than the people behind that process.”

Lesley Cameron, QMS Director of Communications and Marketing added: “It's been fantastic to see so many industry representatives take a leading role in helping market and promote Scotch Lamb PGI. There's still time to be involved with Love Lamb Week 2020 and the wider campaign with expressions of interest open to become a 'Make it' ambassador.”
To get involved with Love Lamb Week, visit Love Lamb Week for Link. To become a 'Make it' Ambassador, please email [email protected].

Scottish Craft Butchers face coverings
We have a small stock of washable face coverings which are available for purchase. They have the Scottish Craft Butcher logo on the right-hand side.

Cost to members if £4.20 each plus VAT
If you would like to order, then please e-mail Bruce. They will be supplied on a first come first served basis. [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