CORONAVIRUS UPDATE 3rd DECEMBER 2021

Covid Update

The First Minister has urged Scots to regularly test in a bid to prevent further spread of coronavirus across the country.

She announced during a statement to the Scottish Parliament that all nine cases of the Omicron variant in Scotland, which originated in southern Africa, can be linked to a private event on November 20.

At present there are five cases in Lanarkshire and four in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board area.

Testing is being ramped up to halt further spread of the variant which is believed to be more transmissible, according to early reports from scientists.

The First Minister revealed that testing locations will be made available in supermarkets, garden centres and Christmas market around the country.

She told MSPs: “I can confirm today that, in the run up to the festive period, lateral flow tests will be made available by local authorities in many more locations.

“Locations will obviously vary in different parts of the country, but will include shopping centres and supermarkets, garden centres, sports grounds and Christmas markets. We are also working with transport partners to provide access to tests in transport hubs.

“So while it is already easy to get lateral flow tests, we are taking steps to make it easier still.

“Please make sure you get a supply and keep it topped up.

“It is also worth mentioning that the newer lateral flow devices are much easier to use than the older ones – they require nasal swabs only rather than nasal and throat swabs.

The First Minister had previously announced:-
• Covid certification scheme will not be extended, as it stands
• However FM warns vaccination passport could be required in the likes of hospitality sectors if situation worsens
• From December 6, negative lateral flow test result will suffice for certification scheme
• Rise in cases 'appears to have stabilised', however Nicola Sturgeon says Scotland remains in 'precarious' position, with look to situation in Europe
• FM urges vaccination, wearing face coverings and asks Scots to test more regularly
• 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.

Routine inspections of food premises have recommenced!

Routine inspections of food premises have recommenced. Inspections are being undertaken in a Covid secure manner to ensure both officer safety and that of staff and customers of food businesses. This may involve some differences to the normal inspection processes. Exact controls may vary by authority, but may include, but not limited to, the following:

• Officers may require confirmation of Covid controls within the premises
• Officers may require confirmation that staff have not: tested positive; are symptomatic; or been identified as a close contact
• Some inspections may be pre-notified
• Some inspections may be conducted on an appointment basis
• Some inspections may be conducted at quiet times, or outside of normal trading hours
• A questionnaire may be required to be completed in advance
• Staff will be expected to wear face coverings (unless exempt)
• Officers will be wearing face coverings (unless exempt)
• Officers may request that areas are ventilated
• Officers will ensure good hygiene practices (as always)
• Physical distancing may be required between inspecting officers, staff and customers
• It may be necessary for staff to temporarily move from specific areas of the premises to facilitate the inspection
• It may be necessary for operations to be suspended for a brief period to facilitate the inspection
• Discussions may be conducted out doors or in other areas of the premises
• Documentation and records may be requested to be provided before or after the inspection to be examined off site

Disruption to business will be limited as far as practicable whilst ensuring an effective assessment of controls is undertaken.

For details of the specific measures being followed, food businesses can approach their own Local Authority for advice.

Call for fresh talent to protect butchery industry's long-term future

A new programme to highlight over 750 potential vacancies in the butchery sector has been launched by Quality Meat Scotland in partnership with Skills Development Scotland.

With the average age of a butcher in Scotland at 60, the industry needs to ensure there is a pipeline of young trainees coming through to future proof the red meat sector, amidst a serious shortfall of skilled positions.
As females currently represent 14 per cent of current apprentices in the retail butchery sector, the programme will work to remove outdated perceptions and showcase the diverse and accessible range of technical and business skills to be learned through the trade.
The careers awareness programme will shine a spotlight on butchery as a chance for young people to learn a craft, picking up skills that range from traditional to those using cutting-edge technologies.
Around 25 per cent of current vacancies are apprenticeship opportunities in the retail, processing and catering sector. The programme will underline the crucial business skills that the career provides, from selection of products and product development to learning about the supply chain, recipe development, pricing, profitability and customer service.

Gordon Newlands, Brand Development Manager at Quality Meat Scotland, said: “Butchery is one of the oldest crafts in the world with genuine heritage and traditions, but we want to show that it can also provide an exciting, pioneering and highly skilled career for young people today. At a time when we are all conscious of skilled labour shortages, butchery presents a huge array of excellent career opportunities. This is a trade where innovation meets tradition to create an industry full of character and camaraderie that will play a critical role in our social and economic future.
“During the various lockdowns over the last 18 months, many of us have rediscovered the joys of visiting our local butcher to get high quality meats. This project builds on this renewed interest to showcase the range of skills, knowledge and behaviours that can lead to rewarding careers in the butchery industry, not only in the UK but across the world.”

Gerry McBride, Strategic Relations Manager at Skills Development Scotland, said: “This project has been built to show just how much butchery has to offer young people as an exciting career choice with huge opportunities for progression. We strongly believe that butchery represents a field that is more than just a job, it is an innovative and evolving craft that can unlock a range of exciting careers.
“A modern apprenticeship in this field is a chance for young people to be trained by industry experts, gain a nationally-recognised qualification and earn a real wage while they learn. Apprenticeships also offer a unique opportunity for employers, enabling them to recruit from a fresh pipeline of young talent. There are dozens of roles to suit everyone – from processing and catering butchery to the retail butchers we see on high streets across the country – all of which provide opportunities for stimulating successful and long-term careers.”
The campaign is being supported by a new careers website – www.butcherycareers.co.uk – where potential candidates can learn about training opportunities, read and watch the real stories of young butchers' careers and explore job postings.
Case study videos featuring different job roles within the industry are also being promoted, alongside social media adverts which will be shared across Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat.
The programme will also raise awareness of the Government funding opportunities available to support businesses in employing young people.

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.