CORONOVIRUS UPDATE 1030 21/3/2020

Unlike in England, Wales and Northern Ireland there is no national guidance in Scotland to include the food industry/supply chain within the definition of “key workers”. Instead, across the three broad categories of workers to be defined as 'key workers', as issued by Scottish Government, it is up to each of the 32 local authorities to determine if the food sector falls within the definition.

Already some Councils are listing food production and supply chain workers, others are not. Given our food/drink supply chain cuts across council boundaries in Scotland there is a very real risk of supply chain disruption, exacerbating an already pressurised situation.

We understand there is work ongoing to develop further guidance but, in its absence, Councils are taking their own decisions ahead of some schools opening on Monday.

Two things need to happen:

SF&D and our other industry partners are asking Scottish Government to issue urgent advice to all local authorities to prioritise those working in the food supply chain, under either category 2 or category 3. For clarity, we want the following wording – already adopted in England, Wales & Northern Ireland – on defining key workers (highlighted below)
Food and other necessary goods: This includes those involved in food production, processing, distribution, sale and delivery, as well as those essential to the provision of other key goods (for example hygiene and veterinary medicines)

In the meantime though, all food and drink businesses should contact their local council and urge them to adopt the above wording in their definition of key workers.

Councils who have announced food production/supply chain as “key workers” :- East Ayrshire & Stirling.

Councils who have not included food production/supply chain as “key workers” Dumfries & Galloway, North Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire & Aberdeen.

It may be that, in time, we will need to more tightly define key workers in our sector, beyond what is in the wording above. However, the first step on this issue is to ensure the supply chain doesn't suffer significant staff absence in the coming days and can maintain critical capacity and food availability.

We will keep emphasising the importance of the food supply chain, but please also remember that public health remains the top priority. Social distancing is important. If you can take steps to reduce the numbers of staff being together in your normal workplace, you must do so, as far as is possible.

We will update you later if this situation moves on in any way.

Social Distancing in Shops

Many of our members are now limiting the numbers of customers in their shops at any one time, depending on the size of the premises, to enable everyone to maintain the government guidelines on social distancing. They are making announcements on social media to this effect.

Many are also politely reminding customers to be patient and respectful to staff and other customers at this difficult time.

Government to pay up to 80% of workers' wages

The government will pay the wages of employees unable to work due to the coronavirus pandemic. It will pay 80% of salary for staff who are kept on by their employer, covering wages of up to £2,500 a month It is understood that the wage subsidy will apply to firms where bosses have already had to lay off workers due to the coronavirus, as long as they are brought back into the workforce and instead granted a leave of absence. The wages cover, which relates to gross pay, will be backdated to the start of March and last for three months, but Mr Sunak said he would extend the scheme for longer “if necessary”.

The scheme, which will be run by HMRC, is expected to make the first grants to businesses “within weeks”.

We will issue more details when we have them.