CBI Scotland responds to COVID-19 strategic framework update

Tracy Black, CBI Scotland Director, said:

“While the strategic framework update does represent a small step in the right direction, many Scottish businesses will be left feeling deflated. Considerable uncertainty still remains over how and when they can reopen their doors.

“The business community recognises that data not dates must be the key driver of lockdown easing measures, and that a cautious approach remains the right one. However, firms will have been looking for more detail than the partial timetable that has been provided.

“For sectors like hospitality, retail and tourism, that have been hit so hard by the pandemic, the road back to a tier system at the end of April will feel like a long and uncertain one. Others, like tourism and aviation, face another prolonged period of hibernation.

“With jobs and livelihoods still in the balance, continued business support from both the UK and Scottish governments remains essential. All eyes will be on the forthcoming Budget for an update on the furlough and business loan schemes.”