FSB: Business relief as restrictions set to ease

Press Releases 18 Jan 2022

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has today outlined plans to roll back the bulk of the remaining coronavirus restrictions deployed in December.

Andrew McRae, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Scotland policy chair, said: “Many of the people behind local businesses across Scotland will be relieved to hear they will soon return to trading conditions that are closer to normal. We’re also pleased the First Minister has listened to our representations about the disproportionate burden vaccine passports would have placed on smaller firms.

“However, the withdrawal of some covid restrictions doesn’t mean that local economies will necessarily bounce back. Public figures now need to work hard to build business and consumer confidence.”

FSB is urging Ministers to review the current situation with covid grants in Scotland.

Andrew McRae said: “It was disappointingly predictable that covid grants would be delayed because of Christmas holidays at public bodies. But it now looks likely that some firms won’t get financial help until well after the restrictions are lifted.

“With many operators facing dangerous problems with cashflow, Ministers need to reassure firms that help is in the pipeline. They must make sure that all sorts of businesses hit by recent measures get at least some help.

“The Scottish Government must pledge that all monies earmarked to help firms are used for this objective. Any underspend from current grant schemes should be used to help local businesses recover, adapt and grow.”