Question reference: S5W-31330
- Asked by: Mike Rumbles, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish Liberal Democrats
- Date lodged: 20 August 2020
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Current status: Answered by Christina McKelvie on 31 August 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether there is currently a legal ban on the opening of non-essential offices, or whether this is simply advice, and who decides what is essential and non-essential.
Answer
There is currently no legal ban on the opening of non-essential offices. Based on the public health risks, our clear advice is that non-essential offices remain closed, and this position is regularly reviewed. The current status of the epidemic in Scotland means that changes in the route map are being introduced in stages, rather than all at once.
All business workplaces that are not specifically required to close should consider whether what they do is essential to the effort against the virus and whether the business is able to open in accordance with the current position in the Scotland's Route Map. Business workplaces should also consider whether they are able to consistently practice safe physical distancing and comply with all other standard health and safety requirements. Remote working should remain the default position for those who can do so.
To support the safe return to these types of workplaces (when the public health advice allows), the Scottish Government has published guidance for contact centres and general safer workplaces guidance.
Essential and non-essential services are determined by whether they sit within the Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) sectors.