Question reference: S6W-05427
- Asked by: Finlay Carson, MSP for Galloway and West Dumfries, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 24 December 2021
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Current status: Answered by Graeme Dey on 21 January 2022
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what assistance is available to Stena Line in light of the potential impact of staff absences on sailings from Cairnryan over the Christmas and new year period.
Answer
The Scottish Government approved an application from Stena Line for a critical workers exemption to allow essential workers to volunteer to leave self-isolation and return to work. Workers in businesses and organisations providing vital public services can volunteer to leave self-isolation and return to work, in certain limited circumstances, to allow vital services to continue. Exemptions are possible where staff shortages are in danger of putting essential functions and services at risk.
On 29 December, a priority system was reintroduced for workers in critical sectors, including maritime transport, to access PCR tests. This allows people who meet the criteria, including key Stena Line staff, to access priority slots within the online booking system.