3 Apr 2020
The Scottish government has confirmed that horticulture companies may continue to operate, provided they adhere to strict guidelines to prevent the spread of Covid19.
This was confirmed in a letter to Rachael Hamilton, Scottish Conservative shadow rural economy secretary.
Mrs Hamilton raised the matter after the police visited a horticulture business and ordered it to shut down in compliance with the latest government rules.
In the letter, Fergus Ewing, Scottish rural economy secretary states that operations can “continue” provided businesses protect the safety and welfare of their staff, keep up to date with the latest guidance and demonstrate their adherence to social distancing guidelines in their businesses and to the public.
This comes just hours after business leaders in Scotland called for “cooperation, consistency of policy and clarity of message across all parts of the UK.”
Rachael Hamilton, Scottish Conservative shadow rural economy secretary said:
“I am extremely grateful and pleased that the Scottish government has acted so quickly and confirmed that horticultural businesses can stay open at this time.
“All open businesses must put their staff first, ensure their safety and the safety of the public.
“Horticultural businesses are often associated with farming businesses and, without them, we will undermine our ability to provide food for Scottish people in the coming months.
“Earlier today the business community called for clarity and consistency from the Scottish government.
“Hopefully this letter will give businesses and the police clear guidance so that horticulture businesses can stay open while operating safely.”
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