Calls for greater ‘visibility’ on lifting lockdown measures in Scotland

A number of sectors which the body represents have been able to remain open as they are deemed essential, including grocery stores and pharmacies.

It is now calling for clarity on how Covid-19 restrictions will be lifted.

The move comes after it was announced garden centres could open in Wales, and England is due to follow suit.

David Lonsdale, SRC director, said: “Our members in pharmacy, grocery and pet food retailing have demonstrated during the coronavirus crisis their ability to operate safely and responsibly in this new environment, regardless of the size of premises.

“They’ve invested significantly over an incredibly short period in social distancing and other hygiene measures in order to protect staff and customers.

“Drawing on that experience, and in conjunction with trade union USDAW, we’ve provided the wider retail industry with detailed guidance on implementing social distancing, putting them in the best possible position to open and operate safely once government permits trading again.

“Retailers are working hard behind the scenes to get ready to safely re-open and help get the economy moving again.

“What is needed now in Scotland is visibility on the route out of lockdown.”

Nicola Sturgeon has previously claimed the four UK nations may need to move at different speeds on easing restrictions.

She said the only change in Scotland would be allowing people to leave their house for exercise more than once a day.

A Scottish Government report outlined that restrictions could be eased in “phased manner” which would involve opening up different parts of the economy sector by sector.

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