Scotland to allow local authorities to define "key workers" title
Unlike in England, Wales and Northern Ireland there is no national guidance in Scotland to include the food industry/supply chain within the definition of “key workers”. The Scottish Government decided that it is up to each of the 32 local authorities to determine if the food sector falls within the definition, informs Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) in a press release.
According to it, " some Councils are listing food production and supply chain workers, others are not.
Given our food/drink supply chain cuts across council boundaries in Scotland, there is a very real risk of supply chain disruption, exacerbating an already pressurized situation. We understand there is work ongoing to develop further guidance but, in its absence, Councils are taking their own decisions ahead of some schools opening on Monday."
Due to that, SF&D, QMS and other industry partners are asking Scottish Government to issue urgent advice to all local authorities to prioritize those working in the food supply chain, under either category 2 or category 3. For clarity, QMS want the following wording – already adopted in England, Wales & Northern Ireland – on defining key workers: "Food and other necessary goods: This includes those involved in food production, processing, distribution, sale and delivery, as well as those essential to the provision of other key goods (for example hygiene and veterinary medicines)," said the organization.
In the meantime, however, all food and drink businesses are advised to contact their local council and urge them to adopt the above wording in their definition of key workers.
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