Media release: Statement from Scottish Bakers on behalf of member bakers in Scotland

THE First Minister announced in the Scottish Parliament, on 24th March, new guidance, specifically covering food production and supply.

This is because businesses involved in food supply are “contributing something essential to the well-being of the nation”.

She said:

Businesses involved in food supply should remain open, if possible, subject to being able to adhere to two requirements:

• safe social distancing practice
• normal health and safety requirements

If a food production and supply business cannot meet both of these requirements, the Scottish Government guidance is to close.

As the organisation that looks after the interests of hard working bakers throughout Scotland, Scottish Bakers welcome this clear stance from the government and we are grateful for it.

Chief executive of Scottish Bakers, Alasdair Smith, said: “Scottish Bakers are still open for business, producing daily bread, savoury snacks and sweet treats fresh each day.

“Our bakers are working tirelessly to stock their own shops, supermarkets and convenience stores around the country with fresh product for consumers.

“And they are adapting to the new circumstances to ensure there is an increasing emphasis on staple products so they can better guarantee a consistent supply to help feed our nation at this challenging time. It should not be forgotten that many bakers are a strong focal point in their communities and those businesses are playing a vital role in maintaining supplies in often rural areas.

“Bakers, along with retailers and other food manufacturers are stringently implementing rigorous social distancing and enhanced hygiene regimes as they know just how vital a role they are playing.

“If any baker is not able to adhere to this regime due the physical size of the bakery for example, they will now close until further notice according to Government guidelines – sadly, we have already seen some familiar names close their doors for the time being.

“It is with much sadness that I also have to report that many of our members, many of whom have long been high street stalwarts, offering skilled employment, as well as good-quality fresh products daily, have been receiving verbal abuse from members of the public. We would ask the public to respect our hard working bakers as well as all of those in the front line of food retail at this time.

“And I would reiterate the need for all members of the public to respect the need for social distancing and to treat shop workers with the respect and dignity they deserve.”

ENDS

Notes for editors:

Scottish Bakers has been supporting and protecting the interests of Scotland’s bakery trade for over 125 years.

Scottish Bakers core purpose is to promote and protect the interests of the trade; representing, advising and supporting all aspects of Scotland’s baking industry to ensure it remains competitive and equipped for growth.

It does this by providing the widest possible range of benefits that help its members sustain and grow their businesses including: skills development, technical information and assistance, competitions, sector intelligence, legal advice, financial discounts, and social and business networking.

Scottish Bakers manages both The World Championship Scotch Pie Awards and The Scottish Baker of the Year Awards each year to recognise and celebrate excellence in the sector.

But, most importantly, Scottish Bakers belongs to its members, it is there for their benefit and is proud of its motto, ‘for the good of all’.

www.scottishbakers.org

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