Media release: Bakers in Scotland welcome self- isolation exemption

SCOTTISH Bakers, the trade association which supports bakers throughout Scotland, has welcomed the Scottish Government’s announcement that changes are being made to self-isolation rules for close contacts of COVID cases, to allow essential staff in critical roles to return to work to maintain lifeline services and critical national infrastructure.

The government has said it will be possible to apply to exempt those who work in critical roles where staff shortages are in danger of putting essential services, such as the provision of food supplies, at risk.

Strict conditions will apply;

• Staff must be fully vaccinated, having had their second dose at least 14 days before exposure;
• Be asymptomatic, and be in possession of a valid vaccination record;
• Have evidence of a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test;
• Return a daily negative lateral flow test for up to ten days after exposure; and
• Fully comply with any PPE requirements, hand hygiene and other infection control measures.

Applications can be made via the Scottish Government website and will be required to demonstrate:

• That the organisation meets the definition of Critical National Infrastructure;
• How self-isolation is impacting critical functions and services;
• What steps have already been taken to address this pressure;
• The impact of no action;
• The scope of the requested exemption – location, number of staff, etc; and
• Whether they are currently engaging with a local IMT regarding outbreak management.

Exemptions will be made on a temporary basis and last only for as long as there is an immediate risk to business or service continuity.

Scottish Bakers chief executive, Alasdair Smith, said: “With businesses large and small having  been hit hard already by the Test and Trace self-isolation rules, we have been making it clear for some time that this was not sustainable; so we welcome that this has been recognised by both the Scottish and Westminster governments.

“However, it is my sincere hope that the application process is swift and does not add an additional administrative burden for our members, who continue to suffer from the impacts of Covid.”

Notes for editors:

Scottish Bakers has been supporting and protecting the interests of Scotland’s bakery trade for 130 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

MEDIA RELEASE issued by Fourcade Communications. You too can share your stories (aka press or media releases), on this site. Email here for more information.

Contact: Julie Fourcade
Phone: 07850532615
Email: julie@fourcade.co.uk
Website: http://www.scottishbakers.org