BUSINESS owners in Renfrewshire are calling for greater clarity from the Scottish Government as it prepares to give small shops the green light to reopen.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is expected to announce tomorrow that Scotland is ready to move into phase two of a gradual easing of lockdown restrictions.

This would pave the way for many businesses to finally welcome customers again for the first time since lockdown began almost three months ago, provided they are able to put physical distancing and hygiene measures in place.

However, some business owners have complained the Scottish Government has yet to provide clear guidance about what phase two will mean for them.
Allan Henderson, chair of Johnstone Business Consortium, said there are “too many mixed messages.”

“All businesses are desperate to reopen – because there are some that will go to the wall, there is no doubt about that,” added Mr Henderson, who runs a florist shop in Johnstone town centre.

“However, we are not getting a clear message as to what we can or cannot do. I contacted the government directly about whether I could reopen and they weren’t able to give me an answer.”

Mr Henderson has also questioned whether small businesses will find it worthwhile to reopen at a time when there are still some lockdown restrictions.

He said: “I’ve got everything in place so that I can reopen but I don’t know if anyone is going to be coming in, that’s the problem.

“The government is still saying to stay at home and, if we reopen, that means we would have to take staff off furlough. This would save the government money but puts the onus on small businesses, which can’t afford it at the moment.”

A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said it will “do everything it can” to support businesses.

“We understand the economic cost of lockdown but workplaces, including shops, should not reopen until the evidence suggests it is safe to do so,” added the spokesperson.

“We are continuously monitoring the evidence on the pandemic and have a review point this Thursday, at which time we will consider further, safe progression through the route map and continue to review the guidance provided to businesses.”

Read all the latest from Renfrewshire and beyond

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