MID FIFE AND GLENROTHES MSP TELLS BUSINESSES: PUT YOUR PEOPLE FIRST AND LET THEM TO STAY AT HOME TO HALT THE SPREAD OF COVID-19

Published date : 26 Mar 2020

Mid Fife and Glenrothes MSP, Jenny Gilruth, has today, Thursday 26 March, told employers whose businesses are not involved in essential work to fight coronavirus or feed the nation to keep their employees at home.

Ms Gilruth has written an open letter to all businesses in the constituency and made the following statement:

“I have been inundated by emails from anxious constituents who are worried that by going to work they are putting their health and the health of their loved ones at risk.

“The Scottish Government has issued clear guidance for businesses. The guidance has been produced so that businesses can find a reason to close, not so that they can make up an excuse to stay open.

“The First Minister’s message to the people of Scotland is clear: stay at home.

“Our NHS needs non-essential businesses in Scotland to close at this time to prevent our doctors and nurses and intensive care units from becoming overwhelmed. We need businesses to close for now, ultimately, to save lives.”

“I spoke to the management of several businesses in the constituency yesterday. I remain unconvinced that a number of businesses that are open in the local area are essential in the fight against coronavirus. My message to them and other businesses is simple: please close your doors now and send your employees home.”

“The Scottish and UK Governments are both working to support businesses during the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak. Employers can access the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme so they have money to pay wages and the Scottish Government has put in place a £2.2 billion package of support for businesses.”

ENDS

A copy of the letter sent to local businesses by Jenny Gilruth MSP can be downloaded here: https://we.tl/t-BSjTA9hErd

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