Falkirk firms which don’t follow Scottish Government advice ‘may pose health threat’

The move follows complaints, often difficult to verify, about alleged unsafe working practices at a variety of different companies across the country.

In new guidelines issued this afternoon the Holyrood administration also asks employers if they can show they are providing workers with reassurance that they are consistently practising safe social distancing – and complying with other health and safety responsibilities.

Construction sites are specifically included in the advice, following recent concerns about the risks said to be posed to some workers.

Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “The updated guidance we expect to be published today by the UK Government does not apply in Scotland.

“The Scottish Government’s established priority is public health and fighting the virus.

“Workplaces that do not follow the Chief Medical Officer’s clear and consistent precautionary advice may be putting their employees, the wider public and our NHS at risk.

“It is essential that all businesses act responsibly to safeguard the nation’s health, well-being and economic future”.

“We need essential businesses and their supply chains to continue in their work and show that they are complying with social distancing guidance.

“We will work with business and trades union leaders so that we can all be clear on how activity can be undertaken safely and in a way that is fully compliant with social distancing.

“Unless and until such guidance is in place, non-essential workplaces, including construction sites, should close.”