Households will be sent information explaining how the Test and Protect system works and setting out what to do if someone develops coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms. NHS Test and Protect is being delivered by NHS Scotland to reduce the risk of the virus spreading.
This article was published today 22 June 2020 on the web site of the European Bank for Development and Reconstruction. The Author is Vanora Bennett.
The chair of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has welcomed the recommendations of the Advisory Group on Economic Recovery. Alistair Dodds said the report underlined the potential of rural regions to make a strong contribution Scotland's economic recovery.
Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop has welcomed the recommendations of the Advisory Group on Economic Recovery. The group, led by Benny Higgins, was tasked with recommending solutions to ensure transition towards a greener, net-zero and wellbeing economy, and to advise on measures to address different challenges the economy will face as Scotland recovers from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Guidance to support Scotland's tourism and hospitality sector to reopen safely has been published. The industry has been asked to prepare for reopening on 15 July, if sufficient progress is made to move to phase 3 of the route-map.
To support the economic recovery in the Highlands, the Council has today (Monday 22 June 2020) launched a guide for shops and businesses to assist them with their plans to safely welcome back customers. Following the overarching guidance provided by the Scottish Government, the Supporting Economic Recovery in Highland - A Guide for Businesses - contains lots of information, advice and support for shops, leisure facilities and other businesses likely to experience an upsurge in visitor numbers as lockdown restrictions are eased.
Urgent care to be made widely available. Dental practices can resume seeing see NHS patients in need of urgent care from today (22 June 2020).
A new ad campaign, aimed at increasing the record number of public service workers who've joined UNISON Scotland since the start of the pandemic, is being launched by the union today (Monday). The 60-second animated advert is being screened on Sky, ITV, Channel 4 and YouTube with the message that no worker should feel alone in these uncertain times.
An article from The Conversation web site 18 June 2020. Author - Anna Leask - Professor of Tourism Management, Edinburgh Napier University Tourism has virtually stopped thanks to the COVID-19 lockdowns.
The £2 million Towns and BIDs Resilience and Recovery Fund, announced by the Scottish Government on 12th June 2020, is intended to support localised response activities contributing to town centre and high street resilience and recovery. Overview £1 million of this funding will be allocated directly to towns to address immediate priorities as lockdown restrictions are gradually eased.
Progress continues but caution urged to suppress COVID-19 Further changes to lockdown restrictions in Scotland have been announced today (Thursday, 18 June 2020) by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Those shielding are now able to go outdoors for exercise from today.
Following on from the statement today (18 June 2020) by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and a subsequent board meeting High Life Highland has initiated the first tentative steps of its own plans to fit in with the Scottish Government's "Scotland's Route Map through and out of the crisis". Ian Ross, Chair of the High Life Highland Board informed fellow Directors, "A substantial amount of work has gone on before and during lockdown to protect customers, staff and the wider services provided by the Charity.
Further measures have been announced to support Scotland's zoos and aquariums. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced that from 29 June outdoor areas of zoos and gardens will be able to open to the public, provided appropriate measures are put in place to ensure physical distancing and compliance with phase 2 restrictions.
New approach put in place as Scotland moves to Phase 2 of recovery. Face coverings will become mandatory on public transport from Monday 22 June, as part of operators' preparations for progress towards recovery and to reduce the risk of transmission.
HMRC contacted employers today with an update on VAT. As part of the government's support for businesses during COVID-19, HMRC gave businesses the option of deferring their VAT payments if they were unable to pay on time, without incurring late payment interest or penalties.
New powers and measures to align devolved Scots law with those in the European Union after the end of the Brexit transition period have been published. The UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Bill will allow or provide for continuity of provision that would otherwise be lost on withdrawal from the EU.
The COVID-19 small business and self-catering grant scheme, set up to help companies stay in business during the coronavirus crisis, has now paid out over £63 million to 5,892 Highland businesses. Councillor Trish Robertson, Chair of The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee said: "Our staff that are processing applications are still working very hard and thanks to their efforts and to applicants for providing the correct information when they apply, the percentage of grants processed is currently at 99%.
The Employer Bulletin (June 2020, Issue 84) includes all of the latest Covid-19 updates to help you continue to meet your payroll obligations to HMRC and to claim any relevant grants and rebates during this challenging time. We've included the latest update on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, along with updates on the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme and a reminder for reporting Expenses and Benefits for the tax year ending 5 April 2020.
The public body responsible for Cairngorm Mountain acted appropriately when selecting a private company to manage the resort, but tough decisions on its future are now required. Cairngorm Mountain Limited (CML), which operated the mountain's winter sports and leisure activities, went into administration in 2018 following the closure of the funicular railway due to structural problems.
Additional funding of £5.5 million is being made available for renewables projects to contribute towards a green recovery following the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Communities will be able to bid for a share of £4.5 million through the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES), which funds local renewable projects.
