Following the statement from the First Minister which raised the possibility that vaccine certifications may be required for entry to nightclubs and many large events in Scotland from later this month, Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce chief executive Russell Borthwick said: “Throughout the pandemic, businesses here in the Aberdeen city region have done everything at their disposal to keep their clients, customers and employees safe. Even today many businesses are going beyond what is legally required of them to help halt transmission and keep case numbers down.
“Scotland’s economy is now finally beginning to recover however the fact remains that many businesses continue to operate in survival mode and the prospect of economic deterrents, such as vaccine certificates, could prove damaging to business and consumer confidence.
As soon as this statement was made, we worked with our colleagues at Scottish Chambers of Commerce to co-author the letter to the First Minister. Despite initially hinting at it last week, Ms Sturgeon has since been quoted as saying that the government does not want to reimpose any restrictions.
“What on earth do they think mandating face coverings, the need to scan in on entry to venues, advising strongly to continue working from home and then threatening to introduce a vaccine passport are if not restrictions? The contradictions are inexplicable and unacceptable. We are a million miles from normal making the phrase ‘beyond zero’ a laughable misnomer.
“Early signs of economic recovery are fragile and these types of intervention and excessive levels of propaganda are proving hugely damaging and costly to business and consumer confidence. And specifically, the utter confusion is delaying the plans of companies to welcome staff back to offices, something that continues to be an existential threat to town and city centre eco systems.
“With many lifeline business support measures, such as furlough, coming to an end in only a matter of weeks, mounting business debt and growing supply chain issues, businesses are deeply concerned about increasing costs and administrative burdens exacerbating an already delicate situation. To be clear, the futures of thousands of businesses and tens of thousands of jobs are at risk if government continues with this over-cautious and scare-mongering approach. A further demonstration of the total lack of trust, understanding and regard being demonstrated for the economy and jobs by those calling the shots over the last 18 months.
“The implementation of emergency measures was justified by the need to save lives and protect the NHS. The success of the vaccine programme means that neither of these things appear now to be a significant risk. Some of the measures still in place and those being proposed should neither be mandated nor even advised by government. We all individually manage risk every day in every aspect of our business and personal lives and should be trusted to exercise our own judgement and do so again now.
“Please share this with your networks as it is only pressure from businesses and the wider population that can ensure an end to this nanny state meddling.”