John Lamont MP, Rachael Hamilton MSP and Tweeddale East councillor and Leader of Scottish Borders Council, Shona Haslam, are calling on the Scottish Government to provide adequate support to Borders businesses ahead of the suggestion that the region will enter Tier 2 when the new system comes into force on 2nd November.
The SBC Leader will not agree to any tiering designation for the Scottish Borders until a number of important questions are answered, in particular relating to business support and the tourism and hospitality industry that may not have to close but will be badly affected.
Clear evidence to justify the tiering decision and business support for those affected must be provided from the Scottish Government. As the Parliament debates the coronavirus strategic framework, the Scottish Conservatives are calling on a business advisory council to be built-in to the system to help protect Scottish Jobs.
John Lamont MP said: “Businesses and livelihoods in the Borders cannot be an afterthought when it comes to further restrictions being introduced.
“That is why I am calling on the Scottish Government for the further support local businesses need and deserve.
“Building in a business advisory council to the SNP’s tiered strategy would give businesses the seat around the table that they’ve been crying out for throughout this pandemic.
Rachael Hamilton MSP, said: “Town centres and local businesses are the backbone of our Borders communities; it is vital that the Scottish Government provide the required support to protect businesses.
“I will be joining my colleagues in Holyrood today in calling for a business advisory council to be built-in to the system to help protect Scottish Jobs.
“Jobs are never the priority for the SNP. We will always put Scottish livelihoods first.”
Cllr Shona Haslam, said: “The difference to business in tier 1,2 or 3 is huge and we have to make sure that we get this right for all our businesses in the Borders.
“I am going to be working hard with the Scottish Government to make sure that we are in the right tier to protect lives and the right support is in place for businesses so that they can plan and survive through the winter.”
