Scotland eases work from home guidance, but Covid passes remain for nightclubs

The Scottish government has announced that working from home guidance will be eased from Monday 31 January, recommending a ‘phased return’ to office working.

Meanwhile, businesses in the hospitality, leisure, culture and tourism sectors are understood to be receiving coronavirus grant payments.

The Scottish government said it was working “at pace” with local authorities and other delivery partners to ensure business support funding is paid to all eligible businesses as quickly as possible.

Colin Wilkinson, Scottish Licensed Trade Association managing director, said: “This really is excellent news for Scotland’s licensed hospitality venues as having people back in their offices and workplaces will breathe life back into our city and town centres.

“This, coupled with the relaxation of rules surrounding table service and physical distancing in licensed premises, very much gives our industry hope for a more normal 2022.”

However, he expressed disappointment that there was no mention of Covid passports, which remain a requirement in nightclubs. “Nightclubs have been hit hard during the pandemic and our understanding from today’s announcement is that this remains in place for these premises,” he said.

“This will continue to have a negative effect on these late-night businesses who desperately need to start to rebuild for the future.

“We also eagerly await the outcome of the Scottish government’s consultation on a new pathway for dealing with Covid variants in the future, something announced over three weeks ago and only in general consultation now.”

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