Andrew McRae, FSB’s Scotland policy chair, said: “The welcome revisions to self-isolation rules outlined today will give smaller Scottish employers an inch more flexibility. But Ministers must remember that many firms have faced a dramatic slowdown in trade over the last few weeks that’s putting them under intense pressure.
“We endorse the expansion of grant help to include taxi drivers and those providing beauty and hair services. Financial support should also be provided to other operators, like independent retailers and businesses allied to the tourism industry, outside the scope of current schemes but facing hardship.
“At next week’s update, the First Minister must shed more light on the circumstances that would see current restrictions lifted. If the Omicron-variant has changed the rules of the game, local and independent firms deserve to know what those rules are.”