Call to Scottish Government to help Fife businesses 'hanging by their fingertips'

Alan Mitchell, chief executive of Fife Chamber of Commerce, urged the Scottish Government to “put the foot on the accelerator” and boost lifeline help as it imposes stricter restrictions for the whole of January.

Mr Mitchell said, without it, there was a danger some would fall at the final hurdle after battling to stay afloat throughout lockdown.

Ministers announced a £41 million package to help businesses affected by the Boxing Day move into Tier 4, paying up to £3,000 every four weeks to firms forced to close their doors.

But with even tighter restrictions in force from midnight on Monday, he said hundreds of Fife businesses were "hanging on by their financial fingertips" and needed greater support.

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Mr Mitchell said: “"It is absolutely critical that the Scottish Government puts the foot on the accelerator in terms of support provided to business.

"If there is an expectation on businesses in how they will support employees in working from home it's absolutely critical that the guidance is out there for businesses so they know what is expected of them.

"The current levels of renumeration, £3000 every four weeks, is simply not reflective of the costs these businesses are trying to maintain.

"We need these businesses intact if we're going to weather this mess.

"It would be absolutely scandalous if they were to fall at the final stretch."

Fife Covid Community Helpline on 0800 952 0330

www.fife.gov.uk/coronavirus

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