THE treatment of business as a burden and as an afterthought in policy-making in Scotland is not a new phenomenon under the SNP Government caused by coronavirus. It is a basic way of acting and behaving that well precedes that and it is something that must change.

This week, we saw Douglas Ross outline a package of measures that would help change that. He called for the SNP Government to back business with a new standard Scottish Business Restrictions Grant, a business advisory council, and minimum adaptation period before new restrictions come in. These measures will involve business in decision-making and prevent them being left out in the cold.

A new standard Scottish Business Restrictions Grant would apply to all businesses affected by new restrictions. This would allow all businesses to be assessed for a grant under the same metrics, simplifying the process and allowing businesses to determine their grant when restrictions are announced. It would also allow businesses to plan ahead. This can be paid for too thanks to the announcement of the Chancellor Rishi Sunak that business grants will be expanded in England, resulting in an extra £700 million for Scotland.

A minimum one-week ‘adaptation period’ for businesses between the announcement and introduction of restrictions would also help alleviate the situation of last week where businesses were given just 51 hours to prepare. The Government’s need to act quickly to control the virus is important but quick transitions do needless damage to businesses.

The situation last week was not acceptable. There were repeated contradictions over whether cafes could remain open. There was further confusion over the definition of a cafe. The Scottish Licensed Trade Association called the situation a “complete shambles” and the Scottish Chambers of Commerce said the new restrictions would “sound the death knell” for Scotland’s hospitality sector.

These issues could have been overcome if the Government was listening to business and that could be done with the introduction of Douglas’ Coronavirus Business Restrictions Advisory Council. This would be a group of business advisers to give advice on the setting and introduction of restrictions. This would ensure that public health concerns are weighed against economic concerns.

Business is important in rebuilding our country and so it is important we do not have to choose between backing business and protecting public health – we must do both.