GGF urges Scottish Government to ease home improvement restrictions

The GGF has issued an open letter to the Scottish Government urging an immediate easing of the restrictions that prevents tradespeople from working in people’s homes unless it is essential.

In the letter, John Agnew, GGF Managing Director says,

“Currently GGF Members operating in Scotland are only allowed to enter people’s homes for essential repairs and are not granted the same trust and confidence as English and Welsh companies, to responsibly carry out home improvements in Scottish properties. The GGF requests that the Scottish government reviews as a matter of priority their guidance on tradespeople working in people’s homes to allow all works to be undertaken in accordance with GGF Safe Working COVID Guidance and that from UK Government.”

Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister of Scotland unveiled the Scotland’s roadmap to the easing of the lockdown on 23 February stating their would be a “gradual easing” from 5th April. On the 16th March, the First Minister provided more details and firmer timelines stating that the earliest return for non-essential retail in Scotland would be 26th April. There was no mention of when tradespeople could return to working in people’s home to carry out non-essential work.

John Agnew outlined how critical the matter is adding,

“From reports from various sources, the Scottish home improvement industry is now on the brink of complete collapse with potentially thousands of job losses and company closures. If companies can ensure, they are taking all reasonable precautions and operating to the physical distancing and following the Government’s health and safety guidance, they should be allowed to return to work.”

The GGF has also sent copies of the letter to Scottish Cabinet Ministers including:

Aileen Campbell MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government

Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Fair Work and Culture

Kevin Stewart MSP, Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning

Jamie Hepburn MSP, Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills