COVID-19 Role for Trading Standards and Environmental Health

This article is more than 3 years old

Fife Council’s Trading Standards and Environmental Health Teams are playing a significant role in helping to protect the health of the public in response to the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic.

New powers have been given to local authorities under The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions) (Scotland) Regulations 2020, to ensure businesses that are permitted to stay open have appropriate social distancing measures in place and other business premises remain closed. Fife Council, in common with all other Scottish local authorities, has been working closely with the Scottish Government to progress policy and guidance for businesses to restart, and establish joint working arrangements with Police Scotland, Food Standards Scotland and the Health and Safety Executive.

Between 21st March and 2nd June 2020, Fife Council received and resolved 227 enquiries or complaints relating to the new regulations. This work has been supplemented by a significant number of proactive visits and other direct advisory communications to businesses.

The overall level of compliance with the new legislation by Fife traders has been extremely encouraging, but it is expected that the workloads of the Trading Standards and Environmental Health teams will increase further as lockdown eases and more businesses prepare to reopen.

Nigel Kerr, Head of Fife Council’s Protective Services said “We expect employers and operators of workplaces to act in a responsible manner, respecting both the letter and the spirit of the emergency legislation. Our Environmental Health and Trading Standards Teams are engaging with businesses to demonstrate to staff, customers, and the public that they are complying fully with the latest guidance available.”

Contact:

Any business or member of the public who requires advice on, or would like to make a complaint in relation to The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions) (Scotland) Regulations 2020, can send an email to Covid19.Enforcement@fife.gov.uk and will receive a direct response.