Letter from Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for COVID Recovery, Scottish Government to the Convener, 6 January 2022
Dear Siobhian
On 23 December, Alex Rowley MSP asked about funding for Scottish Hazards.
In 2020, a helpline was put in place by Scottish Hazards for workers seeking workplace health and safety advice and support during the pandemic. The Scottish Hazards helpline is a key point of support, and the STUC and Healthy Working Lives have a referral agreement in place with Scottish Hazards, signposting these individuals to Scottish Hazards for support.
The Scottish Government had previously agreed to fund the helpline until the end of 2021, although given the ongoing risks associated with coronavirus and the resulting impact on businesses and their employees, we have now agreed funding until the end of the financial year in March 2022. The Scottish Government will continue to engage with Scottish Hazards and stakeholders on the longer term relationship and funding arrangements.
I hope the Committee finds this notification helpful.
I am copying this message to the Presiding Officer and SPICe.
Yours sincerely,
John Swinney
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for COVID Recovery,
Scottish Government