Chamber and committees

I welcome our second panel of witnesses. From Scottish Development International, we are joined by Neil Francis, the managing director, and Siobhan McDermit, the team leader of digital trade services. We are also joined by Hugh Lightbody, chief officer with Business Gateway.

As before, I ask members and witnesses to keep their questions and answers as short and concise as possible. All three witnesses will get a chance to answer some questions. They might not be called for each question, but they will get a chance to speak.

The previous panel of witnesses said that, traditionally, Business Gateway would not offer support for retail. The sector is not prioritised. During the pandemic, more Scottish Government support went through local agencies—in particular, for retail, there was business rates support. Our inquiry is considering the changing nature of retail. Do the witnesses see any future role for Business Gateway or local agencies to give more support to, or have more engagement with, the sector?

Is that a recent increase? The previous witnesses said that, traditionally, there was less engagement.

What I meant was whether the demand for support is the same or is stronger in some areas.

I have a question for Neil Francis and Siobhan McDermit. I asked initially about the retail sector and Business Gateway. Will they say a bit about the support that Scottish Development International provides to the retail sector in Scotland, if it works with that sector at all?

I remind members that they do not have to address their questions to every panel member. If you name a panel member, that will help us to complete the session in time.

Jamie Halcro Johnston is next.

Good morning and welcome to the 11th meeting in 2022 of the Economy and Fair Work Committee.

Agenda item 1 is a decision on taking business in private. Are members content to take item 4 in private?

Members indicated agreement.

Thank you. Given that the issue was raised right at the end of our session, if you would like to add any comments about the cost pressures that have arisen due to the pandemic, please send them to us. That will be helpful.

I will bring the session to a close. I thank the four members of the panel for their contributions, which are very much appreciated. We will have a brief suspension before the next panel comes in.

I welcome our second panel: Ruth Boyle is policy and parliamentary manager at Close the Gap; Joanne Cairns is head of research for the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers; and Bryan Simpson is industrial organiser for Unite Hospitality. I ask members and witnesses to keep their questions and answers as short and concise as possible.

I will ask the first questions, which I will address to Joanne Cairns. Will you outline the impact of the pandemic on retail workers? How has retail changed in recent years? Will you also give us an idea of the size of the sector in Scotland? I think that the Co-op Group said that it employs 7,000 workers in Scotland. Will you say a wee bit about what the sector looks like in Scotland?

I call Colin Beattie, to be followed by Michelle Thomson.

I will bring in David Lonsdale next. Paul Gerrard and Maxine Smedley have talked about their shared experiences, and the committee is familiar with the big issues that have arisen from Covid and the retail sector’s struggles. Have you had a chance to look at the Government’s recently published retail sector strategy? Has the Government chosen the right areas to focus on to aid recovery and support the sector?