Chamber and committees

The Scottish Government does not hold detailed statistics on (a)(i), (ii) and (iii). However, data on the number of businesses registered for VAT and/or PAYE is available from the Office for National Statistics Inter-Departmental Business Register (IDBR). Data from the IDBR show that the number of businesses in the newspaper sector has remained steady between March 2018 and March 2019, at 120 businesses. The newspaper sector has been defined here to include: printing and publishing of newspapers, pre-press and pre-media services and news agency activities.

As regards other media outlets in (b), which include magazines, radio and tv, the IDBR shows that the number of businesses in these sectors increased from 525 in March 2018 to 540 in March 2019.

During the covid-19 pandemic the Scottish Government has published an experimental Monthly Business Turnover Index which gives an early indicator of business activity using the survey data held by the Scottish Government. It reports the net balance of firms reporting increasing or decreasing turnover, in real terms, compared to 12 months ago. Values above 50 indicate more companies are showing increased turnover than decreased turnover. The latest results show that in April 2020, the net balance for Transport, Storage and Communication (which includes newspapers and other media outlets) was 24.2, indicating more companies (a majority) were showing reduced turnover than increasing. It is available here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/monthly-business-turnover-index-april-2020/ . The Scottish Government has also published experimental Monthly GDP Estimates that are available here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/monthly-gdp-april-2020/

The Scottish Government has also been in close contact with the newspaper sector in Scotland and is aware of the issues that it is currently facing.

The Scottish Government has provided a range of business support to the Scottish newspaper industry and media outlets during the covid-19 pandemic. Businesses were able to access the business support set out in find business support website at https://findbusinesssupport.gov.scot/ .

In addition to this support, on 14 May the Cabinet Secretary for Finance announced that the Scottish Government will invest £3 million in additional marketing activity with Scottish newspapers across the rest of the year. This is on top of the additional £440,000 it has already invested in increasing marketing of public health messages. On 20 May the Coronavirus (Scotland) (No. 2) Bill passed in the Scottish Parliament includes an amendment that gives the newspaper industry 100% rates relief for a year, by placing them in the same category as the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors.

The Scottish Government does not hold detailed statistics on (a)(i), (ii) and (iii). However, the Office of National Statistics Business Register and Employment Survey (BRES) data show that there were 1,800 jobs in the newspaper sector in 2018. The newspaper sector has been defined here to include: printing and publishing of newspapers, pre-press and pre-media services and news agency activities.

As regards media outlets, which include magazines, radio and tv, the BRES data show that there were 4,920 jobs in these sectors in 2018.

The Scottish Government does not hold information on the number of jobs that are linked indirectly to the sectors at (a)(i), (ii), (iii) and (b).

The Sottish Government has worked in partnership with the tourism industry and with unions to develop guidance for the safe reopening of the tourism and hospitality sector. This has been done through the Scottish Tourism Emergency Response Group, which includes the Association of Scotland’s Self-caterers and the Scottish Tourism Alliance, which in turn also represents the interests of the caravan and holiday parks sector.

I have also had numerous calls with sectoral bodies and businesses throughout the Covid 19 crisis, including those mentioned above, in which these issues have been regularly discussed.

Lifting of restrictions will be informed by the scientific and public health evidence available at each review point. The Scottish Government will consider the implications of this for our phased approach to opening up the economy through the route-map, and will keep all options open while we deal with defeating COVID-19.

As announced on 10 June, it is hoped the tourism and hospitality sector, including visitor attractions and accommodation providers , can start to reopen on 15 July, subject to the criteria being met for phase 3 of the route map to commence. Businesses must implement a risk based approach to ensure they are compliant with guidance, which will be kept under regular review. This will determine the readiness of businesses across the sector to be able to open safely in phase 3. M ore detail on the lifting of restrictions will be given at each review point.

In line with the Route-map 'through and out of the crisis' published on 21 May, it has been assessed that restrictions on all accommodation providers will be eased in phase 3. We understand some sectors, such as self-catering, may be able to operate social distancing more easily than others, however safe reopening of the sector is dependent on other factors besides the facilities they provide, such as the lifting of travel restrictions, and this must be done in a holistic way to ensure it is safe and compliant with wider efforts to protect public health.

In line with the Route-map 'through and out of the crisis' published on 21 May, it has been assessed that restrictions on all accommodation providers will be eased in phase 3. We understand some sectors, such as self-catering, may be able to operate social distancing more easily than others, however safe reopening of the sector is dependent on other factors besides the facilities they provide, such as the lifting of travel restrictions, and this must be done in a holistic way to ensure it is safe and compliant with wider efforts to protect public health.

The Scottish Government will publish safe workplace guidance for the tourism and hospitality sector soon. This has been developed in partnership with industry and unions in line with our Fair Work principles.

On 18 June 2020, the First Minister announced professional sport in line with public health advice can resume from 22 June 2020.

Training is currently permitted in line with restrictions for the general population, and we are considering proposals from football and rugby on how this training – supported by enhanced public health measures – would intensify as competition nears.

Subject to Ministerial approval and in line with public health advice, competition behind closed doors with only essential participants and attendees is permitted in phase 2. Some restricted attendance of supporters may be permitted in phase 3 in line with the physical distancing protocols and other appropriate public health measures.

The events sector provides a significant contribution to Scotland's cultural life and to our economy. We are determined that it will rebound strongly from the current crisis and a return for live events with restrictions in place during phase 3 will support this.

The restrictions that will be in place during phase 3 are being developed, informed by public health advice and views of the sector. Details of these restrictions will be published when this process is complete.

The Scottish Government is currently engaging with event organisers, their supply chain, trade unions, local authorities, the Health and Safety Executive and others with an interest on development of sectoral guidance for events. This will help to ensure that events can restart safely.