Fife Council has revealed it dealt with more than 220 complaints regarding the safe working conditions at companies continuing to operate since the coronavirus lockdown began.
New figures show between March 21 and June 2, the council received and resolved 227 enquiries or complaints relating to new regulations for firms continuing to operate during the lockdown.
Of those , 124 were COVID-19 related complaints which resulted in two firms being issued written warnings and 51 complaints being passed on to other agencies.
New powers were given to local authorities under the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions) (Scotland) Regulations 2020, to ensure businesses permitted to stay open have appropriate social distancing measures in place and other business premises remain closed.
In the wake of the lockdown being introduced, councillors in Fife reported being inundated with concerns from employees being required to continue working despite the restrictions.
A number of companies across the region were visited by police but ignored orders to close citing differences over UK and Scottish Government advice.
Fife Council, in common with all other Scottish local authorities, said it has been working closely with the Scottish Government to progress policy and guidance for businesses to restart as well as establish joint working arrangements with Police Scotland, Food Standards Scotland and the Health and Safety Executive.
In addition, the council said it had carried out a “significant number of proactive visits and other direct advisory communications” to businesses during the period.
It added the overall level of compliance with the new legislation by Fife traders had been extremely encouraging, but that it expected the workloads of the Trading Standards and Environmental Health officers to increase further as lockdown eases and more businesses prepare to reopen after week lain dormant.
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.”
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 do so by email to Covid19.Enforcement@fife.gov.uk where they will receive a direct response.
