When can people go back to work in Scotland? Date construction workers and other industries can return as country eases out of lockdown

Nicola Sturgeon announced Scotland’s moved into phase 2 of its lockdown exit strategy on June 18

The government have announced plans for the reopening of workplaces across Scotland (Shutterstock)

Last week Nicola Sturgeon announced that Scotland is moving into phase two of it’s coronavirus-induced lockdown strategy.

And on Wednesday she announced measures to loosen up the country’s lockdown measures further.

Addressing Scottish Parliament on June 18 Ms Sturgeon stated that progress in suppressing the virus was “clear and substantial” adding "Taking account of that progress and the other evidence we are required to assess, I am therefore very pleased to confirm that the Scottish Government has concluded that we can now move into the next phase of our exit from lockdown."

However, she also said the virus "has not gone away" and that the reason the virus had been suppressed to its current levels was "because of lockdown".

The First Minister added: "So as we gradually remove the restrictions that have kept it under control, there is a very real risk that transmission could rise again.

"That is why - if we don't want to go backwards - we must progress carefully."

Working from home still the normal for most

The government’s four-phased plan will see workplaces deemed non-essential and paused during lockdown slowly opened up again.

The government has underlined that working from home should remaing the “default position for those who can”.

All current advice is subject to change.

Ms Sturgeon explained that the phases will be reviewed every three weeks, but these could be eased more quickly depending on the country’s progress in tackling the virus.

Advice for workers in phase 2

In Phase 2, remote working will remain the default for those who can, according to the government document

From June 29 Indoor non-office based workplaces can resume – including factories and warehouses, lab and research facilities, but excluding non-essential offices and call centres.

From June 22 the construction industry will move to later phases of its restart plan. Phase three will see the construction industry move to a steady state level of operations with social distancing or the use of PPE required. The final phase will see an increase in productivity in the construction workplace.

The outdoor hospitality industry will begin to reopen on July 6, while indoor hospitality will reopen on July 15.

Hairdressers and barbers, museums, galleries, cinemas, monuments, libraries will all reopen on July 15 also.

The government will also anticipate the relaxing of of restrictions on the housing market.

Non-essential retail businesses will also be allowed to open again on June 29, the First Minister said, with some restrictions in place.

Premises will only be able to open if they have outdoor exits and entrances, meaning shopping centres will remain closed.

Advice for workers in phase 3

In Phase 3 remote working remains the default position for those who can.

Indoor office workplaces including call centres can reopen, once relevant guidance has been agreed and with physical distancing.

Advice for workers in phase 4

The fourth and final phase of the government’s lockdown route map will see remote and flexible working encouraged.

All types of workplaces would be open in line with public health advice.