Rural Payments and Services

From Monday 19th October face coverings must be worn in all communal areas in indoor workplaces, where people mingle or gather (except where exemptions apply such as where measures are in place to keep persons separated).

Guidance on the use of facemasks for those in the agricultural sector can be found on the Scottish Government website.

General COVID-19 guidance for farmers and crofters – published 30 October - is available and updated regularly.

Please find below is more details on how this will apply for agriculture, horticulture and rural businesses across Scotland.

This rule only applies indoors such as communal areas in workplaces that are substantially or fully enclosed i.e. if the walls and sides create an area that is more than 50% fully enclosed. People responsible for relevant premises should take reasonable steps to promote compliance with the law so if you are an owner of the business/ or employer, you should consider if any of your buildings are such an indoor environment and assist users of that space to be aware of their obligation to wear a face covering there unless an exemption applies. Exemptions include where measures have been taken to ensure the legally required separation in that area of the workplace, or when a person is undertaking tasks in the course of their employment, where the wearing of a face covering would cause a material risk of harm, such as handling large unpredictable livestock.

The use of face coverings should already be part of COVID-19 Contingency Planning measures being undertaken by agricultural, horticulture and rural businesses across Scotland.

Face coverings must be worn in staff canteens, except when seated at a table or eating and drinking.