SGF - Scottish Grocers Federation

SGF Launches New COVID-19 Retailer Support Fund, with support of key suppliers

The SGF Retailer Support Fund has now been established to provide direct financial assistance to retailers and their families affected financially by COVID-19. The creation of the fund has been made possible by an initial – and very significant – contribution by key SGF partner Camelot. The Fund has now been given additional and very welcome contributions from key SGF members Bobby’s Foods, Hancocks, Shoply, Tunnocks and Towergate Insurance.

To apply for this funding, applications should be made via the SGF Benevolent Fund; our Trustees will scrutinise the applications in the same way as they would any other application. We will endeavour to offer funds within 10 days of receipt of the application as we understand how difficult times are in the current climate.

Application forms can be downloaded here.

SGF Chief Executive gives guidance on essential worker testing portal

COVID-19

COVID-19 Key workers – Letter from Scottish Grocers’ Federation

Shop staff can confirm that the store where they work is providing an essential local service during this emergency, and it is vitally important that they are able to get to work using this modifiable letter. Access it here.

The Scottish Enterprise COVID-19 Business Helpline Number is: 0300 303 0660

Please see below for additional information on the COVID-19 testing program for key workers. Please note that the Scottish government has confirmed to SGF directly that convenience store staff are key workers.

The employer portal - For employers wishing to assist their employees with registration, the first step is to email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Please include your organisation name and sector, as well as the name and email address of up to two people who will use the portal. Further guidance is available from the UK Government at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested#arrange-a-test.

The employee portal - Employees wishing to book a test directly should go to: https://self-referral.test-for-coronavirus.service.gov.uk/

You can get an appointment at one of the drive-thru testing centres if you or a member of your family is symptomatic or you can request a home testing kit. This service is experiencing very high demand and there may be temporary limitations on the number of testing kits available on a daily basis. The home test kits will be delivered by Amazon and sent directly to your home so you can perform the test yourself. The test will then be collected by Royal Mail courier.