Circularity Scotland: Bottle deposit return scheme agency ‘on brink of collapse’
The agency which was resulting from handle Scotland’s controversial deposit return scheme (DRS) seems to be getting ready to collapse.
Staff have been despatched dwelling from Circularity Scotland and the board mentioned it’s unable to substantiate whether or not the employees will likely be paid for the month or even when they may have the ability to return to the workplace.
The board mentioned it recognises that that is an “extremely difficult time” for the employees, with bosses “working tirelessly” to discover a answer.
Scotland’s DRS was resulting from begin in August however was pushed again to March 2024 after Humza Yousaf was installed as first minister.
It has since been delayed to at least October 2025 after the UK authorities dominated it might solely go forward with out glass bottles included.
Announcing the delay at Holyrood final week, Lorna Slater, the minister for inexperienced expertise, round economic system and biodiversity, mentioned the Scottish authorities had been left with “no other option”.
Circularity Scotland launched a press release on Thursday afternoon.
It mentioned: “The board of Circularity Scotland have been working to manage the impact of the Scottish government’s announcement and find a way for the business to continue to operate.
“While this work is ongoing, we instructed employees to go dwelling on Thursday 8 June.
“The unfortunate reality is that, at this point, we are not able to confirm whether our staff will be paid for this month or whether they will be able to return to the office.
“The board recognises that that is an especially tough time for our folks and is working tirelessly to discover a answer.
“We have remained in communication with our staff throughout and will provide updates to them at the earliest possible time.”
Read extra:
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Forbes: Scheme needs reworking to ‘avoid job losses’
Lorna Slater asserting the delay to the scheme final week
With related schemes in the remainder of the UK not resulting from come into impact till 2025, the Scottish authorities sought an exemption from the Internal Market Act – which regulates commerce within the totally different elements of the UK following Brexit.
Westminster granted a limited exemption, however stipulated glass couldn’t be a part of it.
Environmental campaigners known as on Mr Yousaf to “hold his nerve” and soldier on with the scheme with cans and plastic bottles.
The first minister wrote to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, calling for glass to be included. The request was knocked again to make sure “simplicity and interoperability”.
Ms Slater previously admitted that the trade has “invested hundreds of millions of pounds” in the direction of the scheme.
The Scottish Greens co-leader mentioned she was dedicated to a DRS and has pledged to work with the UK authorities and others to “play the hand we have been dealt” for a cleaner atmosphere, much less waste and to satisfy local weather targets.