An investigation has been launched at an Inverness jewellery store after staff breached coronavirus restrictions to say goodbye to a colleague.
Police were called to H. Samuel in Eastgate Shopping Centre where members of staff had congregated to drop off baby presents for an employee who was due to go on maternity leave.
The unauthorised gathering took place during lockdown on January 23 when the shop was closed.
After the Boxing Day lockdown the store had remained open for click and collect purposes, however following updated guidelines from the Scottish Government, the shop closed on January 5.
‘Absolutely horrified’
Eastgate Shopping Centre has refused to comment on the incident, however one Inverness councillor said she was “absolutely horrified” at the “irresponsible behaviour”.
It is understood the gathering was brought to the attention of police by a concerned security guard.
Janet Campbell, a councillor for the Inverness Central ward, said: “I’m absolutely horrified to hear that such a thing could happen. A new baby is a wonderful experience for family and friends and I can understand the desire to gather to celebrate, but certainly not at this time, not within the public domain and certainly not in the large Eastgate precinct.
“This is just totally irresponsible and I hope lessons will be learned and that others will consider the stupidity.
“This is not the time or place for any form of gathering. The safety of all of our health is dependant on people behaving responsibly, following the regulations and not involving themselves in such irresponsible behaviour.”
Investigation
A spokeswoman for Signet Trading Limited, which owns H. Samuel, said: “I can confirm that we are investigating an incident at our Inverness store, concerning an unauthorised gathering held by a Signet staff member.
“Such an event contravenes our internal protocols which fully reflect current government guidance on measures to help reduce the spread of Covid-19. We have been in contact with the local police force in relation to the incident, who have confirmed that no further action is being taken from their perspective.
“Signet Trading Limited (H. Samuel) prioritises above all else the safety and wellbeing of its team members, customers and those third parties with whom it works. In line with the Scottish Government’s current guidance on the closure of non-essential retail, all stores in the Signet Group (including H. Samuel) in Scotland and throughout the UK have been closed since January 5, 2021.
“Until our inquiry is complete, we will not be making any further statement.”
A police spokeswoman said: “Around 3.45pm on Saturday, January 23, 2021 police attended a report of a possible breach of Covid regulations at a shop premise within the Eastgate Shopping Centre, Inverness.
“Only staff members were found to be within the premises and advice was given.”
On average, police have been stopping more than 50 north and north-east Covid rule-breakers every day since the start of the latest national lockdown.
All of mainland Scotland was placed under Level 4 restrictions on Boxing Day, meaning people must remain at home unless carrying out an essential activity.
Since Boxing Day, more than 1,300 people in the north and north-east have been told by officers to stop what they are doing, with two incidents requiring officers to use “reasonable force” in the process.
A further 98 people have been issued fines for breaking coronavirus laws, while five have been arrested.
