Great British Bake-Off star Flora Shedden says she fears businesses will go bankrupt after Boris Johnson warned the public to stay clear of eateries without enforcing a shutdown.
Flora, who owns and runs Aran Bakery in Dunkeld, lambasted the Prime Minister after he refused to insist that restaurants and pubs close because of the coronavirus outbreak.
Instead Boris Johnson told the public to stay away from pubs and restaurants meaning businesses affected won’t be able to claim compensation on their insurance due to a government shutdown.
Flora said: “I think it should be illegal for him to say not to visit these shops but not tell us to close so we can’t get insurance.
“If the Prime Minister says that you shouldn’t visit these places then people will take that seriously.
“I think a lot of people will go bankrupt. We have to pay a lot of suppliers and a lot of salaries.”
She added: “We are not really sure what to do.
“The government have recommended avoiding all social environments, including cafes, restaurants, pubs and bakeries.
“They haven’t however asked for us to close down.
“This means we have no chance insurance wise or help with loss of income.
“As a young business owner it worries me greatly financially, as it is more than likely that closing out doors would not be a temporary measure but instead potentially fatal for the business.
“I also have a duty of care to for our brilliantly hard working and magical team and the thought if their work putting them at risk is equally as terrifying.”
The baker said she is already starting to feel the effects of the outbreak on her artisan outlet.
Flora said: “The last week has been really low and it will keep on the downward slope sadly.
“It’s a rubbish situation. I’ve opened up today (Tuesday) as a takeaway only but we’ll see how it goes.”
