FIFE MSP Alex Rowley has appealed to all employers, if you do not need to be open, close, as the coronavirus continues to claim hits on people in the Kingdom.

Mr Rowley has written to First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, stating that there still appears to be a significant amount of confusion for both employees and employers, and has urged that the guidelines are made clearer so that no one is left in doubt as to the situation.

He said: “I have been inundated with people contacting me telling me their employer is insisting that they go to work even when they are not key workers on the frontline of fighting the coronavirus, or in the production and sale of essential goods such as food, or providing essential public services.

“This is not good enough. The message must be clear, if your business is not on the frontline then shut up shop and protect your workers".

Mr Rowley added: “I do not understand why employers are keeping workplaces going when they do not need to.

"I ask myself are they not seeing what is happening in other countries.

"We must slow down the spread of the virus and that must mean all non-essential working stopping now.”

The Labour MSP told the First Minister in his letter: “Given we are being told that the more people attend work or social gatherings the more likely the virus is to spread, I feel it is urgent that much clearer guidance is given that covers all workplaces with the result that no one is left in doubt whether they have to go to work or not.

"I understand this may be difficult, but many constituents are contacting me telling me they are being told to go

to work, even in places which may not appear to constitute 'essential' workplaces.

“We must get the message home to employers that only those who are essential should stay open.”