AN East Renfrewshire business leader fears some traders will struggle to survive the area’s latest lockdown.

John Hamilton, who took over as president of East Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce (ERCC) this month, said companies of all sizes will suffer as a result of the move back into Tier 4, which comes into force on Boxing Day and will last for at least three weeks.

He told the Barrhead News: "There is a major challenge ahead for all our members to survive this time around and keep their heads above water.

“With level four, we are virtually closing down all trading.”

Mr Hamilton, who is a health and safety consultant, said ERCC is giving its members weekly updates to help them through the pandemic.

He also hopes governments at Holyrood and Westminster will offer more financial support.

“It’s vital that this goes into the right areas,” added Mr Hamilton, who also runs Broons Soup & Sandwich Bar, in Main Street, Barrhead.

“A lot of small and medium-sized businesses are falling through cracks in the floor because they are not eligible for funding.

“They are mainly firms which have not been in business long enough to qualify but may employ a lot of people. We should be looking to close these loopholes and make the necessary grants and furlough available to them.

“However, the financial support we have had from government has been very welcome."

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said a move to Tier 4 is necessary across mainland Scotland from Boxing Day after the emergence of a faster-spreading strain of coronavirus.

Mr Hamilton, from Neilston, admits that decision could be the final straw for some businesses that are already struggling to survive.

He added: “We must try to have an optimistic view if we possibly can but that is difficult with the current trend.

“Companies are really struggling to get through this.”

The Tier 4 restrictions will mean the closure of all non-essential shops, pubs, restaurants, gyms and hair and beauty salons.

In addition, schools will return later than originally planned after the Christmas holidays, with learning taking place online until at least January 18.