The Scottish Government has missed a deadline for overhauling its anti-harassment policy in the wake of the unlawful Alex Salmond investigation.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney told MSPs he needed an extension due to time pressures caused by Omicron.
Following an investigation, the Government in 2018 upheld complaints of sexual misconduct against Salmond when he was First Minister.
However, Salmond sought a judicial review and it was accepted the probe had been unlawful and tainted by apparent bias. The debacle cost the taxpayer over £500,000.
The procedure for handling complaints against Ministers and former Ministers was reviewed and MSPs have been waiting for the outcome.
In a letter to a Holyrood committee, Swinney said he had previously committed to making documents available by December 2021.
But he wrote: “Officials have been working on the draft, completing the implementation plan and have been engaging with stakeholders on the updated procedure, which is well advanced.
“However, after careful consideration, I propose to engage further with staff and trade unions on the procedure before sending the documents to you before my Committee appearance in January.”
He continued: “I would be very grateful if the Committee would give an extension of time until after recess, as the Omicron variant is absorbing the time and priorities of Ministers and officials who recognise the importance of this procedure and wish to make it as fair and robust as it can be before presentation to Parliament.”
The Deputy First Minister is due to appear at the committee in January.
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