Day: December 18, 2013

The Charge of the Young Brigade

The Charger

Bloomin’ kids! They stand around on street corners, play football in the street and have absolutely no respect for their elders. All they’re interested in is X Factor, FaceBook and computer games. They’ve never had it so good – now, when I was a boy …

Is that your view of young people? Well, a new publication produced in North Edinburgh may just change your mind. Local Community Learning and Development worker Callum McLeod has produced ‘The Charger’ to let the wider community know about the wide variety of positive activities many of our young people are involved in.

Callum explained:  “This is its first edition, but I’m hoping to get at least one out each term and I’m sure it’ll improve with each edition. Iit’s worth having a wee nosy at it to see some of the stuff which has been happening on your doorstep.

“There are plenty of fab examples of where children and young people have been and are involved in decision-making in North Edinburgh – and so I’m planning that the Charger’s focus will be about showcasing as much of this as possible.

“It’s being aimed at children and young people, agencies and individuals within the community and so please pass it on to people you think might be interested. It’ll provide an opportunity to shine a spotlight on children and young people-led issues, achievements and developments in future editions, so please get in touch if there’s anything you’d like to add for the next one!”

Callum now plans to produce and distribute some hard copies of the current ‘Charger’ as well as the digital version (attached above). To pass on your comments or to contribute content for the next issue, you can contact Callum at:

Callum McLeod

Community Learning & Development, Broughton High School

29 East Fettes Ave, Edinburgh, EH4 1EG

Tel: 0131 332 6316

Email: Callum.mcleod@ea.edin.sch.uk

Web: www.edinburgh.gov.uk

CLD Web: www.joininedinburgh.org

The Charger

Carmichael welcomes latest employment figures

The latest employment figures show that Scotland is doing well as part of the UK, Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael said today.

Unemployment in Scotland fell by 7,000, to 196,000 in the period August to October 2013, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS) data released today.

The Scottish unemployment rate is 7.1 per cent, which is below the average of 7.4 per cent for the whole of the UK.

The labour market statistics also show employment in Scotland has increased by 11,000 over the three months August to October 2013. The number of those in employment in Scotland now stands at 2,546,000.

Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael said: “Every new job created in Scotland represents someone getting back into work and is to be welcomed. Today’s figures reinforce how well Scotland is doing as part of the UK and they are good news for people and families across the country. There are 83,000 more people in employment in Scotland than there were a year ago.

“Unemployment has fallen and employment increased over the three months to October. We have also seen a further significant fall of 2,900 in people claiming Jobseekers Allowance in November. As a result there are 23,300 fewer Scots claiming JSA compared to one year ago.

“This comes on the back of recent positive news and the continuing recovery of our economy. We will keep up all our efforts to create the right conditions for the private sector to create sustainable, long-term jobs.”

palliament

Thousands of Scots hit by benefits cuts

In the last eight months Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Jobseeker’s Allowance sanctions have led to over 35,000 Scots having their benefits stopped or reduced.

This is because DWP judge them not to have done enough to find work.

However, Scottish Government analysis published today (Wednesday) shows that claimants are often unable rather than unwilling to comply with the conditions placed upon them. Furthermore, it is disadvantaged groups – people with health problems, those lacking work experience, and lone parents – who are disproportionately affected.

One in eight of those deprived of benefits in Scotland have had the highest level of sanctions imposed, which can result in benefits being stopped for up to three years.

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “This research shows that some of the most vulnerable Scots are having their benefits stopped because they are simply not able to meet the conditions set by the UK Government. This may help explain why so many more people are being forced to use food banks.”

“This is another demonstration of why we need a Scottish welfare system based on clear principles of fairness and dignity.

“Scotland’s system would support people who work while also providing support for people who cannot work, protect people from poverty, and help them fulfil their potential, in work and in life.

“The Expert Working Group on Welfare is considering these and other principles as it explores how the benefits system should enable people who can work to move into sustained employment, and how it can support people who can’t work to participate in society as fully as possible.

“The recommendations of the Expert Working Group will be available in the Spring, well in advance of the referendum, in order to further inform the debate.”

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