At least sixty new jobs will be created at Scottish Gas HQ on Granton’s waterfront, it has been announced. Parent company Centrica plans to create 300 jobs at contact centres across the UK.
The majority of the new posts will be created in Cardiff and Edinburgh,with the remainder going to Uddingston, Leeds, Leicester, Manchester, Oldbury and Stockport.
The jobs come on top of 300 similar jobs recently filled. At least twelve school-leavers will be among the new recruits, as part of British Gas’ commitment to tackle youth unemployment.
Kevin Roxburgh, Director of Customer Services at British Gas, explained: “These extra 300 jobs show our continued focus on customer service excellence. We’re looking for people who are committed to helping customers, to join the 28,000-strong team at British Gas.
“These front line roles are critical to delivering the service our customers expect, helping customers with everything from bills and boiler breakdowns, to engineer visits and energy efficiency.
“Our contact centres are vital to the running of our company. They’re the main point where we’re in touch directly with customers, so it’s important we get it right.
“We’ll be ensuring customers get a swift response and resolution to their queries, by ensuring the right people are always on hand with the knowledge and expertise to help.”
Mr Roxburgh added that all new employees will undertake a comprehensive training period where they will be given the knowledge and expertise to deliver excellent customer experience.
Letter To An Unknown Soldier is a new kind of war memorial: one made only of words, and by thousands of people. And there’s still time to put pen to paper …
The project, created by Kate Pullinger and Neil Bartlett, is inspired by Charles Jagger’s famous statue in Paddington Station of a soldier reading a letter. Everyone in the UK is invited to pause, take a moment or two, and write that letter. All of the letters will be published online for everyone to read alongside contributions from 50 leading writers and held in the British Library’s web archive.
The project, run by 14-18 Now, asks as many people as possible to send a personal message to one of the men who served and was killed during World War One.
Schools and community groups, as well as individuals, have already written letters and their thoughts are part of an online exhibition. Letters are also featured from established writers including A.L Kennedy, Sheila Hancock, Andy McNab and Caryl Churchill.
It’s not too late to write your letter – the project runs until 4th August at 11pm: the centenary of the moment when Prime Minister Asquith announced to the House of Commons that Britain had joined the First World War.
For further information visit 1418now.org.uk
Produced in association with Free Word and in conjunction with the BBC
I’ve written to him:
Dear Friend
I hope I’m not being too presumptuous calling you friend – after all, we’ve never met but I feel that I’ve known you for most of my life. Let me explain.
Our paths first crossed when I was at secondary school; it must have been 1969 or 1970, which now seems such a long time ago!
It was Mr Macefield, a brilliant History teacher, who first introduced me to you and your pals. The Somme, Passchendaele, the misery, the suffering, the mud, the rats, the lice – I’ve remembered those lessons to this day.
I’ve never experienced war first hand; never felt the fear, breathed in the stench of gas and decay or cringed as shells came crashing down. I’ve never felt the grief of losing close pals. I feel dirty if I can’t shower every morning: God only knows how softies like me would have coped with the filth, the lice and the rats – but you did!
And I often wonder how I would have responded when the officer’s whistle sounded: would I have had the guts to clamber over the top and advance into an inferno of shells and withering machine gun fire? Would I have found it in me to summon up the courage to walk into Hell – you did.
I’m too old to fight now, so I’ll never know. I’ve reached middle age, something so many of you Tommies never did.
I wonder why you enlisted? Duty? Patriotic fervour? Maybe it was a sense of fair play, facing up to a bully? Or more likely you took the King’s shilling because you fancied an adventure and war offered a chance to see places you’d only ever heard about? You probably signed up because all your pals did, and you didn’t want to be left at home while they enjoyed danger and excitement abroad? Whatever your reason, I am grateful – and my generation and those that follow owe you so much.
It’s just a real pity we didn’t learn the lessons of your sacrifice: the Great War really should have been the war to end all wars, but mankind – and our so-called ‘leaders’ in particular – can be incredibly stupid. Just as they were in your day!
Society has moved forward in so many ways; you wouldn’t believe – indeed, couldn’t even begin to imagine – the advances we’ve made, but it seems we can’t stop finding reasons to fight each other. Territory, religion, ideology – you name it, we’ll go to war over it and we go on and on inventing new and ‘better’ ways to kill more and more people! Can you believe that?
But that’s not your fault. When the call came, you answered it. You did your bit; yes, for King and country but also for us. Thank you for all that you did and I’m sorry we’ve made such a mess of things. When I think of you – and the many thousands who also gave everything – I’m ashamed. We have let you down.
Cllr Lesley Hinds: ‘simplifying the recycling process is essential’
RED BOX no more!
More than 140,000 city residents will receive a new recycling service this autumn, and the first of the households affected – including neighbourhoods across North Edinburgh – will receive letters explaining the changes later this month.
The new service will be rolled out in phases, with the first stage beginning on 1 September when approximately 20,000 households will have their red boxes replaced by a new wheelie bin.
Houses affected by the first phase of changes – in Alnwickhill, Blackhall, Burdiehouse, Cleikimin, Craigentinny, Craigleith, Drylaw, Gilmerton, Goldenacre, Hyvot Bank, Joppa, Kaimes, Leith, Liberton, Lochend, Muirhouse, Niddrie, Orchard Brae, Piershill, Prestonfield, Restalrig , Southhouse, The Inch, Trinity, Wardie, Warriston and Willowbrae – will begin to receive information from mid-July, letting them know that their recycling bins and collections will be changing along with additional information on the update.
The new, slightly smaller, wheelie bin will be used for general waste and the ‘old’ standard green wheelie bin for mixed recycling. Blue boxes will still to be used for glass, food and garden recycling will continue as normal and the red box will no longer be needed.
The new arrangements will be:
Food waste: existing small grey bins, collected weekly (no change)
Garden waste: existing brown bin, collected fortnightly (no change)
General waste: new 140-litre grey wheelie bin, collected fortnightly
Glass recycling: existing blue box, collected fortnightly (no change)
Mixed recycling: existing 240 litre green wheelie bin, collected fortnightly.
A full scale communications and engagement campaign will also help residents adjust to the roll-out, with information packs, collection calendars and details delivered to households and posters, web and social media updates spreading the message more widely, along with a series of informative events throughout the city.
Environment Convener, Councillor Lesley Hinds said: “We know that this new recycling service can work, as we have seen in other local authorities, and I am confident that the general public want to help us to boost recycling rates as landfill costs continue to increase.
“We will make every effort to help people adjust to the changes, engaging with communities, visiting homes, providing advice and monitoring to find out which households need most support.
“Recycling is something that everyone needs to embrace if Edinburgh is to become a sustainable city, and expanding capacity and simplifying the process for residents is essential for this.”
Councillor Adam McVey, Environment Vice Convener, added: “To meet our targets we need to see a culture-change – we want to help residents get used to the new service but the public have to take responsibility too.
“Edinburgh can and should lead the way to creating a greener Scotland, and by recycling more and sending less to landfill we can achieve this.”
Edinburgh currently recycles almost 40% of its waste but needs to continue to improve if it is to meet a target of 70% by 2025.
Not only does recycling benefit the environment but by upping rates the Council can save on the millions of pounds of taxpayers money paid each year in landfill costs.
An analysis of general waste in Edinburgh, carried out in 2010, found that more than two thirds of people’s bin contents could be recycled.
Now, by increasing capacity for recycling, simplifying the system and accepting more materials, it is hoped the new kerbside recycling service will encourage more households to recycle and sort their waste, helping to save on landfill costs and paving the way for a greener city.
This approach follows a number of other councils, including Falkirk and Fife, who have made the move to increase recycling capacity for residents.
By rolling the changes out in phases, the Council aims to learn as it progresses, helping residents to adjust to the new service by offering advice and support throughout the process.
However, not all streets will receive a new service – those who are included will receive a letter informing them this month.
Fishkeeper to celebrate their successful second year in Edinburgh
Fishkeeper Scotland by Maidenhead Aquatics are celebrating the second anniversary of their popular Edinburgh store with a weekend of activities, giveaways, competitions, prizes and unrepeatable special offers on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 August. There will also be a raffle draw in aid of charity, and the birthday event is sure to appeal to fishkeepers in the region.
Maidenhead Aquatics is the UK’s leading specialist aquatics retailer offering everything for the fishkeeper. Established in 1984 with over 100 outlets across the UK they opened their first Scottish store Fishkeeper Glasgow in 2010, which has already netted several awards including “Best Aquatics Shop in Scotland”. More recently this was followed by the opening of Fishkeeper Edinburgh in August 2012 and Fishkeeper
Inverness in July 2013.
Fishkeeper Edinburgh have also gained their own accolades including “Runner up
Discus Retailer of the Year” and “Runner up Best Aquatics Shop in Scotland” ( only surpassed by their sister shop in Glasgow !)
Fishkeeper Edinburgh stocks everything for the Scottish fishkeeper with a particular focus on tropical freshwater and marine aquariums and livestock, as well as equipment for the pond and watergarden.
Maidenhead Aquatics partner Colin Christian said “We are excited to celebrate our second birthday and want to give something back to the customers that have supported us so strongly over the past year whilst raising well needed funds for charity at the same time. As well as some great special offers and giveaways, as always there will be activities for junior fishkeepers and plenty of cake and balloons to take away!”
Fishkeeper Edinburgh is open seven days a week and located within Leith Mills (James Pringle Clearance Outlet) on Bangor Road, Leith, in Edinburgh.
Economist, policy expert and consumer champion Dr Ros Altmann CBE has been appointed by the Westminster government as its new Business Champion for Older Workers.
The appointment, announced today by DWP Minister Steve Webb, marks the latest step in the government’s drive to support over-50s in the UK labour market.
Dr Altmann – a former director-general of Saga and independent expert on later life issues – will be tasked with making the case for older workers within the business community and challenging outdated perceptions.
The move follows the government’s publication last month of Fuller Working Lives – A Framework For Action, which set out the benefits to individuals, business and the economy as a whole of people aged over 50 staying in work.
Dr Ros Altmann (pictured below) said: “I am so pleased that the government has shown it recognises the importance of encouraging people to stay in the labour market, rather than giving up before they need to. This will bring benefits all round – to individuals, to business and to the economy as a whole. A big part of my role is to work with employers to understand the significant benefits of retaining and recruiting older workers.
“I am really proud to be taking on this new role and look forward to championing over 50s in the workplace. This fast-growing section of society has so much experience and talent to offer and could play a vital role in future growth. Everyone can benefit from ensuring their skills do not go to waste. I also look forward to challenging some of the outdated and downright inaccurate perceptions of later life workers who still have so much to offer.”
DWP Minister, Steve Webb MP, said: “In appointing a Business Champion for Older Workers I wanted a powerful voice; someone respected amongst the business community, with a track record of speaking up for consumer rights without fear or favour. In Dr Ros Altmann that’s exactly what we have.
“Older workers have a huge amount to bring to any workforce and are a vast, untapped talent in the UK labour market. The business case is compelling and I am delighted that Ros will now be taking a lead in going out and making that case directly to the business community.”
There are currently around 2.9 million people aged between 50 and state pension age out of work in the UK. While the UK employment rate for this age group is around 60% and growing, many other countries achieve rates of around 70% or higher – so there is clearly significant potential for more older people to participate in the labour market for longer.
Demographic changes present major opportunities for employers to harness the benefits of taking on older staff, but also pose a serious threat to businesses which continue to believe they can rely solely on a young workforce. In the next 10 years, there will be 700,000 fewer people aged 16 to 49 in the UK labour market but 3.7 million more people aged between 50 and state pension age.
Minister for Women, Nicky Morgan MP, said: “Experienced and mature workers are a valuable asset to the UK economy. Many women with caring responsibilities come with a lifetime of knowledge and skills. If we don’t retain them – British business loses out. We need to provide extra support and help employers challenge outdated perceptions to see the real strengths of this important section of the workforce. I am delighted that Dr Ros Altmann has been appointed and with her breadth of experience, she will be a great advocate of this work.”
Baroness Greengross, Chief Executive of the International Longevity Centre-UK, said: “We are living longer than ever before, yet far too many people fall out of the workforce early. Without more older workers active in the workplace there are significant risks for UK plc that we will not have the workforce or skills we need to be a competitive nation. Businesses must wake up to the challenge of extending working lives.
“Helping people work longer requires leadership and it is wonderful to see the announcement of Ros Altmann as the new Business Champion for Older Workers. I have no doubt that Ros will do all she can to nudge, encourage and indeed push companies to maximise the potential of older workers.”
One employer which has long recognised the benefits of a diverse workforce is coach operator National Express. Almost 1 in 3 (30%) of its 1,700-strong workforce are over 50.
The company’s HR Director Jenifer Richmond said: “For us, taking on and retaining older workers isn’t about compromising or bowing to political correctness – it makes sound business sense. We really value being able to have a good mix of older and younger employees as these often make up our best performing teams. Mixing with and learning from older staff is often the best way in which our younger employees and apprentices can learn, as well as being a great example of being reliable and having a positive work ethic.
“It is also the case that our customer base is diverse in age, and it is important that we have a workforce that reflects that. As National Express continues to grow and expand as a company, the contribution made by our older workers very much forms part of the plan.”
The wider economy also stands to benefit. Research conducted by the National Institute for Economic and Social Research has found that if everyone worked one year longer, GDP could increase by 1% (equivalent to £16 billion in 2013).
And there are also significant gains to be made for individual households, with an average earner working one year longer having the potential to boost their pension pot by around £4,500, in addition to earning an extra year’s salary. Conversely, an average earner retiring 10 years early could see their pension pot shrink by a third.
Those who leave the labour market early will not only lose out on the earnings they could enjoy, but also have less chance to build up later life savings, and their pensions will have to last longer. Work brings the benefits of extra income, higher potential pension later on and more production in the economy which can help create extra jobs in future too. There are also well-recognised benefits to people’s health and wider wellbeing when they are working.
What a summer of sport. Wimbledon, the World Cup, the Open Golf and Commonwealth Games still to come – and now along comes another spectacular sporting event even closer to home … wrestling!
The City Night Club is the venue for an afternoon of American Wrestling for all the family next Saturday (19 July) when the World Wide Wrestling League rolls into town!
WWWL promoter Michael Musgrave explained: ” We are a Scottish based promotion that has worked hard for over ten years to put on top quality events featuring the very best wrestlers from around the world. Our previous events in the city – at Southside Community Centre – have been met with positive reviews and we are looking to carry the family audience over to City Night Club to benefit from their lighting and production facilities, which we hope will improve our presentation and experience for our fans.”
He went on: “We want to make sure parents understand that whilst City is a night club, our event will be held in the afternoon and is 100% suitable for children. To help mark the occasion of moving to a new venue we are bringing in TNA Impact Wrestling star Doug Williams for this event – Doug can be seen on TNA Impact Wrestling every week on Challenge TV.”
Former TNA X Division champ Doug Williams faces the masked Scottish “luchador” El Technico in a match sure to entertain the city’s wrestling fans, and also on the card will be a Ladder Match featuring Edinburgh’s own Nathan Black taking on Glasgow’s Dickie Divers. W3L Heavyweight Champion Nathan Reynolds (Dundee) will also defend his title against former W3L Heavyweight Champion Mike Musso (Fife) on a top class card.
The event promises to be an afternoon of Bodyslamming action not to be missed!
World Wide Wrestling League
City Night Club, Edinburgh
Saturday 19 July 19th
Doors open: 14.30 , Bell: 15.00
Tickets: General Admission £12, Concession £10, Family of Four £35 – Available www.W3Lwrestling.com, Sportsters or Ripping Records.
How do you pack twenty-five years of history into a two hour time slot – and leave time for lunch too? It was a Herculean task for for Pilton Equalities Project, but like so many challenges they’ve faced in the past the local project passed the test with flying colours!
Staff past and present, volunteers, service users, friends and community colleagues celebrated PEP’s 25th anniversary at Edinburgh College Granton Campus on Friday.
Introduced by PEP chairperson Joan Turner, health professionals Jane Jones and Christa Wynn-Williams, former PEP worker and community activist Roberta Blaikie and current manager Helen Tait took their guests on a whistle-stop tour: from the beginnings in Royston Wardieburn and The Health Hut as Pilton Elderly Project right on to the present day as the multi-faceted Pilton Equalities Project – quite a journey!
As well as speakers there were displays of PEP memorabilia and photographs and guests also had the opportunity to renew auld acquantances and reminisce over a buffet lunch.
Many happy returns PEP – and here’s to the next 25 years!
Police are warning members of the public to be alert to phone calls from criminals who claim to be working for banks. The fraudsters frighten victims into believing their bank accounts have been hacked – and then persuade them to transfer their savings into new ‘safe’ accounts.
The fraud works like this:
A phone call is received from a male pretending to be from their bank’s Fraud Department. He informs the victim that there has been suspicious activity on their bank account and asks them to call the helpline telephone number on the back of their bank card in order to verify his position at the bank.
The alarmed victim does this – but unbeknown to him/her, the caller keeps the telephone line open (there will be no dial tone). The phone call is then ‘answered’ by a female and she was then ‘transfers’ the victim over to another male who claims to work in the bank’s Fraud Department.
He advises the victim that that their finances are at risk of fraud and they must transfer their money into ‘safe accounts’ immediately; he then manipulates the unsuspecting victim into transferring their savings into these new ‘safe accounts’.
A call of this nature is upsetting, and that’s what the fraudsters rely on – they stress the urgency of the need to act NOW to protect your funds and they don’t give victims the time to think.
If you have even the slightest of concerns or are suspicious in any way, hang up and use a mobile phone to call your bank – always call back from a different phone.
Sixty-five young people, by the banks of Loch Tay and the very enthusiastic staff and volunteers from Muirhouse Youth Development Group (MYDG), Granton, Citadel and State Street proved to be the perfect concoction for this year’s youth work games.
MYDG’s annual event brings together youth organisations from across North Edinburgh and Glasgow to compete in 10 events over the two-day residential hosted by our sponsors Wildfox events just outside Aberfeldy, at Kindorchit by Loch Tay.
This year the event took place in early July with a Commonwealth Games theme; the group were raring to go and the beautiful sunshine added to the enthusiastic spirits of those participating.
The first of the events was the cross-country run, followed by the tandem bike ride, then into some wetsuits for a swim and canoe in Loch Tay.
Evening entertainment was the amazing Corra ceilidh band with the participants creating a massive strip the willow right out the marquee and into the field, dancing the night away! As bedtime loomed none of the young people showed signs of tiredness, but went to their separate tents to tell stories and laugh until the wee hours of the morning!
As the sun rose on the second day so did the young people, sleepy but excited about the day ahead. With a buzz in the air, breakfast was eaten and the last events were well underway. Swamp football, tree climbing, archery, long jump and tug of war with the finale as a particularly fun assault course, involving balloons and blindfolds.
The swamp football proved to be one of the favourite events as the young people and leaders slid around the grass in an attempt to score some goals, additional water from the loch was brought in to make it extra soggy! With over 65 young people, volunteers and staff members all contributing to the games it was a great to see the teamwork camaraderie and sportsmanship throughout the two days of the games: everyone encouraged each other to participate and showed good teamwork, keeping energy up and motivation high for every event.
Pilton Youth and Childrens Project (PYCP) went on to win the games overall, with the other teams from other organisations claiming medals in each event. Bridging the Gap (from Glasgow) won the sportsmanship award for their enthusiasm and all round spirit throughout the whole event.
It was great to see relationships build up across various organisations and young people. Plans are beginning to take shape for an even bigger and better event in 2015, so watch this space!!
MYDG will be hosting a mini Triathlon on the 22nd July and a Commonwealth opening ceremony event on the 23rd July – for more information contact Katie Tuff 0131 332 3356.
At least sixty new jobs will be created at Scottish Gas HQ on Granton’s waterfront, it has been announced. Parent company Centrica plans to create 300 jobs at contact centres across the UK.
