Month: February 2020

Amazon risks betraying trust with flawed endorsements

The Amazon’s Choice endorsement is being applied to potentially poor quality products that appear to have been artificially boosted by incentivised and fake reviews – putting millions of customers at risk of being misled, new research from Which? has revealed.

The consumer champion’s findings show that Amazon’s recommendation system is inherently flawed and easily gamed by unscrupulous sellers, despite evidence suggesting that many consumers trust the Amazon’s Choice badge as a mark of quality.

Which? analysed five popular product categories on Amazon.co.uk and found dozens of Amazon’s Choice-recommended products bearing what Which? experts consider to be the hallmarks of suspicious reviews.

The practices uncovered among the almost 200 Amazon’s Choice products Which? looked at included brazen examples of incentivisation – when sellers offer refunds or free products in return for positive reviews – or to remove negative ones.

Which? researchers also found evidence of product merging – where sellers merge dormant or unavailable products with new or existing product listings to transfer positive reviews from one to another – to artificially boost a listing and a prominence of brands unknown to Which?’s tech experts, many of which did not appear to even have a website.

Which? is concerned that some sellers are seeking to manipulate reviews to influence the Amazon’s Choice algorithm because they know it is valued and seen as a badge of quality by consumers.

New Which? research found four in ten (44%) Amazon customers, people who have been on the website in the last six months and have spotted an Amazon’s Choice logo, believe it means a product has been quality checked by Amazon, and a third (35%) believe it means it has been checked for safety.

It also found that when these people notice the Amazon’s Choice logo, nearly half (45%) are more likely to buy the product.

Which? asked Amazon if it actually checks and reviews the products that receive the badge and it did not answer. It has also refused to reveal further details of how the algorithm behind the recommendation works, beyond its current explanation, that it is influenced by customer reviews, price and whether the product is available to dispatch immediately.

Which? is calling for Amazon to be clearer with its customers that the Amazon’s Choice label is not a mark of quality, and crackdown on fake reviews which appear to be skewing the system.

The issue of fake reviews and flawed endorsements is not limited to Amazon and online reviews influence an estimated £23 billion of transactions each year in the UK alone, according to the Competition and Markets Authority.

Following its work examining fake review groups on Facebook and eBay, the CMA must now investigate how Amazon, and other review sites, are being infiltrated by fake reviews – manipulated by unscrupulous sellers – and how they are being used to mislead consumers.

Natalie Hitchins, Which? Head of Home Products and Services, said: “Amazon risks betraying the trust millions of customers place in the Amazon’s Choice badge by allowing its endorsement to be all too easily gamed.

“Amazon must ensure its customers aren’t being misled about the products it is recommending to them – or reconsider whether it should continue with the endorsement in its current form.

“This is yet further evidence that the CMA needs to investigate how fake reviews are being used to manipulate online shoppers. It must take the strongest possible action against sites that fail to tackle this problem.”

An Amazon spokesperson said: “Amazon’s Choice seeks to help customers by making it easy to select items in our store.

“When browsing our store, customers may see a product highlighted as “Amazon’s Choice” for their specific shopping request. Amazon’s Choice highlights highly-rated, well-priced products that are available to ship immediately. Amazon’s Choice is our choice for a product we think customers may like, and customers can always shop for any brand or product that they want to purchase.

“We know that customer trust is hard to earn and easy to lose, so we strive to protect customer trust in products Amazon’s Choice highlights. We don’t tolerate Amazon policy violations, such as review abuse, incentivized reviews, counterfeits or unsafe products.

“When deciding to badge a product as Amazon’s Choice, we proactively incorporate a number of factors that are designed to protect customers from those policy violations. When we identify a product that may not meet our high bar for products we highlight for customers, we remove the badge.”

 

Barratt boost for Edinburgh charities

Barratt Homes, the UK’s largest builder has donated £3,000 to three charities across Edinburgh and the Lothians, helping them with a number of projects in 2020.

A £1,000 donation was made to Libertus Services, Edinburgh North West Food Project and NSPCC Scotland as part of the Barratt Homes Community Fund.

The Barratt Homes Community Fund pledges £1,000 every month to a charity or organisation which supports local people across Edinburgh, The Lothians and Fife. Charities are nominated and voted for by employees of Barratt Homes and the focus for the fund continues to be on organisations that improve the quality of life for those living in the area.

The series of donations follows on from a successful year of volunteering by Barratt Homes. Throughout 2019 employees from across the business completed a grand total of 88 days volunteering for different charities in the region including CHAS, Edinburgh Dog & Cat Home and RSPB.

Part of the Trussell Trust network of foodbanks, The Edinburgh North West Food Project provides emergency food parcels to people living in food poverty. The North-West Edinburgh branch was opened in 2012, based out of its founder’s garage, with only a handful of volunteers, and now has seven foodbanks across Edinburgh with over 190 dedicated volunteers, working with over 230 support agencies.

Ryan Strachan, operations manager, Edinburgh North West Food Project commented: “We can’t thank Barratt enough for their kind donation. Each box we issue costs roughly £5 and we are roughly putting out 1,000 boxes per month.

“The donation will be used towards these boxes and help cover things like stock crates, wheels to move stock around the warehouse, vans plus their upkeep, rent and maintenance of warehouse, as well as electricity and stationery.”

The NSPCC Speak Out Stay Safe assemblies help children to recognise different types of abuse and to feel confident about speaking out to a trusted adult.

NSPCC Scotland began delivering the service to primary schools in Scotland in 2012, and since then its staff and team of dedicated volunteers have spoken to tens of thousands of schoolchildren the length and breadth of the country.

Katie Bruce, corporate partnerships manager for NSPCC Scotland said: “We’re really grateful for the donation and without Barratt Homes’ support, and other organisations like them giving back to their community, we wouldn’t be able to deliver programmes like ‘Speak Out. Stay Safe’ across the East of Scotland.

“Through their donation, Barratt Homes has ensured that NSPCC Scotland will visit another two primary schools in the Lothians, helping children understand about their right to be protected from abuse and neglect and how they should speak to a trusted adult when something worries or upsets them.”

Libertus Services is an Edinburgh-based charity dedicated to supporting people to live independently.

Providing a registered Day Care service to local older people alongside a plethora of recreational, educational, cultural and social projects, the charity is dedicated to empowering its members to make informed choices and to engage with activities which offer a selection of physical activity, reminiscence, games and art as therapy.

Dan Fuller, positive futures project coordinator, Libertus said: “We’re really thankful for Barratt’s donation, which will help support our Positive Futures project. Positive Futures supports people over the age of 50 across Edinburgh to develop and run weekly activity groups in community based settings.

“The donation will specifically help with a number of supplies, from stationery for the craft workshops to equipment for our gym and pilates classes. With this project we aim to reduce social isolation by offering local people opportunities to get involved, meet new people, develop and use their skills.”

Anne Ross, Director for Barratt Scotland East said:  “All three charities provide an invaluable service across Scotland for children, those in food poverty and the elderly.

“At Barratt East Scotland we are committed to supporting the communities we serve, and through this fund and our volunteering days, we hope to make a meaningful contribution to the services that make a positive impact on so many lives.”

Last year £1.2 million was donated across Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes in the UK.

For more information on Barratt Homes visit https://www.barratthomes.co.uk/ 

33,000 EU nationals apply to settle in Edinburgh

The Home Office has announced that there have been more than 135,000 applications to the EU Settlement Scheme from Scotland.

According to newly released official statistics up to the end of December 2019,

The top four nationalities in Scotland are Polish (47,160), Italian (11,000), Romanian (10,850) and Spanish (9,210).

The EU Settlement Scheme is designed to make it straightforward for EU citizens and their family members to stay after the UK leaves the EU – guaranteeing their rights in UK law.

To apply they only need to complete three key steps – prove their identity, show that they live in the UK and declare any criminal convictions.

Security Minister Brandon Lewis said: “It’s brilliant that there have been more than 135,000 applications to the EU Settlement Scheme from Scotland. 

“EU citizens are an integral part of our society, culture and community and the scheme guarantees their rights in UK law. It’s free, straightforward and I encourage all EU citizens living in Scotland to apply today.”

Internal figures show that there have been more than three million applications to the scheme less than a year since it was fully launched to the public.

A wide range of support is available online, over the phone and in person to help EU citizens apply. There are more than 1,500 Home Office staff working on the EU Settlement Scheme with 250 based in Liverpool at the Settlement Resolution Centre supporting applicants with any questions about the scheme or who need help applying.

There are also more than 50 voluntary and community sector organisations – funded by the Home Office – which have helped hundreds of thousands of vulnerable EU citizens including the homeless, the elderly and victims of domestic abuse. This includes Community Renewal Trust, Simon Community Scotland and the Scottish Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux based in Scotland. 

One of these organisations is PKAVS, who are supporting EU citizens in Perth and Kinross to apply to the scheme. On Thursday 6 February 2020, PKAVS are hosting a community event where representatives from the Home Office, Perth & Kinross Council, Perth Citizens Advice Bureau and the Ethnic Minorities Law Centre can answer the local community’s questions about the scheme.

Paul Graham, Chief Executive of PKAVS said: “We are pleased to be working with the Home Office to support vulnerable people in Perth and Kinross with their applications to the EU Settlement Scheme. 

“We have helped approximately 900 people since Summer 2019 through our free helpline, our events programme, and individual support for those who need it most.”

Budget overshadowed by Mackay scandal

Investing in vital public services and ending Scotland’s contribution to climate change are at the heart of the Scottish Government’s tax and spending plans for the year ahead, according to the Scottish government – but critics say the budget is another wasted opportunity and will mean yet more cuts to public services.

Yesterday’s budget was completely overshadowed by the shock resignation of Finance Secretary Derek Mackay, who left office just hours before the budget was due to be presented following a newspaper expose.

Public Finance Minister Kate Forbes stepped in to deliver the budget.

Setting out the Scottish Budget 2020-21, Ms Forbes announced a package of funding to accelerate Scotland’s transition to a net-zero economy, including £1.8 billion of investment in low carbon infrastructure which will help reduce emissions.

She also announced a record investment of £15 billion in health and care services and £645 million for the expansion of early learning and childcare.

The Scottish Budget 2020-21 also proposes:

  • £117 million investment in mental health for all ages and stages of life
  • £180 million to raise attainment in schools
  • an above real-terms increase of £37 million to the police budget and an additional £6.5 million to support community justice to reduce re-offending
  • £220 million of seed funding for the Scottish National Investment Bank to support its mission to drive the transition to a net-zero economy
  • increased investment of £270 million in rail services and an additional £16 million in concessionary travel and bus services, taking total investment in rail and bus services to around £1.55 billion
  • increased investment of £5.5 million in active travel
  • £20 million for peatland restoration with a commitment to invest more than £250 million over 10 years
  • Investment of more than £64 million to support the commitment to plant 12,000 hectares of forestry, with the aim to reach 15,000 hectares by the mid-2020s
  • a new £120 million Heat Transition Deal and a total investment of £151 million in energy efficiency
  • £40 million for an Agricultural Transformation Programme
  • a 3% pay uplift for public sector workers earning up to £80,000

Ms Forbes said: “The global climate emergency is at the centre of our Programme for Government and we have already put in place the most ambitious climate legislation and targets of any country. This Budget will help deliver on that world-leading ambition.

“From increased investment in low carbon transport to funding for peatland restoration and forestry, this Budget sets out our spending plans to help us deliver the transformation we need across society to transition to net-zero.

“We have also put wellbeing firmly at the heart of this Budget to benefit as many people as possible across the country. We will do this through prioritising inclusive economic growth with the creation of high quality jobs, supporting our public services and tackling inequalities head on.

“We estimate that we are investing at least £1.4 billion to support low-income households, mitigating the worst effects of the UK Government’s benefit cuts which are hitting the poorest in society and our Scottish Child Payment will help lift 30,000 children out of poverty when it is fully rolled out in 2022.

“I urge the Parliament to work constructively with us to pass this Budget in the national interest.”

The budget has come in for criticism, however.

STUC General Secretary Grahame Smith said: “This budget is long on promise but falls short on delivery. Positioning the budget as building the well-being economy is to be welcomed but far more was required to make that a reality.

“There is no doubt that the UK Government’s approach to Budget setting has left the Scottish Government in a difficult position. But to tackle the ‘crippling reality of austerity’ requires investment in decent local services. At best the budget provides only half of what local councils say they desperately need.

“We welcome the freezing of the higher rate tax threshold but much more is needed on redistributive taxation if the well-being economy is to be achieved.

“The Scottish government has missed an opportunity to commit to building the homes for social rent desperately needed in Scotland. By the next budget, it will be too late and local authorities and housing associations will have downed tools, without the funding to continue to build more homes for social rent. It is also disappointing that there are minimal new financial commitments in social security.

“On pay we are pleased that the government has listened to unions and extended the 3% pay increase to those earning over £40k per year, however we are a long way short of the much-needed restoration on public service pay to pre-austerity levels.

“While there are some new measures to tackle climate change, the funding levels proposed are still not sufficient to tackle the climate emergency.

“Given the failure over a number of years to create the new green jobs once promised, it is crucial that new funding comes with new jobs and does not simply provide cash handouts to big business and landowners.

“To be worthy of the name of a Green New Deal would require a publicly led and planned approach to decarbonisation involving publicly-owned companies, something this Budget fails to do.”

Jim McCormack, Associate Director of Joseph Rowntree Foundation Scotland, said: “This Budget was an opportunity to show the Scottish Government’s ambition to deliver on tackling poverty, yet today’s statement falls short of the mark.

“It cannot be right that one in four children in Scotland have their lives restricted by poverty. At the start of the decade in which all parties have pledged to solve child poverty, we welcome the financial commitment to introduce the Scottish Child Payment. But we know this won’t be enough to turn the tide: Scotland is not on track to meet the ambitious targets set for 2023-24.

“Scotland’s lower levels of child poverty compared with the rest of the UK are due to lower housing costs. If this advantage is to be maintained then the affordable homes programme needs to be continued beyond 2021. Now is the time to commit to further investment in secure, affordable homes for those facing rising rents and stuck in temporary accommodation.

“In-work poverty is a pressing economic challenge for families. Two-thirds of children in poverty are in families where an adult is working. The new Parental Employment Support Fund is too small to meet the scale of the challenge and only runs for two years. Investment should be increased and extended to benefit more families for longer.”

COSLA said it was disappointed that once again the Scottish Government has presented a Budget for Local Government that looks much better than the reality behind the figures.

Speaking this afternoon following the Scottish Government’s (Thursday) Budget announcement, COSLA’s Resources Spokesperson Councillor Gail Macgregor said: “On the face of it this looks like a good Budget for Local Government with a cash increase of £495million and whilst we acknowledge this money, the reality behind this figure unfortunately is quite different.

“What we are left with when you factor in the Scottish Government commitments of £590million – is a cut to Local Government core budgets of £95 million. This is £95 million in hard cash that will need to be taken out of front line services for communities. We campaigned hard to ensure that this position did not happen – it is disappointing our message has not been listened to.

“When you add in a £117million cut to capital funding (which equates to a 17% cash cut) – a hit to both communities and growing the economy you are left with a crisis for Local Government which is a long way from the picture being painted. This is even worse when seen in the context of an increasing Budget for the Scottish Government.

COSLA President Councillor Alison Evison added: “Local Government’s core budget which provides our essential services has been cut as a result of today’s budget. A cut of a significant proportion is the Budget Reality that our Communities now face – a cut to services, a cut to local jobs, a cut to the work councils do to tackle child poverty and respond to climate change.”

“In addition to the cuts – it is also extremely disappointing that we have seen no money for inflation or any other of the significant pressures we face, such as restoration for cuts to our funding in previous years. COSLA will be raising these issues with the Scottish Government and all parties across the Parliament at the earliest opportunity to ensure this picture is rectified as part of the budget scrutiny process. It is our communities and the priorities of tacking child poverty, wellbeing, climate change and inclusive growth that will suffer.

“Things cannot go on in this manner. I am really concerned that more and more of what Local Government does is directed by the centre. As a result of the Scottish Government commitments that Local Government has to deliver we are no longer able to respond to local priorities.”

The Scottish Government argues that the budget offers a real terms increase for local government, hower. Cabinet Secretary for Local Government Aileen Campbell said: “This budget provides a fair settlement for our partners in local government and supports vital public services across Scotland.

“Taken together with the flexibility to increase council tax, this local government settlement gives councils an increase of revenue spending of up to 4.3% in real terms to deliver local services.

“The settlement will deliver on our joint key commitment to expand the funded hours of early learning and childcare this year, funds a fair pay deal for our teachers, and invests more than £120 million targeted at closing the attainment gap through the Pupil Equity Fund.

“This increased settlement will ensure fair, sustainable funding for local authorities.”

 

Busiest year ever for NHS Lothian

The year 2019 was the busiest on record for NHS Lothian’s hospitals and community health centres, according to new figures published.

NHS Lothian provided care and treatment to more patients in 2019 than ever before, an increase of nearly three per cent (2.7%) on the previous year.

Local figures show a total of 1,693,614 attendances, admissions and appointments throughout acute and community services. In addition, general practices carried out around 5,000,000 urgent and routine appointments across Lothian.

Dr Tracey Gillies, Medical Director, NHS Lothian said: “The beginning of the year is a good time for us to reflect on what we have achieved in 2019 and look ahead to how we can improve and evolve in 2020.

“Every number represents a patient who required safe, effective, patient-centred care. These statistics show just how hard our staff work all year round to provide the highest quality care for our patients.

“I would like to thank them for all of their hard work as we look forward to a new decade of care.”

The number of adults and children requiring urgent care in Emergency Departments (ED) and Minor Injuries Units (MIU) across NHS Lothian rose by five per cent, compared with last year. On average, around 800 patients attended each day, with 288,663 people treated overall.

A total of 218,706 people were admitted into hospitals across NHS Lothian in 2019, a five per cent increase on the numbers for 2018.

Throughout the year, 1,046,277 outpatients were seen in clinics across community and hospital sites in NHS Lothian.

Meanwhile a total of 139,968 patients received unscheduled GP care including doctor’s advice, primary care emergency centre consultations, home visits and district nurse care. An increase of 1.49% increase from 2018.

Tim Davison, NHS Lothian Chief Executive said: “These figures underline just how important it is that the provision of healthcare services continues to evolve to meet rising demand and the changing needs of our population.

“This is not without considerable challenge, but NHS Lothian is committed to working with our Health and Social Care partners to redesign services across Lothian to meet that need.”

One more challenge NHS Lothian faces this year is the recruitment of two senior executives. Board Chairman Brian Houston resigned last week, and Chief Executive Tim Davidson, who announced his intention to retire last month, leaves in August …

Metro Rod recruiting 80 apprentices nationwide

Following a successful year since the initial launch of its apprenticeship in Drainage Maintenance, Inspection and Repair, Metro Rod is now aiming to recruit up to 80 new apprentices in 2020.

The nationwide commercial drainage expert makes the announcement as apprentices are being put in the spotlight around the country for the 13th annual National Apprenticeship Week, which is taking place from 3rd to 9th February.

Metro Rod’s apprenticeship scheme is an industry first. Nearly a year on since launch, Metro Rod remains the only company to offer a bespoke apprenticeship. This apprenticeship is accredited by the Institute of Training and Occupational Learning.

During the apprenticeship, participants will join specialist drainage teams in Metro Rod franchises around the country, where they will become highly skilled members of the industry while simultaneously earning a living.

The bespoke ‘earn while you learn’ training programme will include 37 practical internal courses and 12 external courses, covering every aspect of the industry that drainage specialists need to know. As all teaching is provided in-house and adopts a practical hands-on approach.

Apprentices will cover all elements of a career in drainage; from the traditional services to modern, innovative technologies. With training taking place on-the-job, apprentices not only learn from expert mentors with years of industry experience but are also provided with invaluable opportunities to experience real-life situations.

The structured learning pathway is split into three phases, starting with a three-month foundation then progressing to 18 months of skills development and ending with a final three months for consolidation and assessment. In this way, apprentices are given the opportunity to progress down a pathway that enables them to create a career that suits them.

Peter Molloy, managing director at Metro Rod, said: “Nearly 12-months after the launch of our apprenticeship scheme, there are now multiple apprentices working out of our depots across the UK. We can confidently say that each of our new employees are benefitting from this way of training whilst our customers are gaining from their fresh knowledge and new skills on-site.

“Every person who takes part in our new apprenticeship scheme is supported each step of the way. Whether they want to be an engineer or specalise in a particular discipline, this is a great way for apprentices to discover the best route for them.

“At Metro Rod, we’re committed to making sure the next generation of drainage and plumbing specialists have the skills, enthusiasm and knowledge to move the industry forward and truly believe that the Metro Rod apprenticeship ensures this.

“Our ethos when it comes to apprenticeships is to provide the right people with the right skills to build their own careers, grow our business and better the drainage industry. These beliefs perfectly tie in with this year’s National Apprenticeship Week theme of ‘Look Beyond’, as our scheme gives apprentices the tools to look beyond the end of their training to a career they can continue to grow throughout their adult lives.”

To find out more about the apprenticeship scheme, contact Metro Rod on apprentices@metrorod.co.uk.

Port chaplains offer welfare to thousands of seafarers

Two port chaplains from international maritime charity Sailors’ Society reached out to more than 6,000 seafarers in Leith and Greenock ports last year. 

Pauline Robertson and Becky Haldane provide practical and emotional support to the men and women who dock at the ports.

Pauline said: “Seafarers are away from loved ones for up to a year at a time, so can often feel quite lonely. We provide them with a friendly face, news from home and welfare support.”

The support offered includes everything from providing free Wi-Fi and lifts to local amenities, to offering counselling in times of crisis.

Pauline recently supported the crew of the stranded ship MV Alexander Tvardovskiy during its month-long detention in Leith port. Pauline visited the nine men and one woman regularly, providing them with company, food, Wi-Fi access and phone cards.

Pauline added: “This situation is not uncommon sadly. We work all over the world supporting seafarers and their families with everything from abandonment to education.

“The issues seafarers can face have not changed that much in the 200 years that Sailors’ Society has been around. We have been a listening ear all that time and will continue to care for this invisible workforce that we all depend on for almost everything we use every day.”

Pauline, Becky (above) and their fellow Sailors’ Society chaplains reach out to 1,000 seafarers plus their families in more than 90 ports around the world each day.

Committee rejects Period Products Bill

A Bill which would have placed a duty on the Scottish Government to ensure free period products are available on a universal basis has failed to win the support of a Scottish Parliament Committee.

The Local Government and Communities Committee said that while they are unanimous in their support of the intentions underpinning the Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Bill, more clarity on both costs and what such a scheme would look like is required before legislation should be contemplated.

The majority of the Committee raised concerns over the financing of the scheme, highlighting the large disparity between the costs to implement a universal scheme presented in the Bill’s Financial Memorandum and the Scottish Government’s own estimates.

The Committee took evidence on targeted measures already put in place by the Scottish Government which provide free period products in schools, universities and some local authority buildings.

The Committee commended the work of MSP Monica Lennon in bringing forward the Bill – but, in scrutinising the proposed legislation, learned that evaluation of those measures is ongoing.

The majority of the Committee agreed that there was a lack of clarity on whether a universal scheme was needed, what the total cost might be and how much it may grow. They were also concerned about the significant work which would be required by Ministers to devise and develop a universal scheme.

Local Government and Communities Committee Convener, James Dornan MSP, said: “A difficulty in affording and accessing period products affects people across Scotland every day, and the Committee is aware of the need to reduce stigma around menstruation.

“We applaud Monica Lennon for all her efforts in bringing this Bill before the Scottish Parliament and helping to raise awareness of these issues.

“The Committee also commends the work undertaken by local authorities, the third sector, and grassroots groups to promote and deliver existing schemes and welcomes the positive response to the Government’s targeted provision of free products.

“However, the Committee has concerns about the Bill as drafted, including a lack of clarity over how much a universal scheme would cost, what a scheme would look like and the work required by Ministers to implement it.

“This is clearly a serious and important issue and the Scottish Government should ensure that current schemes are accessible to everyone who needs them. But for the majority of the Committee it is clear that the legislation before us is not the answer.

“Andy Wightman MSP and Sarah Boyack MSP did support the General Principles of the Bill and dissented from a number of the Report’s conclusions. Details can be found in the Committee’s report.”