Day: April 22, 2020

Free legal advice to businesses on COVID emergency loans

GILSON GRAY has announced it will provide free legal advice to Scottish businesses which have obtained offers of loans under the Government’s Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) programme.

Under the plan, Gilson Gray will provide free legal advice to a business on the loan agreement, first-ranking security and guarantee documents the bank requires for a CBILS loan.

All that the business will pay is third party and registration costs. Gilson Gray is offering this to the first 100 businesses to call its special COVID hotline on 0330 12 45 782.

Businesses eligible to take up Gilson Gray’s offer will also get a free one-hour “legal health check” with one of the firm’s partners to ensure they are ready for business during and after lockdown.

Managing partner, Glen Gilson (above), said: “We are delighted to be able to help the first 100 businesses calling our COVID hotline with free legal advice for their CBILS loans.

“We are proud to use our strength and specialist experience to help the Scottish business community through this crisis. Any business wishing to take us up on our offer should ring our COVID hotline on 0330 12 45 782.”

All of the teams at Gilson Gray are continuing to maintain the firm’s excellent, high quality service to clients, providing a full range of legal services throughout the pandemic.

Gilson Gray has grown to 150 staff across six offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow and East Lothian, each of which offers Gilson Gray’s full range of property, legal and financial services.

Established in 2014, Gilson Gray has become one of Scotland’s most prominent property and legal firms, boasting one of the widest service ranges in the country.

Managing Partner Glen Gilson is regarded as one of the leading figures in Scottish law and has been recognised as Managing Partner of the Year twice in the past six years. 

For more information on Gilson Gray and the full terms and conditions of this offer, please visit: http://gilsongray.co.uk/

 

Public encouraged to be vigilant and report scams

MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald, has encouraged people in the capital to be aware of scams and fake news following an increase in reports across Scotland about scam emails, text messages, and doorstep callers.  

Across the UK there is evidence fraudsters are increasingly targeting members of the public, as well as organisations of all sizes, with emails, texts, telephone calls, social media messages and online shopping scams relating to the outbreak.

Police Scotland have now launched a new Shut Out Scammers resource to protect the public and businesses from COVID-19 related scams. The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has also launched an email reporting service, which the public can use to report any suspicious activity.

SNP MSP Gordon MacDonald said: “While the community response to the coronavirus outbreak across Edinburgh has been overwhelmingly positive, it’s disappointing to see a few individuals taking advantage of the situation with unsolicited emails, phone calls and text messages.  

“During this coronavirus crisis, everyone should take extra care to ensure that they only share information from trusted sources, ask for identification from all doorstep callers, and never hand over any personal information. 

“It’s vital that people in our capital remain vigilant against scams during this challenging time and report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities.”

Across the UK we are seeing evidence that fraudsters are increasingly targeting the public and organisations with emails, texts, telephone calls and WhatsApp messages offering advice and treatment for the coronavirus.

They are setting up fake websites selling products and offering ‘cures’ or testing kits. Scammers have also been setting up bogus websites asking for donations for victims or promoting awareness and prevention tips. Cold callers have been contacting organisations suggesting they must have specific measures in place by a certain deadline.

To help members of the public protect themselves from becoming a victim of fraud:

  • Be vigilant and on guard if someone turns up unexpectedly
  • but don’t rely on them. Identity cards can be faked – phone the company to verify their identity
  • Never let people try to persuade you to let them into your home even if they are asking for or offering help – they may not be genuine. If someone is persistent, ask them to call at another time and arrange for a friend or family member to be with you
  • Don’t feel embarrassed – genuine callers expect you to be careful
  • Never provide any personal data such as your full name, address and date of birth – scammers can use this information to steal your identity
  • Don’t keep large amounts of money in your home
  • If in doubt, don’t answer the door.
  •  Never feel pressured into making a decision on the spot. Any legitimate trader/helper will be happy to return at a later date
  •  Never be afraid to say ‘No thank you’ and close the door
  •  Be sceptical if you receive an email, text or WhatsApp message about the Coronavirus, and never click on any attachments or links
  •  Don’t allow yourself to be pressured into donating money, and never make donations by cash or gift card, or send money through transfer agents such as Western Union or Moneygram
  •  Remember, it’s your home. There’s no reason why anyone should ever enter your home against your wishes.

    Who can help me?

    To report a crime call 101 or in an emergency 999.

    If you have concerns about a purchase that you have made, contact Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000. – www.advice.scot

    Further information on dealing with scams and fraud is available from our partner sites, who can offer further information, support and advice:

 

 

DunBear dons virtual eye patch to mark ‘Big Night In’ and support local charity

The DunBear sculpture, part of the Hallhill development in Dunbar, will be donning a virtual spotted eyepatch, Pudsey-style, as part of the joint BBC Children In Need and Comic Relief “Big Night In.”

Taking place tomorrow (Thursday 23rd April) at 7pm, the show will raise funds for local projects across the UK during these challenging times. It will bring together stars including Sir Lenny Henry, Davina McCall, Peter Kay and Gary Barlow. All monies raised will be split between the two organisations.

The five-metre high steel Dunbear sculpture, created by renowned Scottish artist, Andy Scott, the man behind the ‘Kelpies’, will don the virtual eye patch which will be promoted via social media as a means to encourage people to give to the cause.

Individuals are also being encouraged to contribute to Dunbar charity, the Ridge. The Ridge, recognised for its outstanding work with young people, has joined forces with Dunbar Community Council as it shifts its focus to providing practical support for those of all ages adversely affected by COVID-19.

Jointly managed funds are already making a difference by providing food, clothes, toys and books.

A hot meals service is underway and the Ridge will direct and support people to debt advice services, mental health services and counselling.

Small grants are available  to groups, charities or individuals where such a grant will materially alleviate crisis.

The sculpture celebrates one of Dunbar’s most famous sons, John Muir, born this week in 1838 and who is credited with playing a key role in the development of America’s national parks.

It forms part of the mixed-use Hallhill development, being undertaken by Hallhill Developments, which started on site in 1999. The development has already delivered sports facilities, 56 acres of community woodland together with more than 1,500 homes, either built or under construction, as well as school provision and commercial and retail outlets.  

Ken Ross, on behalf of Hallhill Developments, commented: “We are delighted to be assisting in these extraordinary times to support such wonderful causes which make such a difference to people’s lives.

Hallhill is a key part of the Dunbar community and it is therefore only fitting that The DunBear should participate and play its part in raising much needed funding for organisations such as the Ridge.”

Pippa Swan, Chair of Dunbar Community Council said: “We would welcome everyone who is able to do what they can to support the Ridge.

“Their community work places them in the very best position to take a lead in helping individuals and families during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond and any funds raised will be directed fully to those in most need of help.”

Pauline Mills, Land & Planning Director for Taylor Wimpey East Scotland said: “We have been part of the Dunbar community for many years now and we welcome the opportunity to be involved in this fundraising effort and provide a contribution of £500 to The Ridge to support the work they do. 

“Being able to work with groups and charities that surround our developments is important to us – even more so in these unprecedented times – and we are confident the local community will support these vital fundraising efforts as part of the BBC Children In Need and Comic Relief ‘Big Night In’ appeal.”

Those looking to contribute to The Ridge can do so via:https://paypal.me/TheRidgeDunbar?locale.x=en_GB

Those looking to contribute to the Big Night In can do so via: https://www.comicrelief.com/big-night-in/

BT and Computing at School launch home schooling resources

As part of its Skills for Tomorrow programme, BT has teamed up with Computing at School (CAS), to launch dozens of activities, designed to support parents with their children’s digital skills at home.

The series of activities is based on the Barefoot Computing programme, a programme funded and managed by BT in partnership with CAS, to help primary school teachers deliver free, curriculum-aligned lessons in fun and relatable ways. CAS are part of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.

This Friday (24th April), comedian David Walliams will be showing the UK how to use some of these Barefoot resources in an ad break takeover on STV as part of BT’s Beyond Limits: Top Tips on Tech campaign.

This three-week campaign featuring a host of famous faces including TV presenter Rylan Clark-Neal and broadcaster and author Fearne Cotton, has been created to help the nation with the digital skills it needs to get through this unique and challenging time.

David’s lesson sees him inspiring the nation from his own home with ideas for how to maximise home schooling using a variety of digital tools, including Barefoot Zoo; one of the interactive and educational Barefoot games helping children learn about computing.

So far, more than 8,800 primary school teachers in Scotland have already accessed Barefoot, across more than 1,600 Scottish primaries. However, with most children now having to be schooled at home, the scheme has been swiftly adapted to provide new lessons, activities and games.

Content has been developed to be easy for parents to use, with no prior subject knowledge required. Many of the activities can also be done offline without the need for a computer – ideal for managing screen time and digital wellbeing.

A recent BT study revealed that millions of parents across the UK can only spend up to two hours a day teaching their children during lockdown.

Just 24% of parents say they feel comfortable teaching IT and computer science, with nearly all (92%) saying they’re uncomfortable with key topics such as coding. It’s likely that many parents will shy away from computing in favour of more familiar subjects.

The new Barefoot content includes dozens of varied activities and games to support parents and carers by inspiring children to think, learn and thrive in a digital world.

From making pizza with an algorithm ‘recipe’, to using the power of abstraction to save a struggling zoo, parents and carers will find tailored educational activities to keep young minds busy and curious for hours and hours:

  • Learning Together Activities – Downloads that parents and kids can do together based on our expert Barefoot Computing resources for teachers
  • Mini Missions – Thirty quick, fun and easy ideas to introduce children to key computing concepts at home
  • Interactive Learning Games – Imaginative online games that help children explore computing concepts independently
  • Weekly ‘Computing at Home’ YouTube Live classes by schoolteacher and Barefoot Ambassador Dr Jon Chippindall
  • Computational Thinking quick guide for parents, with a simple introduction to key skills taught through the national curriculum

Marc Allera, CEO of BT’s Consumer Division, said: “As a parent myself, I know how challenging it can sometimes be to balance working from home with entertaining and educating the kids.

“That’s why BT – with our key education partners – is supporting families to keep kids learning in these difficult times. This exciting new computing content, as part of our Barefoot programme with Computing at School, can really help parents, grandparents, and all carers to inspire their children to discover and explore the world of computing.”   

Julia Adamson, Director at BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, said: “We are passionate about ensuring that every child has a world-class computing education. However, BT’s research has shown that computing is the subject that parents feel least comfortable with.

“Given the current challenges, it’s even more important that families are given as much support as possible in this area. The new Barefoot toolkit will help parents keep their children stimulated, engaged and progressing, even if they’re unfamiliar with computing themselves.”

Skills for Tomorrow is a major new programme designed to empower 10 million people by giving them the skills they need to flourish for the digital future. Everyone is included, everyone is welcome, and no one is left behind – from school children to the older generation; from young adults looking for employment, to SMEs looking for growth.

BT continues to collaborate with leading digital skills organisations, such as CAS, to collate the best courses and information, in one easy to navigate place.

All it takes to get started is to visit www.bt.com/skillsfortomorrow.

Routine immunisations continue, says NHS Lothian

Immunisation appointments for children and pregnant women are continuing during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, says NHS Lothian.

Scheduled immunisations are an important and legitimate medical reason to leave your house, and people who have an immunisation appointment should attend as planned.

If an individual with an upcoming immunisation appointment – or a member of their household – is showing symptoms of COVID-19, then they must NOT attend, but should call the number on their invitation to rearrange the appointment.

Professor Alison McCallum, Director of Public Health & Health Policy, NHS Lothian, said: “All scheduled immunisation appointments in Lothian are continuing and we would encourage all children and pregnant women to attend.

“If you cannot attend because you or your family are showing symptoms of coronavirus, please call the phone number on your appointment letter or contact your health care practitioner to rearrange.”

Dr Gregor Smith, Interim Chief Medical Officer, said: “We’re grateful to everyone for heeding our Stay Home Save Lives message during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the NHS is still open, and the routine vaccination programme is an important way to protect you and your family’s health.

“It is important we continue to protect children and other vulnerable groups against serious vaccine-preventable diseases. Routine immunisations for children and pregnant women are a crucial way we can help keep people safe and healthy at this time.

“We know members of the public will have protecting their family’s health from coronavirus, by following guidance on social distancing and not travelling unnecessarily, at the forefront of their minds. But receiving an immunisation is one of the important medical reasons for which you should leave your house, and it will help protect you or your child from other serious diseases.”

TUC to shine a light on coronavirus risks

Every year more people are killed at work than in wars. Most don’t die of mystery ailments, or in tragic “accidents”. They die because an employer decided their safety just wasn’t that important a priority. Workers’ Memorial Day (WMD) commemorates those workers.

Each year on April 28th, all around the world the trade union movement unites to mark International Workers’ Memorial Day (#IWMD20). We remember those who have lost their lives at work, or from work-related injury and diseases. We renew our efforts to organise collectively to prevent more deaths, injuries and disease as a result of work.

Workers Memorial Day is commemorated throughout the world and is officially recognised by the UK Government.

Theme for 2020: Coronavirus

This year we are all working in unique circumstances, as the coronavirus pandemic affects every worker regardless of sector or locality. Hundreds have lost their lives to the virus while working on the frontline, acting to protect the public and to keep society running. Workers are risking their lives every day, while many are still attending work ill-equipped and without necessary safety measures in place. We could not have a starker reminder of the important role of trade union health and safety reps in saving and protecting workers’ lives.

We remember those we have lost. We organise in their memory.

While we may not be able to attend the memorial events which usually take place on IWMD, as public gatherings around the world are not advised or allowed; there are many ways trade union members can take part in our collective day of remembrance and solidarity.

How you can take part…

light a candle

 

Light a candle

Join others across the world by lighting a candle on the evening of Tuesday 28th April. It may be for a loved one, a worker, a group of workers or for all those who have lost their lives from work. Take a photo of your candle, and with a caption about who you’re remembering, post it on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram using #IWMD20.

Register for our video call

The TUC Education team will be hosting a video call at 2pm on the day, where you will be able to hear from speakers and submit questions and contributions in advance.

Put the time in your diary and registration will be available via soon.

Getting tourism ready for recovery

A call has gone out to those with skills, expertise and experience, who are currently ‘furloughed’ or on a reduced working pattern, to help address the challenges facing Scotland’s tourism sector. 

In 2017, the sector provided employment for eight out of every 100 Scottish workers, but thousands of tourism business owners are naturally feeling anxious about the future in the wake of coronavirus.

The call to arms – ‘Getting ready for recovery’ – has been championed by around 120 alumni of the Destination Leaders Programme (DLP), a joint initiative for tourism industry professionals delivered for the past seven years by Edinburgh Napier University and Scottish Enterprise.

DLP alumni to mentor furloughed tourism workers along the road to recovery

The aim of the furlough initiative is to help small tourism businesses recover by providing targeted support and mentoring that can enable them to take forward identified actions, outputs and outcomes during this period of enforced reflection.

Professor Jane Ali-Knight (above) of Edinburgh Napier University’s Business School, explained: “It is intended that involvement will fall under the acceptable category of professional training for ‘furloughed’ professionals, and will help maintain and extend their professional skills, expertise, experience and network.”

This will mean projects taken up will be focused on objectives that underpin The Scottish Tourism Strategy to 2030, as well as wider destination leadership, development, management, industry resilience and recovery, and destination promotion.

Aileen Lamb from Scottish Enterprise said: “The objective is to support recovery and potential restructure of the Scottish tourism industry. We want to use this opportunity to encourage innovative thinking across a range of themes.

“Most importantly we want to encourage the supportive and adaptable nature of tourism professionals to shine. The initiative will include a weekly online session called DLP Assemble giving businesses a collaborative place to gather regular updates on initiatives and government funding as we look towards the point when restrictions can be lifted.”

Ali-Knight says: “We will guide participants on themes and tasks arising through the DLP Assemble initiative, to help form project groups with a good mix of experience and expertise, and to match groups with mentors and professional support.”

Kenneth Wardrop, a fellow DLP founder, says: “We want to act quickly, working with existing groups such as ETAG [Edinburgh Tourism Action Group] and STERG [Scottish Tourism Emergency Response Group] in order to start applying practical thinking and solutions in response to the evolving and devastating impacts on Scotland’s tourism industry.”

Edinburgh Napier University is also running a free online course through FutureLearn to help small tourism businesses understand the power of data they hold or can access in helping them market themselves more effectively at this critical time.

‘Understanding Data in Tourism’ is open now for people to register for the next starting point, on 16 May, by visiting: 

futurelearn.com https://www.futurelearn.com/partners/edinburgh-napier-university

Oil prices crashing again, but pump prices still at dishonestly rip-off levels

  • WTI (West Texas intermediate) oil prices plunge 50% to $8.75 a barrel, lowest level since December 1973. Brent could follow too, eventually.
  • Even before Monday’s crash in oil price, UK’s fuel supply chain has dishonestly held back March’s massive wholesale falls from filling up at the pumps.
  • Petrol should be 98p and Diesel 106p per litre, instead it is averaging 10p higher.

Howard Cox, founder of FairFuelUK Campaign, said: “Even with 70% less fuel being sold, the dishonesty from these faceless businesses, using the Coronavirus crisis as a smokescreen to maintain their profits, beggars belief.

“A few hoodwinked MPs have responded to FairFuelUK’s concerns for 37m drivers. They say they believe that the most effective way to keep fuel prices down is through an open and competitive market. In 2013, the Office for Fair Trading investigated competition in the UK fuel sector and concluded that it was operating well.

“That is absolute claptrap. That enquiry was an utter whitewash and everyone knows it had the smell of big business manipulating the result.

“It’s time the Government really looked after the highest taxed drivers in the world and our vital haulage industry, and introduce PumpWatch as a matter of emergency. An independent pricing watchdog is vital to protect our economy and allow essential workers to fill up their vehicles with the fairest and most honest prices at the pumps.”

For the latest Oil, wholesale and pump prices and how motorists are being fleeced by the fuel supply chain, especially more so during the Coronavirus crisis go to:

https://fairdriving.uk/greedy-oil-companies-continue-to-exploit-co-vid-19-crisis

Your Police 2020 – 2021: Police Scotland launches consultation

A Message from Chief Superintendent Sean Scott. Divisional Commander, Edinburgh City Division, Police Scotland:

I wish to convey my sincere thanks for your cooperation, support and fortitude during this period of unprecedented challenge.

Many of you will have been directly affected by the unfolding coronavirus pandemic and my thoughts are with you and your families during these uncertain times.

The sacrifices made by colleagues in health and social care are truly humbling and Police Scotland is committed to supporting NHS Lothian, the City of Edinburgh Council, statutory partners and the third sector to meet the welfare requirements of those in need.

I wish to reassure you that, as ever, we stand ready to serve Edinburgh’s communities and keep people safe.

You can contact us in the following ways should you require our assistance:

• In an emergency dial 999
• For non-emergencies call 101
• Contact online at: https://www.scotland.police.uk/contact-us/contact-us-form

The Police Scotland website provides helpful crime prevention guidance and practical advice to stay safe, it can be accessed at: https://www.scotland.police.uk/

I have been heartened to witness, first-hand, Edinburgh’s communities pulling together and supporting each other in this time of crisis. Please continue to play your part by following our Government’s instructions and adhering to social distancing requirements.

It’s important to me that we best meet your needs and those of your community. Therefore, I’d be grateful if you’d take a few moments to share your views and suggestions by completing the ‘Your Police 2020-2021’ survey which is available at the following link: https://consult.scotland.police.uk/surveys/your-police-2020-2021/

Edinburgh is a strong, resilient and adaptable city, as are its people and your help and continued forbearance will see us through this testing period.

Funeral directors launch free emotional support helpline

Losing a loved one is one of the hardest experiences anyone could face, but during this period of social distancing, families are facing additional anxiety over not being able to say their goodbyes. 

Charity–run funeral directors Caledonia Cremation has responded to the crisis by launching a dedicated emotional support line for anyone anywhere in Scotland who has just lost a parent, child, sibling or partner. 

“We promise that if we can help even a little we will do everything we can,” said John Halliday, co-founder of Caledonia Cremation.  

The service launched followed their concerns for people’s wellbeing after conversations with families who lost loved ones to Covid-19. This was subsequently part-funded by a new grant from Foundation Scotland from their Response Fund meaning that the helpline can employ a reained pyschtherapist who can provide much needed support during these unprecedented times. 

Caledonia Cremation was set up in 2018 by the charity Community Renewal to fight funeral poverty in Scotland and is the only not-for-profit funeral directors in the country. They offer not-for-profit cremations to anyone in mainland Scotland and since they began, they have saved bereaved Scottish families nearly £1million in funeral costs.

John Halliday explained why they took their decision to launch this emotional support helpline: 

“We heard from one family whose grandfather died in intensive care last week. They were unable to visit him and upon his passing there was no wake and they were unable to attend his funeral. We offered all the support we could but we felt we needed to do more to help others.

“As a charity–owned social enterprise, our priority is first and foremost to support people in Scotland. Up until now that has been by providing dignified, caring, not–for profit funerals which don’t push families into funeral debt.

“We have always provided a caring service, but these are unprecedented times and we felt we needed to increase our capacity to provide emotional support – even if that person hasn’t used our services.

“We are grateful for the funding from Foundation Scotland as it has allowed us to employ a highly experienced counsellor and psychotherapist. This frees up the rest of the team who are working hard online and by phone, advising clients on how they can still say their goodbyes in this period of social distancing and helping people in poverty to claim funeral benefits.

“We always said it was important that there was a not-for-profit funeral director like us, someone who genuinely does not profit a penny from a loss. This is something we can do to really give back to society with everything we have got while also bringing prices down. 

“Grieving people need support right now, and they can trust us to put their care first.”

The service is now up and running so anyone who needs help, please do get in touch by calling 03000 11 33 01.