Month: June 2020

New Writers Awards 2021 open for applications

Submissions open for 2021 New Writers Awards 

New access fund hopes to remove barriers

Scottish Book Trust has opened for applications for 2021 New Writers Awards.

The national charity which changes lives through reading and writing has launched the search for new authors who will follow in the footsteps of Graeme Macrae Burnett of His Bloody Project and Claire Askew of All the Hidden Truths.

Over 100 titles have been published from New Writers Awardees since the prize began.

The New Writers Awards are run by Scottish Book Trust in association with Creative Scotland, and each year they provide unpublished writers with financial support to enable them to concentrate on developing their work, as well as professional guidance to help them move towards publication.

The awards are free to apply to, all travel expenses are covered and awardees are chosen by an independent panel of judges.

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: “Year on year, we receive a high number of applications for the New Writers Awards, underlining the appetite for opportunities such as these, across English, Scots and Gaelic.

“Scottish Book Trust welcomes applications from all writers in Scotland who are previously unpublished, and we are also able to offer support to ensure the award is as flexible as possible. We look forward to receiving applications and perhaps finding a next bestseller.”

Mairi Kidd, Head of Literature, Languages & Publishing, Creative Scotland, said: “Literature and publishing thrive on the discovery of new voices but it’s not always easy for writers of promise to get their voices heard and make the leap to writing professionally.

“The opportunity offered by the New Writers Awards is an enormous support on this journey and we are already excited to read the work of the next group of writers chosen.”

Claire Askew, author and New Writers Awardee, said: “A New Writers Award isn’t just a year of support: Scottish Book Trust truly invests in your writing career, helping you to become part of a community of writers and continuing to encourage and promote your work long after your award year is over. 

“Since my award in 2011/12, I’ve worked with Scottish Book Trust on a variety of projects, from public events to CPD delivery; from readings to residencies. I really can’t recommend the New Writers Awards enough: if you’re thinking of applying, you really should!”

This year, Scottish Book trust are also introducing a new Access Fund to help support awardees with any barriers they may face. The programme is flexible and the charity works closely with awardees to help them participate as fully as possible. Support might include help with childcare costs, accommodation or equipment.

Scottish Book Trust welcomes and supports writers who are carers, unemployed or unable to work for health reasons or who face any other barriers.

The Awards will run from January 2021 – January 2022. During the programme, awardees receive:

  • A £2,000 cash award to support their writing in whatever ways suit best
  • Tailored creative development opportunities, which can include mentoring from established writers and industry professionals
  • Press and marketing, social media, performance and presentation training
  • The opportunity to showcase work to publishers and agents
  • A retreat offering time, space and the freedom to create new work in idyllic surroundings (with flexible structure based on each awardees needs)
  • A year’s free membership to the Society of Authors and a bespoke training session for awardees on contracts and rights
  • The chance to meet and engage with a group of writing peers

There are three categories: Fiction and Narrative Non-Fiction (also known as creative non-fiction), Poetry and Children’s and Young Adult Fiction. Applications may only submit to one category per year. Entries are invited in English, Scots and a combination of both.

There are also two awards for Gaelic writers, run in association with the Gaelic Books Council. There is a separate application form for writers interested in applying for a Gaelic award.

The full eligibility criteria and application for the New Writers Awards is available on Scottish Book Trust’s website.

The deadline for all applications is Wednesday 8 July at noon.

Cashing Out: urgent action needed to protect payment lifeline

Vulnerable people risk being left with no way to pay for essential products and services as the coronavirus crisis further accelerates the UK’s shift to a cashless society, new Which? research reveals. The consumer organisation is calling for government action to ensure that the cash system does not collapse at a time when millions of people still rely on it. 

A survey by the consumer champion found that half (51%) of those looking after the finances or grocery shopping of someone else had been paid in cash in return for doing shopping, highlighting its continued importance in communities across the country and the huge challenge that a cashless society presents for those who are not yet ready or able to make digital payments.

As consumers are also experiencing difficulties paying with as well as taking out cash, Which? is pressing for action from the government and financial regulators to ensure millions of people aren’t left abandoned as a result of the outbreak that’s put additional pressure on the UK’s already fragile cash network.

The Which? study of more than 2,000 people, conducted at the start of May, reveals that nearly one in five reported that they were managing finances or ordering food and essentials for someone outside of their immediate household.

Of those, 32 per cent had bought food from a shop for others and been paid for it in cash, and 29 per cent had ordered for someone online and been paid for it with cash – while some responded that they had done both.

Which? has heard of numerous cases where cash is essential for this sort of help, including one person who is reimbursed in cash for delivering supplies to their vulnerable 91-year-old uncle, and another who shops for neighbours twice a week – after cash and a shopping list have been posted through their door.

The research also highlighted that one in 10 people were refused by shops when trying to pay for items with cash, at a time when only those that were permitted to sell essential goods were open. A quarter of those were left unable to purchase the item in question on at least one occasion as they had no alternative means of payment.

And while nearly one in three people reported still using cash to make some or all of their payments, seven per cent said they had found it more difficult to take out cash since the outbreak began.

With many retailers now encouraging non-cash payments and banks reducing branch opening hours, Which? supports schemes introduced by banks and businesses to provide access or alternatives to cash during this crisis.

However, it remains unclear how effective these have been at addressing the root of the problem. It believes these are unlikely to be a viable long-term fix, and that cash-dependent consumers could be left completely excluded from engaging with the economy if cash is not urgently protected.

Despite the clear need for cash, the coronavirus pandemic has pushed the cash system that millions of people still rely on into deeper peril, just months after the government vowed to protect it.

In March, the government committed to legislating to protect access to cash for as long as people need it, after warnings that the system could collapse within two years. This followed investigations from Which? that found the UK had lost a staggering 10,500 free-to-use cash machines since 2017, and over a third of bank branches in less than five years.

However, the coronavirus pandemic has drastically reduced the timeframe for intervention, and the government’s pledge risks becoming obsolete if current trends continue to go unchallenged, which risks cutting off millions of people from the main form of payment they rely on to purchase essential products and services.

Coronavirus has rapidly accelerated the decline in cash use. Latest figures from Notemachine, one of the UK’s largest ATM operators, show that cash withdrawals have reduced by 45 per cent since lockdown began – although the average value withdrawn has increased by 13 per cent.

And while figures from Link, which manages the UK’s largest cashpoint network, show that approximately £1 billion is still being withdrawn from ATMs every week, it says the overall decline means that the current level of cash usage is now at a level that was not expected for five years.

As well as urgently introducing the legislation it committed to in the budget, Which? is calling on the government to take all necessary steps to ensure people can continue to use cash to pay for essential goods and services during the coronavirus pandemic.

This includes providing support for businesses to accept cash and offering clear guidance on how to handle banknotes and coins safely.

It also believes the FCA must collect and publish information about emergency measures that individual banks have put in place, including an assessment of their long-term suitability and effectiveness.

Which?’s proposals have been backed by a diverse group of organisations that all share its concerns about the implications of the rapid decline of cash availability and acceptance. These include the Access to Cash Review – led by Natalie Ceeney, Age UK, the RSA, Independent Age, Alzheimer’s Society and Link.

Gareth Shaw, Head of Money at Which?, said: “The coronavirus outbreak has shown that cash remains vital to many consumers, particularly for vulnerable people who rely on it to pay for essential supplies. 

“As a result, it’s vital that the already fragile cash system is not left to collapse completely as the UK’s shift to a cashless society accelerates.

“The government must urgently press ahead with the legislation it has already committed to before it becomes obsolete, as failure to do so risks excluding millions of people from engaging in the economy.”

First Minister: ‘virus has not gone away’

Statement given by the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at a media briefing in St Andrew’s House yesterday, Monday 1st June:

Good afternoon. Thanks for joining us for today’s briefing. I want to start by providing provide an update, as I always do, on the current position in relation to Covid-19.

As at 9 o’clock this morning, there have been 15,418 positive cases confirmed – an increase of 18 from yesterday.

A total of 1,046 patients are in hospital with confirmed or suspected Covid-19. That represents a total decrease of 27 from yesterday, including an increase of 3 in the number of confirmed cases.

A total of 27 people last night were in intensive care with confirmed or suspected Covid 19. That is the same as the figure yesterday.

I am also able to confirm today that since 5 March, a total of 3,695 patients who had tested positive and required hospital treatment for the virus have been able to leave hospital.

And unfortunately, in the last 24 hours, 1 death has been registered of a patient who had been confirmed through a test as having Covid-19 – that takes the total number of deaths in Scotland, under that measurement, to 2,363.

That figure should be treated with some caution.  Although deaths can be registered at weekends, registration numbers are usually relatively low at the weekend and they can be especially low on a Sunday.

For example, just to illustrate that point, last week I reported 3 deaths on Monday, but then reported 18 deaths on Tuesday. That should be taken into account when looking at today’s figure.

And of course we must always remember that these numbers are not simply statistics. They represent unique and irreplaceable individuals whose loss is mourned by many. I want to send my condolences to everyone who has lost a loved one to this virus.

I also want to express once again my deep thanks to our health and care workers. You are doing incredible work in exceptionally challenging circumstances, and all of us owe you a debt of gratitude.

The statistics that I have just read demonstrate the real progress we have made together against the virus.  There are now far fewer people in hospital and in intensive care than at the peak of the outbreak.

But these statistics also demonstrate how fragile that progress is. There are still hundreds of people in hospital and suffering from this virus. There are still new infections in many health board areas. And it is still the case that every day, I have to stand here and confirm further loss of life.

The fact is the virus is being suppressed – but it has not gone away, and it is still extremely dangerous. Indeed, our routemap out of lockdown expressly recognises that during phase 1, which we entered on Friday, there is still a high risk that the virus is not yet contained.

We all must understand that and continue to remember it.

I know that in the last three days, many of you have had long-awaited reunions with family, friends and loved ones. I really hope you enjoyed that – and enjoyed the lovely weather too.

I also know that the vast majority of people stuck to the rules when having those reunions and I want to thank you sincerely for that – you stayed outdoors in small groups, and you stayed more than 2m away from other households. So again my thanks to you for that.

However it is also clear that over the weekend not everyone stuck to the rules. I’m told by the police that on Saturday alone there were 797 dispersals and that is people being moved on for not complying with the rules. To give some content to that, that 797 is five times higher than the figure the previous Saturday.

And there were clearly cases where, despite the guidance we have issued, people were driving more than 5 miles to beauty spots. In some cases, people were staying overnight in tents, caravans or motorhomes.

Some of the early statistics we have from Transport Scotland are especially concerning.

Overall, transport yesterday was 70% up from the previous Sunday. Transport on Saturday was 60% up on the week before.

In some places – like Loch Lomond and Glencoe for example – the increase was even more dramatic.

On Saturday, on the A82 by Loch Lomond, traffic was around 3 times higher than the previous Saturday. We saw a similar picture around Glencoe.

I’m going to be blunt here – it is very hard to see how all of that can have been caused by local residents, or by people travelling a reasonable distance to meet loved ones. So we will be considering all of this as we continue to assess the impact of the Phase 1 changes.

Last week we deliberately allowed some flexibility when we changed the lockdown restrictions. We recommended that people don’t travel more than 5 miles for recreation, but we left room for some discretion so that you could go further to visit family.

And we strongly recommended that when two households meet, there should be no more than eight people in total in a group – but again, we put that into guidance rather than putting it in law, because we trust, and continue to trust, the majority to keep those groups small and to stay within the rules.

But it is worth being clear, in fact I have a duty to be clear with you, that if there is continued evidence of even a minority not abiding by those guidelines and travelling unnecessarily – if people meet up in larger groups or make journeys which risk spreading the virus – we will have to put those restrictions, on group size and travel distance, into law. And we won’t hesitate to do so if we think it is necessary for the collective safety and wellbeing of the nation.

I should make clear, of course, that the  stipulation that no more than two households can meet at any one time is already the law, and if need be, it will be enforced.

And I also want to remind you that the two households should keep 2 metres apart from each other, not share food or utensils, and not go inside each others’ houses.

And the reason I’m stressing all of this – the real danger we still face – is not because I want to be imposing these restrictions but it is because the progress we have made so far in tackling Covid-19 is not guaranteed and it is not irreversible.

Cases could increase again, it won’t take too much for that to happen, rather than continuing to decrease. And if that happens then that will result in more loss of life.

And if all of that happens restrictions will have to be reimposed, rather than being relaxed. None of us want that. But the only way of avoiding it, is for all of us to comply with the rules.

Unless you are an essential worker, or work in one of the categories now permitted to be at work  – you should still be spending the majority of your time at home.

You should still be seeing far fewer people than you might normally do. And those meetings you are now able to have – and your life more generally – still should not be feeling normal.

That basic point applies to everyone. I know that young people, for example, will be hugely frustrated after weeks in doors, and will be desperate to spend more time with friends in the park or at the beach. Young people may also think they are generally less likely to become very seriously ill as a result of this virus.

I want to say very directly to young people, this virus can still be harmful to you. And even if you yourself are not adversely affected, you can still pass the virus on to other young people, and then some of them may pass it on to others – for example parents or grandparents – who are at greater risk of becoming seriously ill.

So please think about that wider interest when you are considering your own behavior in the days and weeks to come.

All of us want to be able to lift more restrictions, so that we can meet friends in more normal circumstances. We also want to be able to restart NHS services, as the Health Secretary spoke about yesterday – and to allow people to get back to work, school or study.

But we can only do this if we keep driving the overall level of Covid infections down, and if we continue to suppress the spread of the virus. And we can only do that, if people continue to stick to the rules.

So please, if I can conclude again by reminding you of what we are asking everybody to do:

Only meet people from other households outside – because the risk of transmission outside is lower than the risk of transmission indoors – and even outdoors stay 2 metres apart from the other household when you do meet.

Don’t meet with more than one other household at a time, don’t meet more than one a day and keep to a maximum of 8 people in a group.

Wash your hands often. Take hand sanitiser with you if you are out and about.

Please wear a face covering when you are in shops or on public transport or other enclosed spaces where physical distancing might be more difficult.

Avoid hard surfaces – and clean any you do touch.

And if you have symptoms, get tested and follow the advice on self isolation.

Above all, more generally – and this applies to each and every one of us – let’s remember that each decision we take as an individual, affects the safety and wellbeing of us all.

I know that that’s difficult. I understand just as much as anybody does the desire to see more people, and to travel outside your local area.

But if we all stick to these rules we are helping to suppress this virus. But if even just a few of you don’t stick to these rules, we are providing a chance for the virus to spread more quickly, and to spread to different parts of the country.

We need to continue to do the right thing, and to do right by each other. I know that the vast majority of you are doing that. Again, I want to sincerely thank you for that.

My appeal goes to everybody across the whole population. Let’s stick together and let’s all do the right thing for the benefit of ourselves and each other.

NEN: Coronavirus Special Edition

A special edition of North Edinburgh News (NEN) has been produced to highlight the support and advice available to the local community during the coronavirus pandemic.

While most people now get their daily diet of news online, many people do not have computer access and still rely on traditional media like newsletters,flyers and newspapers to keep up to date.

The eight page A4 newsletter, produced by North Edinburgh’s Covid-19 Foodshare Group, will be delivered to homes across North Edinburgh over the coming weeks.

If the newsletter proves popular it may become a regular publication – let us know what you think at northedinnews@gmail.com

If you can’t wait to get your copy, see below – you can print off your own!

NEN_8pp_A4_MAY20_2

Organised crime seeks to exploit coronavirus

Criminals are exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic and playing on the fears of businesses and the public, Scotland’s Serious Organised Crime Taskforce has heard.

Organised crime groups are now focussing on targeting those most vulnerable at home and in the care sector, including:

  • a care home in the Forth Valley area was left without PPE after the supplier claimed they had not received the £10,000 payment, despite it being sent. A police investigation showed that the payment had been moved from the bank account it was paid into and they believe organised criminals were behind it
  • a number of reports of people knocking doors and offering to disinfect the householder’s driveway to rid it of any COVID-19 for a fee
  • businesses emailed by scammers urging them to click on an official-looking link for a £25,000 grant. The link leads to a fake ‘UK Government’-branded website asking for business and banking details
  • £10,000 fraud intercepted by Scottish Borders Council when an application for a business support grant was hacked by criminals who requested the redirection of the payment to a different bank account. Due to the checks in place the council were alert to the scam and the money was not paid out

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf, chair of the Taskforce, said: “Organised crime groups are adept at taking advantage of any situation that presents itself. People are understandably concerned about their health, and that of their family, as well as concerned about their jobs.

“It is abhorrent, but not unexpected, that these groups are looking to exploit those fears and concerns. A business falling foul to one of these scams could be disastrous, especially if they are already struggling and could ultimately lead to them stopping trading.

“The Taskforce partners are unified in the approach to implement Scotland’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy, and agree on the need to ensure members of the public are made aware of the risks from criminal gangs, as well as how they can report suspicions safely to help law enforcement agencies to tackle such crimes and ultimately prevent them. It is important that we all do what we can to protect ourselves and our loved ones. I would encourage anyone that if they see something, say something.”

Fiona Richardson, Chief Officer at Trading Standards Scotland, said: “Throughout lockdown we have continued to receive information that shows that organised criminals remain active in our communities seeking to make money in whatever way they can, despite the ongoing crisis.

“We have seen instances of sales of fake Covid-19 testing kits and doorstep crime. At this difficult time please don’t rush into any purchases and be very wary of any unsolicited callers.”

Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Angela McLaren said: “During the current pandemic, we are seeing targeted attempts by fraudsters to adapt well-known techniques to include references to coronavirus, lockdown measures and PPE.

We remain vigilant to this and circulate alerts and preventative messages, not just those associated with COVID-19, where appropriate. We will persistently pursue those who set out to cause harm and misery to our communities and to make Scotland a hostile environment for those involved.

“It is important that everyone protects themselves and remains vigilant. Be aware that a telephone call, email or text may not be from the person or organisation it appears to come from.

“Never click on a link from an unsolicited email or text, and remember that the banks and the police will never ask you for personal banking information or ask you to move funds to a safe account.”

Further advice on how to avoid scammers.

Across the UK we are beginning to see 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
  • 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:

Coronavirus widens housing gap, says report

One-in-eight (13 per cent) private renters have fallen behind with their housing costs since the coronavirus crisis started, compared to just one-in-twelve (8 per cent) mortgaged home owners, highlighting how the pandemic has exacerbated Britain’s housing divide, according to new Resolution Foundation research.

The report, based on a YouGov survey of 6,005 UK adults aged 18-65 and supported by the Health Foundation, provides a timely take on the impact of the crisis so far across different housing tenures, including how people have coped with meeting their housing costs, what support they’ve been able to access, and how housing costs have affected their wider spending patterns.

The report notes that one-in-five (20 per cent) private renters have been furloughed or lost their job since the crisis began, compared to around one-in-seven (14 per cent) mortgaged home owners. However, home owners are more likely to have had their hours reduced and less pay (15 per cent, compared to 12 per cent).

An even bigger divide opens up when it comes to meeting their housing costs, says the report. Around one-in-eight private renters (13 per cent) report falling behind on their housing costs, compared to just one-in-twelve (8 per cent) home owners with a mortgage.

The Foundation says private renters’ bigger struggle to meet their housing costs in part reflects the fact that they face higher costs in the first place – their average pre-crisis housing costs were 32 per cent of their family’s income, compared to 11 per cent among mortgaged homeowners.

The survey shows they also have less of a financial buffer to fall back on, with almost one-in-four (23 per cent) private renters having no savings in the run-up to the crisis, compared to one-in-eight home owners (11 per cent).

While renters receive more generous benefit support than mortgagors, home owners with a mortgage have been more successful in accessing support outside of the social security system to cope with the crisis.

One-in-seven (13 per cent) have applied for a mortgage holiday, the vast majority of which have been accepted. In contrast, just one-in-ten private renters have asked for a rent reduction from their landlord (10 per cent), and just half of those requests were successful (50 per cent).

The Foundation notes that this housing cost squeeze has forced many people living in private rented accommodation to cut back on basic spending or, in the case of young people, to move house.

One-in-four (25 per cent) private renters have reduced other spending to cope with meeting their housing costs. Of these renters, half (54 per cent) report currently being unable to afford basics such as fresh fruit and veg, or to save £10 or more a month.

Around one-in-ten (10 per cent) private renters have moved house. Around half (47 per cent) of those who have moved house are 18-24 year olds, while three in five (62 per cent) have moved in with their parents.

Lindsay Judge, Principal Research and Policy Analysts at the Resolution Foundation, said: “Britain already had a huge housing divide before coronavirus struck, and the current economic crisis has only widened that gap.

“People living in private rented accommodation have found it harder to meet their housing costs than homeowners in recent months, and harder to negotiate reductions in those costs. The result is that a quarter are cutting back on other spending, in many cases on essentials, to cover their rent during this crisis.

“Policy makers need to recognise that, while the 1990s recession was infamously most severe for the UK’s home owners, this recession is biting hardest for renters.”

Coping-with-housing-costs-during-the-coronavirus-crisis

Scottish Firms’ confidence rises but remains near record low

Bank of Scotland’s Business Barometer for May 2020 shows: 

  • Overall confidence for firms in Scotland rose 17 points in the past month to -33%
  • Firms’ confidence in their own business prospects was -26%, compared with -29% in April
  • Growing number of firms experienced an increase in demand for goods and services

Business confidence in Scotland rose 17 points during May to -33%, remaining near record lows, according to the latest Business Barometer from Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking.

Companies in Scotland reported higher confidence in their own business prospects than in April at -26%. When taken alongside their views of the economy overall, this gives a headline confidence reading of -33%.

The Business Barometer questions 1,200 businesses monthly and provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.

In an illustration of the impact COVID-19 is having on Scotland’s business, the majority of firms continued to see demand negatively affected during May, but with the picture improving slightly since April.

65% experienced a fall in demand for their products and services, down seven points on the month before. Meanwhile, 12% experienced an increase in demand, up on 5% in April.

The number of Scottish firms operating at less than 50% capacity increased 18 points to 43%. A fifth of firms (20%) weren’t operating at all, down from 32% in April.

Of the 75% of businesses reporting disruption to their supply chain during May, 19% expected the situation to improve within three months, while 14% expected it would take more than 12 months to return to normal levels.

Fraser Sime, regional director for Scotland at Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking, said: “Scottish firms have been hit hard by this crisis, but they’re showing resilience in the face of great challenge.

“It’s encouraging to see that some businesses are beginning to reopen as demand creeps back. We’re standing shoulder-to-shoulder with companies from all sectors to help them overcome the challenges presented during this difficult time.”

National overview

Across the UK, business confidence held steady month-on-month, dipping just one point to   -33%. The North East and London both saw confidence rise month-on-month, scoring the joint-highest confidence reading at -20%. The South West recorded lowest confidence at         -51%, compared to -35% the month prior.

From a regional perspective, despite all being in negative sentiment, six of the 12 regions reported a higher confidence in May. The North East was the least negative region at -20%. The South West was the most negative region at -51% followed by the South East at -45%.

In May, the construction sector saw the sharpest decline, falling 24 percentage points to -44%. However, all the three other major sectors saw a modest increase. The retail sector increased eight points to -25%, while manufacturing rose to -27% and services saw a small increase of four points to -18%.

Paul Gordon, Managing Director for SME and Mid Corporates, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “While May continued to show the unprecedented impact of the shutdown for businesses across the UK, it is important to see that now half of all regions are climbing back from the lowest levels seen last month.

“As Britain sees further easing of measures in the coming weeks, with more businesses re-opening, it is hoped that this will further improve businesses’ confidence. Government schemes and finance options continue to be made readily available to businesses so that they can be best placed and prepared to open once again in the months ahead.”

Hann-Ju Ho, Senior Economist, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Despite the results partly capturing the period since the Government’s announcement of an initial easing of restrictions, trading conditions remain difficult for most firms.

“Nevertheless, a further relaxation of constraints will enable more businesses to resume their activities.”

Morrisons launches vegan essentials food box

  • 15kg box includes lentils, meat free sausages, vegan cheese, jackfruit, fresh fruit and vegetables
  • 23 products for £35, including next-day delivery, will feed two people for one week

Morrisons has launched a brand-new Vegan Essentials Food Box to help its vegan customers during the lockdown.

The food boxes are particularly helpful for those who are vulnerable or self-isolating and can’t leave the house but are available for anyone to purchase.

Created in response to requests from customers following the launch of Morrisons other food boxes, the Vegan Essentials Food Box is available for £35, including next-day delivery to your doorstep, and will feed two people for a week.

Weighing just under 15kg and containing 23 different items, the box includes lentils, jackfruit, couscous, meat free sausages, meat free mince, dairy free cheese and almond milk – as well as a mix of fresh fruit and vegetables.

A typical Morrisons Vegan Essentials Box will include:

●       KTC Chickpeas, 500g

●       Morrisons Jackfruit in BBQ Sauce, 150g

●       Morrisons Cous Cous, 500g

●       Di Martino Penne Pasta, 500g

●       Pure Sunflower Spread, 500g

●       Alpro Almond Milk Unsweetened, 1L

●       Alpro Plain Yoghurt, 500g

●       Morrisons Almonds, 200g

●       Violife Dairy Free Cheese, 200g

●       Heck Meat-Free Sausages

●       The Meatless Farm Co Mince, 400g

 

 ●     Morrisons V Taste No Chicken Strips, 228g

●     Morrisons Wonky Carrots, 1kg

●     Morrisons Brown Onions, 1kg

●     Morrisons The Best Sweet Peppers, 250g

●     Morrisons Baby Spinach, 160g

●     Morrisons The Best Farmhouse Loaf, 800g

●     Morrisons Baby Potatoes, 1kg

●     Morrisons Royal Gala Apples, 6 pack

●     Morrisons Passata, 500g

●     Morrisons Vegan Stock Pots, 4 pack

●     Morrisons Apple & Cinnamon Granola, 500g

●     Lotus Original Caramelised Biscuits, 250g

Possible recipe options include a vegan pasta bolognese, rainbow salad bowls, soups, vegan sausage sandwiches or granola.

Tessa Callaghan, Head of Food Boxes at Morrisons, says: “Many of our vegan customers have got in touch to ask whether we could create a food box for them. We’ve sourced some of the best vegan food for this food box as we continue to play our full part in feeding the nation during these unprecedented times.”

Lockdown has meant that people are shopping differently so Morrisons has launched a number of different food boxes including a Gluten Free Food Box, and British Farmers Food Box.

The Vegan Essentials Food Box is the latest in the range to help feed its vegan customers during the pandemic.  

For more information, visit www.morrisons.com/food-boxes/

#ItsMoreThanOurJob

North West Carers mark Dementia Awareness Week

It is Dementia Awareness Week. The staff and Volunteers at the North West Carers Centre have all completed the Dementia Friend Programme.

The Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends programme is the biggest ever initiative to change people’s perceptions of dementia. It aims to transform the way the nation thinks, acts and talks about the condition.

Whether you attend a face-to-face Information Session or watch the online video, Dementia Friends is about learning more about dementia and the small ways you can help. From telling friends about the Dementia Friends programme to visiting someone you know living with dementia, every action counts.

The Dementia Friends Inititiative has 6 reasons why we should all become a Dementia Friend. Today we will be thinking about Reason 1:

1. Learn about dementia and how it affects a person’s life What is it actually like to live with dementia? How does it affect someone’s life day-today? When you become a Dementia Friend, you’ll learn about the real-life impact of the condition and the small actions we can all take to help.

Re-mobilise, Recover, Re-design: next steps for NHS Scotland

NHS Scotland will begin resuming some services that have been suspended, delayed or deferred due to coronavirus (COVID-19), whilst continuing to protect emergency, urgent and maternity care.

‘Re-mobilise, Recover, Re-design, The Framework for NHS Scotland’ sets out how Health Boards will follow national and local clinical advice to safely and gradually prioritise the resumption of some paused services. Health boards will introduce these plans while maintaining COVID-19 capacity and resilience and providing appropriate support for social care.

The Interim Chief Medical Officer and National Clinical Director have provided an initial outline on what services could be prioritised in the next phase of Health Board mobilisation planning.

These include:

  • cancer services, especially referrals and postponed treatments
  • expanding treatments for non-cancer urgent inpatients and outpatients
  • outpatient therapies where delay will increase the risk to patients, such as management of macular degeneration, paediatrics and respiratory services
  • mental health support
  • treatment room services such as blood monitoring and B12 injections

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “The coronavirus pandemic has seen an unprecedented response from our NHS and care staff. Our fantastic staff have delivered a massive reorganisation of services in just a matter of weeks. This has ensured that our NHS has not been overwhelmed. 

“We are taking an evidence-based, cautious and phased approach to resuming services to ensure the virus continues to be suppressed. While NHS Scotland will remain on an emergency footing, this framework sets out our approach for the next phases as we continue to respond to this pandemic.

“Our approach is not only driven by clinical priorities but also what matters to people’s quality of life like pain clinics, dental treatment and preventative work like cancer screening.”

Interim Chief Medical Officer Dr Gregor Smith said: “Re-mobilise, Recover, Re-design, The Framework for NHS Scotland sets out the steps being taken to safely resume some paused NHS services across Scotland.

“It ensures that the successful steps taken to maintain services during the pandemic are learnt from and built upon. This includes the significant innovations introduced across the NHS to assess patients utilising digital technology.

“The reality is coronavirus is likely to be with us for some time to come, and so many changes made in the coming weeks and months have to be measured against the need to keep the virus under control, continuing to protect the NHS and save lives.

“Our approach will be informed by national and local clinical priorities. We will continue to work with health boards, local authorities, Royal Colleges, professional bodies, unions and other key stakeholders to ensure this is robust and up to date.”

 You can read Re-mobilise, Recover, Re-design, The Framework for NHS Scotland online.