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Month: August 2020
Union calls for £15 hourly rate for social care workers
GMB Calls for £15 an hour Social Care Minimum Wage as new report reveals “Chronic Exploitation” of frontline staff
GMB Scotland has called on the Scottish Government and care providers to work towards the delivery of a £15 an hour minimum wage across the social care sector.
It follows the release today (Monday 17 August) of a new report commissioned by the union, “Show You Care – Voices from the frontline of Scotland’s broken social care sector”, featuring participation and testimony from over 1,600 members employed across Scotland’s care sector, which revealed:
- Over four-fifths of care workers (both home care and care home staff) surveyed felt undervalued by their management or employer;
- Over three-quarters have considered leaving their care sector because of this sense of undervalue;
- Nearly three-quarters felt they did not have enough time with service users to deliver compassionate and dignified care;
- Nearly four-fifths of care home staff surveyed reported under-staffing in their workplace;
- Nearly half of all care workers surveyed said they worked unpaid hours to fulfil their allotted caring duties; and
- Over four-fifths believe their industry in Scotland is not properly funded.
The sobering testimony from the frontline workers was gathered in the months prior to COVID-19 and as the virus emerged to grip the social care sector by Dr Eddie Donaghy, social science and health services researcher based at the University of Edinburgh, in conjunction with GMB Scotland’s Women’s Campaign Unit.
GMB Scotland Organiser Rhea Wolfson said: “Our social care sector’s greatest asset is its workforce but what COVID-19 has exposed to everyone is how poorly valued they are by their employers and government, a fact that is evidenced by our members in this report.
“But let’s be clear that the industry and politicians already understood pre-COVID the chronic exploitation of what is a predominantly women workforce; mired in low pay, precarious conditions, under resourced, overworked and a broken model of funding.
“Despite warnings, the failure to tackle these underlying diseases ultimately contributed to the lack of preparedness that resulted in the scandal of care workers left without proper PPE while NHS patients were put into their workplaces without proper testing.
“It must shake decision-makers into the obvious conclusion that proper value and investment in the people delivering care means better and more dignified care for the service user, with greater potential to retain skills and to attract more people to work in the sector.
“The prospect of leaving this exhausted and traumatised workforce on wages up to £5 an hour less than the UK average (nearly £15 an hour) just isn’t credible – what employer or politician is going to tell them they are worth less than average after all they are doing?
“That’s why GMB is going to “fight for fifteen” in social care. It won’t happen overnight but if we want to change care for the better and become a country of fair work, then we must listen these workers, value them properly and invest in their industry.”
New benefit for young people starting work
Financial help with the cost of a new job
A new benefit to support 16 to 24 year olds into work if they have been unemployed for six months will open for applications today (Monday 17 August).
Job Start Payment is a one off £250 payment to help with the costs of starting a new job. The upper age limit rises to 25 for care leavers and the payment rises to £400 if the person has a child.
In its first year, it is estimated around 5,000 young people will benefit from this new financial support.
Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “I am delighted that our Job Start Payment is today now open for applications; it really couldn’t come at a better time to support our young people to take up job offers.
“Young people are among those whose job prospects have been hardest hit by this pandemic. As such, it is crucial that we support them and ensure they are at the heart of our economic recovery from COVID-19.
“Last week, we announced an additional £10 million for a range of measures to recruit and retain apprentices. Combined with our commitment of at least £50 million for youth employment and the Scotland’s Youth Guarantee, we will ensure no one is left behind.
“Building on this work to create opportunities, this new benefit will also help young people after a period of unemployment. Getting a job can represent a massive turning point for many young people, but it can also bring financial pressures.
“Costs like travel, new work clothes, or childcare often have to be met before people get their first pay.
“The brand new Job Start Payment will help young people with these costs, which can sometimes be a barrier to them taking up an offer and we will be encouraging anyone eligible to apply. ”
Skills Development Scotland’s Director of Career Information Advice Guidance Operations, James Russell said: “This new payment will offer welcomed practical help to many young people who our advisers are supporting at this time.
“It will be especially important to those taking their next steps into employment and who may need some additional support to start the right career opportunity for them.”
REVEALED: The best places in the UK to see August meteor showers
Scotland has the three best places to see the August meteor showers
Tomintoul and Glenlivet have the most viewing hours in the UK
Snowdonia is the most popular spot for campers with 115 sites to view from
Tomintoul and Glenlivet are the best places in the UK to visit to see the Perseid meteor showers in August, according to a new study.
The area in Cairngorms, Scotland, ranks as the best spot for astrologers to camp out and catch a glimpse of the annual showers, which are due to peak on August 12 but carry on to the 24th.
Camping and motorhome rental specialists, Camptoo, have studied the amount of peak viewing hours across the country and the popular camping areas that will give staycationing Brits the best opportunity to view the showers, which typically sees up to 100 meteors light up the sky per hour.
Camptoo recommend visiting these nine places to get the best experience of the Perseid meteor showers:
Tomintoul and Glenlivet – Cairngorms
This remote area in the north of Scotland offers a secluded area to take in the dark skies and star gaze for the longest period of time in the UK. There are more than four (4 hours 50 mins) astronomical twilight hours (the time of night which the sky is darkest), with the peak times between 1:35am – 3:45am and 10:50pm – 0:00am on the nights of August 11th and 12th, and 25 different campsites to choose from for visitors looking to set up under the stars.
Coll
Another remote area of Scotland, Coll is an island off the west coast by the Isle of Mull. While there is less choice for visitors – there are just three campsites in the area – it ranks as the second best place in the UK to view the stars. At the peak of the meteor showers, the sun will set at 21:11, with an impressive 3:43 astronomical twilight hours in which to star gaze. The best times for visitors will be 2:11am – 04:01am and 10:58pm – 0:00am.
Northumberland National Park
A well-travelled place in the north east of England, Northumberland is a popular spot amongst walkers and campers, and is one of the best spots to set up and wait for the skies to go dark. There are 10 campsites to choose from around Northumberland National Park and almost three astronomical twilight hours, with peak times from 2:28am – 3:55am and 10:30pm – 11:53pm.
Galloway Forest
Another area of Scotland worth visiting is Galloway Forest, just west of Dumfries. It was the first area in the UK to be recognised as a Dark Sky Park, but it remains one of the less heralded places with only 14 campsites for people to visit. As we travel further south, the twilight hours begin to drop but you can still get 2 hrs 42 mins of perfect star-gazing conditions between 2:44am – 4:06am and 10:36pm – 11:56pm over 15 daylight hours on August 12 to enjoy some daytime activities in between star-gazing.
Snowdonia National Park
The national park around Wales’ largest mountain has the most campsites on our list, with 115 different sites to choose from for travellers. However, as well as being a hugely popular hiking and tourist destination, Snowdonia will also offer a great place to take in the meteor showers this week. Between 3:12am – 4:20am and 10:20pm – 11:27pm there will be 2 hrs 15 mins of twilight time in which to perfectly view the night sky, making it a hugely popular area to visit.
Other destinations that Camptoo would recommend travelling to for the best views of the Perseid meteor showers – which are due to peak on the nights of August 11/12 but will be active until August 24 – include Elan Valley, Exmoor National Park, Sark Island and Brecon Beacons – which has the fewest overall twilight hours but an impressive 44 campsites in the area.
Camptoo offer the UK’s largest peer-to-peer motorhome and campervan rental selection direct from vehicle owners in the UK, with plenty of selection for people travelling up and down the country to enjoy Staycations and pursue the UK’s amazing landscapes and natural environment including the Perseid meteor showers.
The Perseid showers will not be the last chance to see meteors in the UK this year, with the Draconid (8-9) and Orionid (21-22) meteor showers due to peak in October at these same sites.
Cheap and easy bike maintenance to save time AND money
With the country being urged to exercise more to prioritise their health and wellbeing, new cyclists have been offered seven beginner’s tips to maintain bikes and save hefty bills in the long run.
Penny pinching pros at personal finance comparison site TheMoneyPig.com have researched and revealed seven bike components to check regularly to save having to pay for expensive replacements as often.
The government recently announced the Fix Your Bike Voucher Scheme as part of a £2 billion package to encourage walking and cycling.
The scheme allows British cyclists to claim a voucher worth up to £50 towards the cost of repairing a bike – but you will have to hurry as the first round of 50,000 vouchers went within hours.
For those unable to bag one of the 500,000 vouchers up for grabs, getting a bike back on the road can be costly.
But keeping on top of basic maintenance can dramatically prolong the life of bike components, which in turn will save cyclists money.
It can also greatly improve the general cycling experience, plus make it much safer.
A spokesperson for The Money Pig said: “The benefits of cycling are seemingly endless. It improves mental wellbeing, promotes weight loss, builds muscle, and is a low impact form of cardio exercise.
“It can also be very enjoyable – there’s nothing like a relaxed bike ride around a country park at the weekend.
“But buying and maintaining a bicycle can be costly, so anything you can do to prevent having to shell out for expensive replacements often is a win.
“We’ve researched seven components to keep on top of and listed what to look out for, to save hefty repair bills.”
1. Drive train
If your bike is making the not-so-sweet sound of metal rubbing against metal, chances are all the appropriate lubrication has worn off. This can shorten the life expectancy of your chain and sprockets, which are not cheap to replace. Save yourself the unnecessary cost by regularly cleaning and lubricating the drive train. The more often you clean and lube, the less time it takes every time you do it.
2. Tyres
Tyres can make a huge difference in the quality of your bike ride. If the pressure is too low, you have to work a lot more to keep the same speed than with proper high pressure, and you will get flats more easily, especially when hitting a curb hard. Make sure you check your tyre pressure at least once every two weeks. Even if you’re not going to ride your bike for a significant period of time, try to remember to keep them inflated. If this isn’t possible, take the tyres off. This will prevent cracks developing on the sides.
3. Brakes
Ensuring your brakes work effectively won’t only save you from having to pay for expensive replacements, but it’s a matter of safety. If you have to pull the brake lever until it touches the handlebar, you should adjust the brake pads closer to the rim or disc. It’s also important to keep both the pads and the braking surface clean from dirt and oil. Dirty pads wear out themselves and the braking surface much quicker.
4. Nuts and bolts
Check regularly to ensure screws, bolts and nuts aren’t coming loose. If they need tightening, do so, but be careful not to overtighten them. With some newer bike models, the parts have the maximum torque limit written on them and you can buy tools that apply only a specified amount of torque.
5. Gears
After riding your bike for some time, you will probably realize that the gears don’t shift as smooth as when your bike was new. Provided the cables or derailleurs are not damaged, you can easily re-index the gears by yourself at home. There are tutorials online that you can follow.
6. Chain
Regularly cleaning the chain will allow you to squeeze more miles out of it before needing a replacement. You can easily check the chain wear using a chain checker. If the chain stretch is above 0.75% it’s time to get a new chain. A worn-out chain will quickly wear out the cassette and chainrings, which could lead to even costlier replacements.
7. Saddle
Quite often saddles will squeak, quite rhythmically, with each pedal stroke. To remedy this remove the saddle from the clamp, clean the rails then apply a couple of drops of light oil before wiping off. Then replace.
Great jobs that don’t require a degree
According to teen magazine Future-Mag, more than half (54 per cent) of graduates say they’d think again about choosing university as the best way to find a job.
If you don’t fancy another three years of study, can’t face the debt, or didn’t get the results you were expecting, don’t worry. There are plenty of routes into careers that that don’t require you to have a degree.
These new opportunities are partly thanks to a rise in apprenticeships since the government has invested more in professional training.
Here’s a line-up of some top jobs you can do without a degree:
1. Nurse
The Lowdown
If you’ve been thinking of becoming a nurse but don’t want to go to university full-time this could be for you. The government has just announced a massive £172m investment into nursing, the money is to allow healthcare employers to take on up to 2,000 nursing degree apprentices every year over the next four years.
Getting There
Nursing apprenticeships offer an alternative to full-time university courses, allowing people to earn a salary while their tuition costs are paid. At the end of the apprenticeship – which usually takes four years – apprentices are able to qualify as fully registered nurses.
You’ll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship. Pay: £24,907 to £37,890
2. Air Traffic Controller
The lowdown
24 hours a day, they help to keep some of the busiest airspace in the world moving. The work is challenging and demanding, but it’s immensely rewarding too. Air traffic controllers give information and advice to airline pilots to help them take off and land safely and on time.
Getting There
You have to be over 18 and have at least five GCSEs or equivalent at Grade 4 or above (previously A-C) or Scottish Nationals 5 Grade A-C or equivalent, including English and maths. As well as having a good level of physical and mental fitness, you must satisfy the basic medical requirements set down by the Civil Aviation Authority.
The National Air Traffic Control Service (NATS) has developed a series of games to help gauge whether you’re right for this career. Pay: £17,000 to £50,000
3 Solicitor
The lowdown
It’s not quite ‘Better Ask Saul’… in reality Solicitors advise clients about the law and act on their behalf in legal matters, and can specialise in a host of areas, including contract, criminal, commercial and family law, and much more.
Getting there
You can now become a solicitor by training on the job since new solicitor apprenticeships (level 7) which were approved in 2015. This isn’t an easy route – you’ll need to pass a series of tough exams. You’ll need good A levels and it can take five to six years to complete. Pay £25,000 to £100,000
4 Visual Effects Artist
The lowdown
They help artists produce all the whizzy visual effects (VFX). They assist senior VFX artists and prepare the elements required for the final shots. Eventually they’ll be employed by post production companies working on commercials, television series and feature films.
Getting there
You could do a practical short course at London’s MetFilm School (Ealing Studios) and try to get into the industry that way, or do an apprenticeship via Next Gen
Pay from £18,000 to £50,000 once qualified
5 Computer forensic analyst (cyber security)
What do they do?
Investigate and thwart cyber crime. They might work for the police or security services, or for computer security specialists and in house teams. They’ll follow and analyse electronic data, ultimately to help uncover cyber crime such as commercial espionage, theft, fraud or terrorism.
Getting there
Cyber security professionals are in high demand in both the public and private sector in the wake of high level breaches and perceived terrorism threats. And there’s a severe shortage of qualified professionals. Cyber security higher apprenticeships (level 4) are offered by major infrastructure and energy companies and – excitingly – the security services. Pay £20,000 to £60,000
6 Estate Agent
The Lowdown
An estate agent’s lot isn’t quite as chaotic as the comedy ‘Stath Lets Flats’, might lead you to believe, in reality, estate agents sell and rent out commercial and residential property, acting as negotiators between buyers and sellers.
Getting there
Some estate agents offer an intermediate apprenticeship as a junior estate agent, or you may be able to start as a trainee sales negotiator and learn on the job.
Pay: Estate agents often work on commission which means that you have a basic salary and also earn a percentage of the sale or rental price of any property you sell or rent. £15,000 to £40,000
7 Police Officer
The lowdown
This is another profession where the Government has pumped in large amounts of cash to help recruit new coppers. If you’ve been considering this as a career, now could be the right time to apply. Police officers keep law and order, investigate crime, and support crime prevention.
Getting there
There is no formal educational requirement, for direct application but you will have to be physically fit and pass written tests. Or, you could start by doing a police constable degree apprenticeship. You’ll usually need: 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and college qualifications like A levels for a degree apprenticeship.
You can get a taste of what it’s like to work with the police by volunteering as a special constable.
You could also get paid work as a police community support officer (PCSO) before applying for police officer training. Pay £20,000 to £60,000
8 Computer forensic analyst (cyber security)
What do they do?
Investigate and thwart cyber crime. They might work for the police or security services, or for computer security specialists and in house teams. They’ll follow and analyse electronic data, ultimately to help uncover cyber crime such as commercial espionage, theft, fraud or terrorism.
Getting there
Cyber security professionals are in high demand in both the public and private sector in the wake of high level breaches and perceived terrorism threats. And there’s a severe shortage of qualified professionals. Cyber security higher apprenticeships (level 4) are offered by major infrastructure and energy companies and – excitingly – the security services. Pay £20,000 to £60,000
9 Public Relations officer
The Lowdown
Public relations (PR) officers manage an organisation’s public image and reputation. You migh get involved in planning PR campaigns, monitoring and reacting to the public and media, writing and editing press releases, speeches, newsletters, leaflets, brochures and websites, creating content on social media much more.
Getting there
There is no set entry route to become a public relations officer but it may be useful to do a relevant subject at college, like a Foundation Certificate in Marketing.
You can work towards this role by doing a public relations assistant higher apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You’ll usually need: 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship. Pay £18,000 to £90,000
10 Youth worker
What do they do?
Work with young people and help them develop personally and socially. They might work with local services, youth offending teams or voluntary organisations and community groups. They might help organise sports and other activities, or be involved on counselling and mentoring, or liaising with authorities.
Getting there
Many enter youth work as a volunteer or paid worker, but you can now qualify via a youth work apprenticeship. Pay £23,250 to £37,500
11 Army officer
The Lowdown
Undergo leadership training before choosing from a wide range of specialisms, including; platoon commander, helicopter pilot, intelligence, logistics… even work in military medicine and healthcare.
How do you get there?
You’ll typically need 5 GCSEs at grade 9 to 4 (A* to C) or above and 2 A levels. You’ll have to take aptitude and ability tests, pass a fitness test and interview before a more rigorous assessment to see if you’re capable mentally and physically.
Pay £27,273 to £42,009.
Lesley traced safe and well
UPDATE: Police Scotland have confirmed that Leslie Adam, 60, who had been reported missing from Edinburgh, has been traced SAFE AND WELL.
Thank you to everyone who shared our appeals and assisted in our enquiries.
Police are appealing for information to help trace a woman reported missing from Corstoprhine.
Leslie Adam, (60) was last seen at her home address in the Bughtlin area around 2am on Sunday, 16 August. She is believed to have left around 9am on the same date on foot and has not been seen or heard from since. There is growing concern for her welfare.
She is described as being 5ft 5ins tall and of a heavy build. Leslie is thought to have recently cut her white hair which is described as being a very short, shaved cut. At the time she went missing she is believed to have been wearing a dark bomber style jacket.
Inspector Keith Forrester from Corstorphine police station said: “Along with her family, we are becoming increasingly concerned for Leslie’s welfare and are keen to locate her as soon as possible.
“It is very out of character for Leslie to not keep in contact with her family, she left on foot but has limited mobility so we believe she may have used a bus or taxi to travel.
“I would urge anyone who may have seen her to contact us as soon as possible. Similarly, if Leslie is reading this, let us know you are safe and well.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting incident 1543 of Sunday, 16 August 2020.
CCTV appeal following attempted robbery in Dalry
Police have issued CCTV images of a man they wish to trace in connection with an attempted robbery which occurred in the Dalry area in April.
The incident happened on Orwell Terrace at around 9.35pm on Wednesday, 1 April 2020.
A 25-year-old man was on Orwell Terrace, when he was assaulted by an unknown man who then attempted to rob him.
It is believed the man pictured may be able to assist the investigation.
Detective Constable Peter Lyons from Corstorphine CID said: “The victim was understandably very shaken as a result of this attack.
“We are appealing for anyone who can help identify this male as he may be able to assist the officers with their enquiries.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3529 of 1st April 2020, or make an anonymous report through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Interactive online quiz launched to help keep Scottish homes safe from fire
A new online fire safety quiz has been launched by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to support people to stay safe at home – and potentially save lives.
The ‘Fire Safety in the Home – Self Assessment’ survey asks a series of simple questions and then automatically generates a home fire safety report for them.
People are also encouraged to sign up for a free Home Fire Safety Visit from firefighters who can provide further safety advice, check smoke detectors and fire evacuation plans. These visits would be conducted in line with present social distancing and safety restrictions.
The quiz could help to save lives and property, says the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s head of prevention and protection, Alasdair Perry.
He commented: “This is a fantastic resource that can help people stay safe in their own homes – and they can even take the quiz on behalf of a relative or neighbour to help keep them safe too.
“The questions and the advice are simple and straightforward – but heeding that advice could help save a life, or prevent an emergency from occurring in the first place.
“We would encourage as many people as possible who have access to the internet to take the quiz, for your own home and for any others you may know who would benefit.”
The quiz goes through topics such as heat and smoke detectors, electrical sockets and smoking in bed, with potentially life-saving advice appearing on screen where needed and depending on the answers given by the user.
The tool also encourages users to sign up for a Home Fire Safety Visit – limited numbers of which are currently being carried out to those who are at highest risk of fire in the home during the coronavirus pandemic.
The senior officer continued: “While this tool is incredibly useful, it does not replace our free Home Fire Safety Visit service, and we remain committed to reaching the most vulnerable people in our communities to help them stay safe.
“That is why we are encouraging people to get in touch with us if they believe someone they know is at risk, or if they are over 50, smoke and also either live alone, use medical oxygen or have mobility issues.
“If you do not fall into a high risk category, you will still be placed on the waiting list for a visit from our highly trained crews, to be carried out when it is safe to do so.
“By working together with our communities, we can continue to drive down the number of completely unavoidable fires we see in Scotland’s homes, and the number of avoidable injuries we see as a result.”
To use the interactive tool, visit:
https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety/online-hfsv-checker.aspx
For more information on free Home Fire Safety Visits, go to:
https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety/for-householders/home-fire-safety-visit.aspx
2019 Mental Health Officers’ Report published
A new report published by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) today, reveals that 94 staff left the mental health officer (MHO) workforce between December 2018 and 2019. The report also shows that although the number of local authorities reporting an MHO shortfall increased to 27, the number of full time MHOs needed to address the shortfall decreased to 49. |
| MHOs carry out statutory duties in relation to mental health legislation and shortfalls in staffing could result in delays to people accessing services, appropriate treatment and care and hospital discharges. Phillip Gillespie, SSSC Director of Innovation and Development said: ‘It’s encouraging to see the shortfall of MHOs decrease in 2019, with the equivalent of 49 full time MHOs needed to meet that shortfall. “With 56 social workers starting their MHO training in 2019 and funding announced by the Scottish Government in 2019 to support additional MHO capacity in local authorities there are positive moves to help in future. ‘The report also shows the proportion of under 45s has increased from 24.1% in 2015 to 29.9% in 2019 which will help with succession planning in the workforce. ‘Our MHO report contains key data about the workforce in Scotland to help local authorities, Scottish Government and others plan the future workforce. I’m pleased that data from our workforce intelligence team makes a considerable contribution to this work.’ Key points from this year’s MHO report There were 703 filled MHO posts in 2019. There were 27 fewer filled MHO posts in 2019 than in 2018, which is equivalent to a drop of 3.7%. The percentage drop in estimated MHO hours worked was 2.3%. Exclusive MHOs fell by 2.2 %, non-exclusive MHOs fell by 2.1% and cover MHOs by 18.3%. The number of exclusive MHOs unavailable for work increased from 18 to 30. The fall from 2016 in the estimated amount of time spent by MHOs on MHO work in Scotland is more than 9%. The estimated amount of MHO hours worked per 10,000 head of population in Scotland has decreased from 22.9 in 2016 to 20.5 in 2019. Between December 2018 and December 2019 staff left 94 MHO posts, this is more than the 87 in 2018. Over the last two years there has been the highest number of leavers since we started recording leavers in 2012. The next highest was 62 in 2014. Our role supporting MHOs We approve and quality assure the three university MHO programmes in Scotland, which includes feedback from people who use mental health services to inform improvements in the delivery of MHO education and practice. We also work in partnership with the national MHO forum, Social Work Scotland and the Scottish Association of Social Workers to develop resources to support practice including learning in relation to new mental health legislation and the annual MHO study day. You can download the 2019 Mental Health Officers Report here. |