Month: October 2020

12 of the UK’s Most Haunted Highways

Superstitious drivers seeking a scare this spooky season have been told about 12 of the most haunted roads across the UK.

From ghostly children and ghoulish soldiers to phantom trains and even werewolves, motoring experts at LeaseCar.uk have revealed some of the most reported supernatural sightings across Britain’s road network.

Driving in the dark can be scary enough as it is, but a number of spooky roads haunted by phantom hitchhikers, monks, and soldiers are supposedly peppered throughout the UK.

Tim Alcock from LeaseCar.uk commented: “Most of us will have heard stories about haunted houses, cemeteries, hospitals and hotels, but who knew there were so many roads that boast their fair share of ghouls, too?

“So with Halloween just around the corner, we’ve researched and revealed 12 of the scariest roads in the UK, in case you feel like taking your own phantom-filled road trip this spooky season.

“Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the stories alone are enough to send a chill down your spine.”

1. Blue Bell Hill, Kent

Over the last few decades, there have been countless reported sightings of ghostly figures in the road amongst Blue Bell Hill. The most reported being that of Judith Langham, a young bride-to-be who was killed in a car collision on the day of her wedding – 19 November 1965 – when she was just 22.

According to the reports, she haunts the road wearing a white dress and startles drivers who believe they’ve hit and injured her, yet when they get out of their car to help, she’s simply disappeared.

2. Stockbridge Bypass, Sheffield

In 1988, a new road was built across the Peak District to help connect the M1 with the Woodhead Pass and the A1616. Once building work started, reports of unusual occurrences began to surface, and the road soon became really famous for its paranormal activity.

During the time the road was under construction, it was reported that two security guards witness young children playing in the middle of the construction site. As they got closer, the children began to disappear with no footprint evidence left in the trail behind them.

3. M6 motorway

Part of this route has existed for nearly two thousand years, having been used by Roman soldiers during the Roman occupation of England in 55 BC, so it’s no wonder the M6 boasts its fair share of spooks.

It’s been reported that motorists driving on the M6 have witnessed unusual phenomena, like Roman soldiers marching across the road. Some people have claimed that there have been a set of eyes looking at them from behind bushes too.

4. The B519 by The Spaniard’s Inn, Hampstead

A sharp turn in the B519 just before The Spaniard’s Inn in Hampstead is said to be haunted by an eighteenth-century highway man.

The ghost’s father allegedly owned the pub for a time, and his ghoulish son still paces the road looking to target passing motorists.

5. A666, ‘The Devil’s Highway’, Bolton

If any road was going to be haunted, it was always going to be the A666, which shares its name with The Number of the Beast.

Several accidents have been caused by sightings of a hunched-over figure limping at the side of the road along the Devil’s Highway. Known simply as the A666 ghost, dashcam footage from 2015 revealed a white creature appear out of nowhere on the deserted road. The video shows the figure slowly approaching a terrified driver while the passenger cries for help.

6. The Old Tay Bridge, Dundee

A violent storm during the winter of 1879 caused the Old Tay Bridge to collapse while a train was passing over it. The six-carriage train plummeted into the ice-cold waters of the Tay and all 75 passengers on board were tragically killed.

According to an old legend, on the anniversary of the disaster each year, a phantom train can be seen crossing the old bridge and locals report hearing the screaming cries of the victims.

7. Platt Lane, Lancashire

This road in Westhoughton runs close to the site of the 1910 Pretoria pit tragedy, which killed 344 miners. Many motorists have reported seeing spooky eyes peering out of the hedges by the roadside, and phantom miners plodding alongside cars or pulling coal wagons behind them.

8. The A636, Wiltshire

One particular stretch of the A636 – dubbed ‘Sally in the Woods’ – is supposed to be the site of the tragic death of a young girl who was hit by a car and killed when she ran out into the road.

Motorists have reported numerous sightings, and as many as seven fatal accidents in the area have been left with no logical explanation for their cause – leading many to think they are the result of paranormal intervention.

9. B1249 between Driffield and Staxton Hill, East Riding of Yorkshire

Real life wolves roamed the wooded farmland of the East Riding of Yorkshire up until the 15th century, when they were hunted to extinction, so the number of reported werewolf sightings here may not come as much of a surprise.

In the 1960s, author Charles Christian described how a lorry driver was left terrified when a red-eyed, hairy creature tried to smash its way through his windscreen as he drove along the isolated road.

Then in August 2016, a young woman described seeing a monster which looked “like a big dog, ­probably bigger than my car, but it had a human face” in the nearby village of Halsham.

10. A3 near Burpham, Surrey

In December 2002, Surrey Police investigated reports of a car seen swerving off the A3 near Burpham.

They eventually found a car in a ditch containing the remains of a driver, but the motorist had perished some five months previously! This lead to speculation that the sighting had been a ghostly re-enactment of the crash which killed him.

11. Cock Lane, near the Old Bailey in London

While drivers may not necessarily experience anything on the road, one of the houses is said to be haunted by the ghosts of two women who died in the residence back in the 1760s, so many believe you can still hear strange noises and screams as you travel past.

12. Electric Brae, Aryshire, Scotland

Though there’s been no reports of ghostly goings on per se, this road has long been the subject of speculation regarding a different kind of supernatural phenomena.

Essentially, despite appearing to run uphill, a suitably free-running vehicle will slowly move off from a standstill. For years, it was widely believed that vehicles were being propelled by a mysterious magnetic force, and some even claimed that the road had been cursed by witches.

Ultimately, the Electric Brae is a ‘gravity hill’, whereby the road’s apparently uphill slope is actually an optical illusion – but it’s still popular amongst drivers who want to experience the phenomenon themselves.

Christmas at the Botanics sprinkles more magic on festive season

  • Festive light spectacular confirms new installations for 2020
  • Botanics will host NHS workers in gratitude for work throughout Covid-19 pandemic

With just a month until Christmas at the Botanics opens, the team behind one of Edinburgh’s festive favourites has confirmed new installations that will feature in the 2020 trail.

Over the 32-night run, visitors to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh can once again embark on an extraordinary night-time adventure, following a trail of glimmering lights and sparkling illuminations.

In tribute to the hard work and dedication of Scotland’s NHS staff, the Botanics will this year invite 200 Blue Light card holders to mark the opening of the much loved trail, which has become a seasonal staple and source of joy for many across the capital and beyond.

With glittering trees aplenty – many reaching tens of metres high – visitors will be able to weave through the enchanting displays and enjoy over 900m of illuminated garlands, the Cathedral of Light and Laser Garden, as well as this year’s myriad of new and spellbinding installations for a night filled with botanical and festive wonders.

New for 2020, and helping share a generous sprinkling of seasonal cheer, is ‘Starfield’ – which is set to wow guests with a display of 20 giant LED twinkling stars. Produced by audio-visual designers ArtAV – who created an interactive floor projection at the 2019 trail – Starfield will be the first stop for those looking for that magical moment or the perfect Instagram snap.

In keeping with this year’s ‘star’ theme, visitors can marvel upon brand-new installation, ‘Constellations’, a dazzling arrangement of six constellations – Orion, the Big Dipper, Pegasus, Cassiopeia, Little Bear and Aquila – made using 60 perfectly placed glowing stars.

Also added to this year’s winter speculator is ‘Cyclamens’ – an installation created by Liverpool Lantern Company – which has recreated the tuberous perennial in 30 three-metre-high bright blooms.

Rounding off the new installations for 2020’s festive extravaganza is ‘21 Diamonds’ which will beam a breath-taking lightshow onto the Botanics’ iconic 1960s Glasshouses. Designed by Edinburgh-based Lightworks, the new attraction will enable visitors to see the invaluable Glasshouses – home to the Botanics’ indoor Living Collection of plants – in a completely new light.

Simon Milne MBE, Regius Keeper at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, said: “The opening of Christmas at the Botanics is always a highlight in our calendar at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, but never more so than this year.

“It not only forms an important part of our 350th anniversary celebrations but presents an opportunity for some much need festivity as we near the end of a difficult year for everyone. A year which has intensified the interdependencies of the health of people and the health of the environment.

“The festive trail not only helps us showcase and accentuate botanical diversity, but it also reinforces the beauty of nature and the importance of conservation in the race against time against the growing impact of the climate emergency and biodiversity crisis.”

Jonathan Marks, Chief Development Director at Raymond Gubbay, a division of Sony Music, which promotes Christmas at the Botanics, added: “This year hasn’t been easy and, as one of a handful of festive celebrations able to still be held in Edinburgh, it is great to be able to provide some light relief and share seasonal cheer.

“We want to keep the festive spirit alive in Edinburgh, and we’re pleased to be able to return with a host of festive family favourites and world-first installations that will make for a truly magical night.”

Book your tickets online by visiting www.rbge.org.uk/christmas.

Christmas at the Botanics is one of seven illuminated trails produced by leading events promoter Raymond Gubbay Limited, a division of Sony Music. Christmas at the Botanics is held in partnership with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and creative producer Culture Creative.

For more details visit https://mychristmastrails.co.uk/ and follow @mychristmastrails on Facebook and Instagram.

Kidney recipients mark 60th anniversary of life-saving surgery

1,500 people in Scotland have donated since first surgery in Edinburgh in 1960

People saved by living kidney transplantation have given thanks to their donors and the NHS on the 60th anniversary of the first living kidney donation in the UK.

The pioneering surgery, which involved twin brothers from Leith, was performed at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh on 30 October 1960 by Sir Michael Woodruff and his team.

Since then, over 1,500 people in Scotland have helped others by donating a kidney.

Patricia Hourd, 63, from Perthshire who received a kidney from mum Sally Mearns 18 years ago, today led the tributes, thanking her mother and the nurses, doctors and surgeons for transforming her life and giving her years of good health. 

Sally, who donated aged 71 and is now 90, put herself forward for testing as a potential donor after Patricia was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease in 2002 and had to start dialysis, after her kidneys started to fail.

THe women are pictured above.

In September 2002, Patricia Hourd’s life was transformed thanks to her mother, Sally Mearns, who donated a kidney to her.

Teacher Patricia, 63, was in her early 20s when she discovered she had inherited polycystic kidney disease from her father. It wasn’t until she was in her 40s that her kidneys started showing signs of declining function.

She said: “My dad had suffered from kidney problems in the 1960s, and when they discovered polycystic kidney disease was genetic both my sister and I were offered tests in our 20s. Despite having no symptoms, I was diagnosed and told that I may experience kidney problems later in life. By the time I reached my 40s, my kidney function had dropped dramatically, and I had to go on dialysis in January 2002.

“Even though she was 71, my mother was already formulating a plan that if she was well enough she would donate a kidney to me. Initially doctors were reluctant to consider a donor of this age, but as a former P.E. teacher, my mother was in incredible shape and determined to go ahead with the transplant.

“Dialysis is so tough, I was forced to start teaching part time. Initially, I didn’t hold out much hope for the transplant going ahead due to my mother’s age, and I felt like there was no point in thinking about it too much. Instead I concentrated on getting through the dialysis.”

Before the transplant could take place, Patricia needed a nephrectomy as one of her diseased kidneys had swollen dramatically to many times its own size and weight. This operation gave back space in the abdomen and the transplant could go ahead.

Talking about the transplant, Patricia said: “Having the transplant has completely transformed my life, as soon as I woke up from the operation I began to get my strength and energy back, allowing me to return to work full time.

“My mother was home before I was, and as we lived within one mile of each other, so it was lovely to be so close by. Fortunately my kidney function has remained stable, and we’ve both been in good health since.

“My mother had given birth to me once, and this felt like she was doing that for a second time. We already had a close relationship, but this priceless gift bonded us even more. You can never be sufficiently thankful for something like this.”

A kidney from a living donor generally offers the best outcomes for patients living with kidney failure who need a transplant, and those on the waiting list are encouraged to consider living donation as an option for this reason.

A healthy person can live a completely normal life with one working kidney, and people can donate to a loved one in need or can donate altruistically to a stranger on the waiting list who is a match.

Minister for Public Health Joe FitzPatrick said: “Today is a significant milestone in the history of transplantation.  Living kidney donation has come a long way from that first surgery in October 1960, with 100 such operations currently performed in Scotland each year with a very high success rate.

“The programme will remain an important part of increasing donation and transplantation rates when opt out legislation is introduced next March. 

“The generosity of donors, coupled with the care and dedication of those in the NHS who facilitate each stage of the process, has resulted in many lives being saved and transformed and I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone involved.”

Mr Gabriel Oniscu, consultant transplant surgeon at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, and Director of the Edinburgh Transplant Centre said: “There have been many significant advancements in the 60 years since that first pioneering surgery which have completely changed the outcomes for patients living with kidney failure.  Keyhole surgery for the donor operation and the kidney sharing schemes have certainly revolutionised living donation. 

“The difference living donation makes to someone living with end stage kidney failure cannot be underestimated.  The most rewarding part of my role is without a doubt seeing a donor and recipient recovering following surgery.  Being able to facilitate that transformation is an immense privilege.”

To find out more about living donation, visit livingdonationscotland.org

Rugby has vital role to play boosting global health, study finds

Playing rugby union can significantly improve health and wellbeing, despite the risks associated with the game, a study suggests.

Possible benefits include a reduced risk of type-2 diabetes, some cancers, stroke, heart disease and depression, according to the paper in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

Improved muscle function, bone health and balance are other potential health gains listed in the study, which coincides with the final weekend of the Six Nations Championship.

Enhanced cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic function are further possible health dividends highlighted by researchers at the University of Edinburgh.

Players of touch, tag and wheelchair rugby appear to benefit most. Evidence of positive health outcomes among those playing contact forms of rugby union such as 15-a-side and sevens is less clear.

The study concludes that further research is needed on the physical impact of contact rugby, given the high incidence of injury and concussion compared with other sports, especially at professional level.

Researchers also highlight the positive impact that rugby union – especially in wheelchair rugby and amateur settings – has on mental health and wellbeing. Further study is needed to quantify the mental health benefits of contact rugby, they said.

The team reviewed nearly 200 rugby-related studies from six continents to build a comprehensive picture of the sport’s relationship with health, and to identify gaps in research.

This review is long overdue, the team says. Despite global participation in rugby union, there has been no overarching review of the relationship between rugby union and health and well-being. Scientific analysis has, until now, focused mainly on the relationship between rugby union participation and injury.

The study, funded by the Rugby Football Union, and in collaboration with the Scottish Rugby Union, seeks to provide a more balanced perspective on the benefits and risks.

With eight million players in 120 countries, rugby union plays a vital role in helping the global population meet the World Health Organisation’s physical activity goals, the study states.

Researchers say the review can make players, and those thinking of taking up the game, more aware of potential health gains as well as the hazards.

It will also enable parents and teachers to make informed decisions about schools rugby and help policymakers better understand how they might promote rugby union as a health enhancing activity.

Lead author Dr Steffan Griffin, of the Physical Activity for Health Research Centre at the University of Edinburgh, said: “There is strong evidence to suggest that all forms of rugby union provide moderate-to-vigorous physical activity that can be linked to a wide range of health and well-being benefits.”

The study (doi:10.1136/bjsports-2020-102085) can be accessed at: https://bit.ly/3kBXvSL.

12 Regional Flood Alerts and 16 Local Flood Warning issued

Mark Franklin, Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s (SEPA’s) Flood Duty Manager, said: “Heavy rain and strong winds are expected across much of Scotland on Saturday and Sunday.

“Flooding impacts from rivers and surface water are possible across much of the south west and west of Scotland, including Argyll, much of central Scotland and extending across Tayside into Angus and Aberdeenshire.

“Impacts may include flooding of land and roads, disruption to travel and difficult driving conditions.

“There may also be disruption from spray and waves overtopping today along the Solway coast, west coast, the Caithness, Sutherland and Moray coastlines and around the Orkney and Shetland Islands.

“Flood alerts have been issued and people living, working and travelling in affected areas are advised to take extra care and ensure they have signed up to Floodline. You can also stay up to date with flood alerts and warnings at floodlinescotland.org.uk/.

 “The Met Office has issued a yellow rain warning for much of the  south and west of the country for Saturday.

“SEPA is working 24/7 to monitor rainfall and river levels, and is in close contact with the Met Office and other partners to review the forecasts, which are combined with local expertise from all regions of Scotland to understand and present the flooding risk. The most up-to-date information is always available on our website.”

Staying informed

  • All SEPA’s Alerts and Warnings are available on our website at floodline.sepa.org.uk/floodupdates/
  • Floodline is always the most up-to-date information – with any new flood updates available as soon as they are issued.
  • You can also sign up to receive these messages to your phone, for free. You can register online at floodline.sepa.org.uk/floodingsignup/
  • Advice on what you can do to prepare for flooding can be found at org.uk/

Be prepared and stay safe

  • Check Floodline – visit sepa.org.uk/floodupdates
  • Don’t walk through flood water – 15cm of fast flowing water could be enough to knock you off your feet and hazards can be hidden under the water.
  • On the road or on public transport we can expect difficult conditions.
  • Drive with care, and do not travel through deep fast flowing water. It only takes 30sm of fast flowing water to move an average family sized car.
  • If you are walking beside rivers be extra careful of wet footpaths and possibly small watercourses in spate.

What’s the difference between a Flood Alert and a Flood Warning?

We use forecast weather information provided by the Met Office combined with our own observation of rainfall and river levels and advanced hydrological modelling to provide advance warning of flooding.

  • Regional Flood Alerts are early advice that flooding is possible across a wider geographical area. The purpose of the Alerts is to make people aware of the risk of flooding and be prepared. We normally issue them 12 to 24 hours in advance of the possibility of flooding.
  • Flood Warnings are more locally specific and are issued for areas where we have gauges on rivers to measure the exact river height. They are issued at shorter notice when we are more certain that a specific area will be affected.

‘It was my gloved hand dying patients were holding’

Caring Joanna wins University’s Simon Pullin Award

AN award-winning student nurse has told how the experience of being thrust into the Covid-19 frontline lifted her caring skills to new levels.

Joanna MacDonald was on a placement in the emergency department at Borders General Hospital at the height of the pandemic.

The Edinburgh Napier student, the newly-announced winner of the University’s Simon Pullin Award for 2020, said: “My compassionate caring skills were vital in a period when families and carers were not allowed into the department.

“On numerous occasions it was my gloved hand these patients were holding and not their families whilst they were seriously unwell or dying.

“At times I found the role overwhelming but I soon grew into it and made an active effort to do all that I could to ensure the patients experienced my compassionate care at such an important time.”

The Simon Pullin Award was established to recognise the human side of nursing and midwifery. It was created in memory of Senior Nurse Simon Pullin, who played a key role in the University’s Compassionate Care Programme up until his death from cancer in July 2011.

Joanna, 32, from Haddington, who graduated this week with a Bachelor of Nursing (Adult) degree, was named this year’s winner after impressing university and external assessors with a sensitively written submission about her experiences.

They said it highlighted her ability to provide compassionate care and work to a highly professional standard regardless of the clinical situation or workload pressures.

Joanna, who studied for her degree while bringing up daughters Poppy (9) and Flora (5), also wrote about her earlier work in the acute medical unit at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

She said: “I always made time for the small things such as ensuring the elderly men would have a shave and be in matching pyjamas or clothes for the morning visiting. Or that the elderly ladies had their hair combed the way they liked it and a spritz of perfume too!”

A placement within the hospital’s day surgery unit brought her into contact with patients who were having pregnancies terminated or treatment for cancer, and she also worked elsewhere on a palliative care ward for patients nearing the end of their lives.

Joanna said: “Ensuring that each of the patients in my care had a dignified and comfortable death was important to me.”

Joanna, who has just taken up a post as a staff nurse at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, said she was honoured and proud to be named this year’s winner of the Simon Pullin Award.

“Care and compassion are important aspects of the NHS values and something I am always mindful of upholding with the patients in my care. Reflecting on my journey in gaining these skills was a proud moment too to see how far I have come in the past few years.”

Dr Stephen Smith, a senior lecturer at the university and Honorary Nurse Consultant in Compassionate Care with NHS Lothian, said: “Joanna received exceptional feedback from staff in clinical practice and staff in the university.

“All the feedback pointed to core learning and development in the provision of compassionate care, very particularly knowing that it is the seemingly small things that matter to each individual.”

Dr Alison Wood, Joanna’s Personal Development Tutor at the University, added: “Despite all the challenges due to Covid-19, Joanna has maintained her focus on patient-centred and compassionate care – I am delighted she has secured her first qualified staff nurse post and will be able to continue to provide compassionate care in her new role.”

Huge jump in number of people missing card and loan payments as financial support cut back

The number of people missing a credit card or loan payment in the UK is estimated to have almost doubled in just a month, new Which? research has revealed.

The consumer champion warns scaled back financial support measures may not be sufficient to protect consumers in financial difficulty.

The latest findings from Which?’s consumer insight tracker reveal that approximately 370,000 more people defaulted on a credit card or loan in October than in September, with the estimated number rising from 410,000 to 780,000. This is the sharpest rise in missed payments of this type since the start of the pandemic.

Overall, 5.8 per cent of respondents to the Which? survey reported that their household had defaulted on at least one housing, credit card, loan or bill payment in October. This was a significant increase from September’s figure of 3.8 per cent, and was driven by the increase in defaults on credit cards and loan repayments.

A missed payment is an indicator of significant financial difficulty, and the large spike is highly concerning as it comes as the financial regulator reduces the level of support given to people who are in financial difficulty on 31 October – the same date that the government’s Job Retention Scheme also finishes.

With the Bank of England predicting that unemployment is expected to rise to around 7.5 per cent by the end of the year, and debt advice charity StepChange seeing 13,000 people seeking debt advice for the first time in August alone, Which? is concerned that the Financial Conduct Authority’s scaled back measures will not be enough to tackle the looming challenge to the financial wellbeing of huge numbers of people.

The FCA initially responded rapidly to the coronavirus outbreak, working with the banking industry to introduce a range of financial assistance measures – including payment holidays for mortgages and other forms of credit for those who are struggling financially as a result of the pandemic.

Which? has been warning since August about the need to prepare robust plans to help people through the winter months, after its research indicated that furloughed workers are three times more likely to have defaulted on at least one payment in the previous month. The consumer champion subsequently called for an extension of existing support measures until the start of next year.

However, the FCA has since announced that, from 1 November, lenders will be required to carry out assessments of individual circumstances in order to provide support, rather than consumers being able to self-report their financial difficulty.

Which? has serious concerns about the industry’s capacity to handle a potential deluge of requests for urgent assistance.

Recent research from the consumer champion found that 22 per cent of mortgage holders had contacted, or attempted to contact, their lender since the start of the pandemic and 61 per cent of those requested a payment holiday.

Worryingly, more than half (56%) reported having a problem doing this – with issues including long call wait times, and no responses to email or phone messages.

While it will always be better for a customer who can afford to continue to make payments towards their credit card or loan payments to do so, these figures suggest many people are struggling financially and will need support from their lender.

The consumer champion fears that the additional requirement to assess people’s personal circumstances could create a significant backlog with firms who are having to deal with consumers needing financial support as their payment holidays come to an end, and an additional influx of people seeking help after the government’s job retention scheme finishes on 31 October.

Which? does not want to see consumers denied support altogether, or facing delays that mean they are unable to access help before missing a payment. It believes the regulator should be prepared to move quickly to reintroduce measures similar to the original support if the industry struggles to cope with demand.

Which? is also opposed to a return of normal reporting of financial support on consumer credit files, as this risks pushing large numbers of people facing temporary financial hardship into long-term difficulties.

Currently, payment holidays are not marked on credit files as it has been acknowledged that these are exceptional circumstances. However after 31 October, if a lender offers a payment holiday or agrees an arrangement with a consumer to make reduced payments, these will be reported as missed payments.

Which? believes it is not fair to penalise customers who fall into financial difficulty at this stage of the pandemic through no fault of their own, when people who needed help at the start were able to take payment holidays without facing the same consequences.

Gareth Shaw, Head of Money at Which?, said: “This significant increase in missed payments is a warning sign that large numbers of people could be on the brink of really struggling financially, and it reinforces our concerns about the impact of the government, regulators and industry rolling back vital support.

“There is a real risk that the additional hurdles customers face could mean help is delayed, or impossible to access at all – which could leave many facing serious debt problems.

“Firms need to be proactive and flexible with people who need urgent help, and if there is evidence that customers can’t get the support they need quickly enough, the regulator must be prepared to introduce stronger measures.”

Morrisons offers Teachers and School Staff 10% off all groceries

From this Monday (Nov 2nd), all teachers and school staff will be able to claim a 10% discount* on their shopping in Morrisons stores nationwide.

Lasting until after Christmas, the special discount is a thank you to half a million teachers** and additional school staff who are looking after the nation’s children and supporting them through the Covid-19 pandemic.

Primary, secondary, private and special educational school teachers can all claim the discount, as well as all teaching assistants, catering staff, dinner ladies, caretakers, cleaners and school office staff.

These groups will also be able to participate in a dedicated shopping hour alongside NHS workers from 6am-7am (Mon-Sat) before stores open to other customers.***

Morrisons also offers a 10% discount for NHS staff which was introduced in April.

From this Monday, all teachers and school staff will be able to claim a 10% discount on their shopping in Morrisons stores nationwide. Lasting until after Christmas, the special discount is a thank you to the half a million teachers and additional school staff who are looking after the nation’s children and supporting them through the COVID-19 pandemic.

David Potts, Morrisons Chief Executive said: “Teachers and school staff are facing many challenges and the education of our children has never been more important. This discount is our way of saying thank you as they continue to care for and educate our kids.”

Teachers and school staff can claim the 10% discount on their groceries by presenting their school photo ID card at the till in any of Morrisons 498 stores from Monday 2 November.

*The 10% discount cannot be used with a purchase of alcohol, drugs, pharmaceutical products, infant milk or formula, tobacco and is not available online.

Full terms and conditions here https://my.morrisons.com/teachers

**https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/school-workforce-in-england

*** The special hour of shopping also applies in most stores on a Sunday from 9am

New sports and outdoor centre for North Edinburgh

Plans for a new sports and outdoor centre in north Edinburgh have been given the green light by councillors.

Plans for the Bangholm Sports and Outdoor Centre were approved by the Development Management Sub-Committee on Wednesday (28 October).

The building will be located next to Trinity Academy and create a new campus with the sports pavilion being the first phase in a proposed redevelopment of the school’s facilities.

It will include a four-court sports hall, gym hall, dance studio and fitness suite, and will become the new home to the school’s PE department. 

The Council’s Sport and Outdoor Learning Unit will also have a base in the centre so they can support outdoor learning in Edinburgh and the surrounding areas. 

Cllr Ian Perry, Education Convener, said: “It’s great news that these plans have been approved today as the school and wider local community are really going to benefit from these purpose-built sport and outdoor centre buildings.

“The new sports venue will boast a four court hall, gym hall, dance studio and fitness suite and although it will primarily be used by Trinity Academy for school PE, wider community groups will also have access to the facilities.”

Cllr Neil Gardiner, Planning Convener, said: “This is going to be an excellent new facility for Trinity Academy pupils and the wider community. I look forward to seeing the plans presented to us today being taken forward and built for school children and other community groups to enjoy.

“Providing high quality facilities for health and well-being is a vital part of planning in 21st century Edinburgh.”

Job Support Scheme launches

Millions of jobs will continue to be supported over the winter months with the UK government’s Job Support Scheme (JSS) available to businesses across the UK from Sunday, 1 November.

  • combined with the Job Retention Bonus (JRB), the Job Support Scheme (JSS) will cover at least 95% of the total employment costs for average previously furloughed employee until February
  • when factoring in the JRB analysis shows employers will receive the full employment costs of around half of people on JSS Open – which is available to businesses across all parts of the UK from Sunday
  • data shows the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) has successfully protected jobs – with 90% of people returning to the same job after being furloughed

It comes as analysis reveals the generosity of the government’s income support schemes – with many firms receiving the full employment costs of staff.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, said: “I’m pleased that the IMF this week called our response to the pandemic one of the best examples of coordinated action globally – the furlough scheme has been central to that, supporting 9.6 million jobs through some of the most challenging economic times.

“But it’s right that as we move towards a more targeted approach to tackle the virus, our support becomes more targeted too.

“The Jobs Support Scheme will continue to protect jobs throughout the difficult months ahead and is part of our comprehensive Plan for Jobs.”

The JSS scheme launches on Sunday and is designed to support businesses across the whole of the UK who are either legally required to close or facing lower demand over the winter months.

Under the JSS Open part of the scheme, which was made more generous last week, the government contributes 62% towards the wages of staff for the hours they do not work, whilst the employers pay just 5% plus NICS and pensions contributions. Employees receive a minimum of 73% of their wages.

Under JSS Closed, which is for businesses legally required to close due to coronavirus restrictions, the government will pay two thirds of each employees’ salary with employers just covering NICs and pension contributions, a very small proportion of overall employment costs.

Firms who retain staff that have previously been furloughed until the end of January will also receive a £1,000 per eligible employee payment under the JRB.

Taken together, the two schemes (JSSO and JRB) will cover 95% of the employment costs of the average previously furloughed employee until the end of January. For those earning less than £1,100 per month the JRB offsets all the employer costs of the JSS Open– meaning businesses will not have to make any contributions. Under the original CJRS around half of furloughed workers had earnings below this level.

For many lower earning employees on Universal Credit (UC), the combined impact of the support of the JSS and UC will mean they could receive around 90% of their normal net income (whilst working only 20% of the hours).

The CJRS closes today on Saturday 31 October ahead of the JSS launch tomorrow on Sunday 1 November.

As the scheme draws to a close new data published by HMRC shows that during the scheme’s eight month life it has protected 9.6 million jobs through some of the most challenging economic times the country has ever faced – with 90% of those coming off furlough by August returning to the same job.

The JSS and JRB are just one part of the UK Government’s package of measures that includes the extended business grants and Self-Employed Income Support Schemes announced last week, which will continue to support businesses and livelihoods across the country over the winter months.

Further information:

  • there is no gap in support between the CJRS and JSS
  • the deadline for submitting CJRS claims is 30 November
  • the JSS launches on 1 November, and employers can submit claims directly to HMRC from December 2020
  • HMRC stats show that 90% of those coming of furlough before August returned to the same job
  • for more information, see the Covid-19 Financial Support Package: Fact Sheet (PDF, 189KB, 10 pages)

Case studies

Example 1 – Job Support Scheme Open

  • Andrew normally works 5 days a week and earns £1400 a month, working in at a restaurant in the hospitality sector. His company is suffering reduced sales due to coronavirus. Rather than making Andrew redundant, the company puts Andrew on the Job Support Scheme, working 20% of his usual hours.
  • His employer pays Andrew £280 a month for these hours.
  • And for the time he is not working (80%), he will get 66.67% of his pay for that time. His total wage package is 73%, equal to £1,027. The government will give a grant worth £691 (61.67% of hours not worked) to Andrew’s employer to support them in keeping Andrew’s job, and his employer will pay a further £56 for hours not worked (5% of wages).
  • In addition, the employer will cover the Employer NICs and autoenrollment pension contribution on the payment (£56).
  • His employer may also be eligible for the Job Retention Bonus worth £1,000, this would cover 94.6% of employers total costs for retaining Andrew on the JSS between November and January.
  • For many lower earning employees on Universal Credit (UC), the combined impact of the support of the JSS and UC will mean they could receive around 90% of their normal net income (whilst working only 20% of the hours).

Example 2 – Job Support Scheme Open

  • Elena normally works part-time and earns £1,100 a month. Her company is suffering reduced sales due to coronavirus. Rather than making Elena redundant, the company puts Elena on the Job Support Scheme, working 20% of her usual hours.
  • Her employer pays Elena £220 a month for these hours.
  • And for the time she is not working (80%), she will get 66.67% of her pay for that time. Her total wage package is 73%, equal to £807.
  • The government will give a grant worth £543 (61.67% of hours not worked) to Elena’s employer to support them in keeping Elena’ job, and her employer will pay a further £44 for hours not worked (5% of wages).
  • In addition, the employer will cover the Employer NICs and autoenrollment pension contribution on the payment (£19).
  • Her employer may also be eligible for the Job Retention Bonus worth £1,000, this would cover over 100% of employers total costs for retaining Elena on the JSS between November and January.
  • For many lower earning employees on Universal Credit (UC), the combined impact of the support of the JSS and UC will mean they could receive around 90% of their normal net income (whilst working only 20% of the hours).

Example 3 – Job Support Scheme Closed

  • Charlie normally earns £1,400 a month and his company needs to close due to coronavirus. Rather than making Charlie redundant, the company puts Charlie on the Job Support Scheme Closed.
  • The government will give a grant worth 66.67% of Charlie’s pay to his employer to support them in keeping Charlie’ job.
  • That means for the time he is not working, he will get 66.67% of his pay. His total wage package is equal to £933.
  • The employer will cover the Employer NICs and autoenrollment pension contribution on the payment.
  • For many lower earning employees on Universal Credit (UC), the combined impact of the support of the JSS and UC will mean they could receive around 90% of their normal net income (whilst working only 20% of the hours).

Example 4 – Job Support Scheme Closed

  • Dalia normally earns £1,100 a month part-time and her company needs to close due to coronavirus. Rather than making Dalia redundant, the company puts Dalia on the Job Support Scheme Closed.
  • The government will give a grant worth 66.67% of Dalia’s pay to her employer to support them in keeping Dalia’s job.
  • That means for the time she is not working, she will get 66.67% of her pay. Her total wage package is equal to £733.
  • The employer will cover the Employer NICs and autoenrollment pension contribution on the payment.
  • For many lower earning employees on Universal Credit (UC), the combined impact of the support of the JSS and UC will mean they could receive around 90% of their normal net income (whilst working only 20% of the hours).

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation says there are still gaps in support that need to be filled, despite the Treasury’s support schemes.

The mortgage holiday scheme introduced at the start of the Covid-19 crisis ends on Saturday as does the job furlough scheme, which is being replaced by the Job Support Scheme.

It will leave a fifth of mortgage holders – around 1.6 million households – worried about paying their mortgage over the next three months, according to the poverty charity.

JRF said: “There is a real risk that mortgage-holders on low incomes will be pulled into poverty and hardship.

“890,000 working households with a mortgage expect to see a drop in earnings over the next month, but 85% of them – 750,000 households – aren’t eligible for any government support with their housing costs.

“It’s not right that during a time of huge uncertainty, many households are discovering that they are excluded from the only lifeline that could help meet their housing costs,” said Darren Baxter, policy and partnerships manager at the charity.”

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation wants the Support for Mortgage Interest payment to be reformed to help people who lose their jobs to keep their homes as they weather the coronavirus storm.