The TUC yesterday called on the UK government to implement the Equality Act in full on its tenth anniversary. The Equality Act became law on 1 October 2010.
The union organisation is also challenging ministers to show how they have delivered on the legal duties in the act in their response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
It protects working people from discrimination based on age, sex, disability, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, or gender reassignment. It was also designed to improve the lives of working class people through tackling inequality, but that part of the act, the socio-economic duty, was never brought into force.
The TUC is concerned that ten years since it was introduced, the full powers of the act have still not been implemented. And there is little evidence that the government is fulfilling its legal duty to consider the impact on inequalities in the decisions it makes.
The TUC says that Covid-19 has deepened inequality and discrimination at work, and is calling on the government to:
Bring the socio-economic duty into force: This was included in the original act but never implemented. It would require government and the public sector to deliver better outcomes for lower income people and make narrowing inequality a priority.
Reintroduce protections subsequently taken out: Previous governments have stripped away protections that were originally in the Equality Act – such Section 40, which would make employers liable for harassment of their employees by customers or clients. The union body says that in the current situation where hostility and assaults on retail and hospitality staff are increasing during the pandemic, this should be reinstated urgently.
Publish equality impact assessments for all government policies, as the law requires: in particular, the government should publish every equality impact assessment that they carried out to inform their response to Covid-19 – and should be held to account for those that are missing.
TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “Everyone has the right to respect and equal treatment at work – and in wider society.
“The Equality Act should have been a gamechanger. But ten years on, it still isn’t fully in force. Now is the time for the government to implement it in full.
“The pandemic has shown that the UK is still riven with discrimination.
“Black workers are more likely to be in frontline jobs with inadequate PPE – and more likely to die. Pregnant and disabled workers are too often first in line for redundancy. And the disappearance of much childcare provision has left women struggling to hold on to their jobs.
“Without the protection of Section 40 of the Equality Act, staff have less protection from abuse and harassment. Yet during the pandemic, we have seen a rise in hostility and assaults on shop workers and hospitality staff.
“Britain can be a more equal, more prosperous country. Equality must not be an afterthought for ministers.”
NHS 24 is celebrating the incredible efforts of its Call Handlers and Operators supporting the 111 service, particularly during recent months.
Call Handler and Operators are often the first people you talk to when dialling 111. It’s a skilled job, requiring dedication and care.
To recognise this valuable contribution, NHS 24 will be marking today -Friday October 2nd – as Call Handler and Call Operator Day with tributes being made to staff across Scotland.
These staff are supported by a range of clinical colleagues who understand first-hand the role and how important it is in supporting people who call 111.
Gail MacGregor, Head of Clinical Services at NHS 24’s Cardonald base, said: “Our colleagues provide an essential role as the gateway to our telephone services. As the initial point of contact, they set the first impression and provide support during some of the most difficult times of our caller’s lives.”
The 111 service provides non-emergency medical advice when GPs are not available, and has seen a huge increase in call volumes during the COVID-19 pandemic with calls doubling from 30,000 to 60,000 per week during lockdown.
NHS 24’s Chief Executive, Angiolina Foster, said it’s particularly important to recognise the efforts of staff following record numbers of calls: “Our Call Handlers and Call Operators are the lifeblood of NHS 24, and I have enormous respect for the job they do and the professionalism and care they bring to it.
“I really hope our staff enjoy their richly deserved day in the limelight.”
If you are too unwell to wait until your GP reopens, you can call NHS 24 via the 111 free-to-call number.
You may also find the information you need to manage your symptoms via www.nhsinform.scot, Scotland’s trusted health information site.
** Unlimited monthly winter-golf for just £22.50 per month **
For die hard golf fans or even those new to the game who want to keep in the swing of it during the winter, Edinburgh Leisure’s winter golf membership could be just the deal.
It pays to play, with the membership costing just £22.50 per month, compared up to £27.50 that you would pay as a pay-as-you-go customer. So buying a winter golf membership and playing more than once, will mean a saving worth having.
Ken Harvey, Head of Operations at Edinburgh Leisure said: “Golf at Edinburgh Leisure has experienced a resurgence after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted at the beginning of June and it’s been great to see regulars back on our fairways and also new players taking up the game or players returning to the game after dusting off their clubs.
“With minimal use of winter greens and no mats, it’s the ideal opportunity to keep your golf on par until the summer returns. The beauty of Edinburgh Leisure’s winter golf membership is that you won’t have to rely on playing just one course.
“Our membership gives you the flexibility and variety to experience up to six different courses in unique locations across the city. So wrap up warm, fill your thermos, grab your clubs and improve your game and your mental health with a round of golf! In fact, playing just once a month, will see your membership pay for itself.”
The winter pass is valid from 1 October 2020 – 31 March 2021 and allows access to Edinburgh Leisure’s six golf courses*.
Edinburgh Leisure’s 18-hole courses include Braid Hills, Carrick Knowe, Craigentinny, and Silverknowes. For a quicker challenge, Edinburgh Leisure also have two popular 9-hole courses – Portobello and the Wee Braids.
From December to February, the Wee Braids closes and some of its holes are incorporated into the main Braid Hills course.
Payable monthly by direct debit until March 2021, different membership options are available including access to all the courses, seven days-a-week, and a five-day membership with access to all courses, Monday to Friday.
The membership also gives 20% off other Edinburgh Leisure activities including the gym, swimming, racquet sports and climbing, at the various Edinburgh Leisure venues across the city – so it pays to play.
Edinburgh Leisure has introduced rules and measures to ensure golfers can play in an environment that is safe for both customers and staff.
Some things have changed but customers will still be guaranteed the warm Edinburgh Leisure welcome:
It is now necessary for all tee times to be booked and paid for in advance. Customers can no longer turn up to play.
Each player must be played for separately. The booking system lets the golfer and any guests to pay separately for their round.
Edinburgh Leisure members and cardholders can book a tee time from 9 pm, 8 days in advance. Non-members can still book a tee-time but will need to create an account with Edinburgh Leisure before they can book. They will then be able to book from 9 pm, 7 days in advance.
Under the current guidelines, only four-balls social golf can be played.
No changing rooms will be available so golfers are advised to change into their shoes and any outdoor wear whilst at their car and then proceed straight to the starters’ office/area.
The National Audit Office (NAO) recently reported that HM Treasury and the public bodies responsible for overseeing the cash system need to work together more effectively to achieve the government’s goal of safeguarding access to cash. A coordinated effort is needed to prevent vulnerable people who rely on cash for transactions from being excluded.
Ten years ago, cash was used in six out of 10 transactions but by 2019 it was used in less than three in 10 transactions. The outbreak of COVID-19 may have accelerated this trend, as data suggests that market demand for notes and coins declined by 71% between early March and mid-April during the lockdown, although demand has since been recovering.
The decline in the use of cash in transactions is putting pressure on the cash system. Commercial operators who distribute cash rely on high demand to maintain the attractiveness of their business models, and cover large fixed costs, such as bank branches and ATMs. In March 2020 the government announced that it would be bringing forward legislation to protect access to cash and address the sustainability of the cash infrastructure.
According to the NAO, the pressures on the cash system could mean that people who rely on cash find it more difficult to use cash in transactions. Published research shows that older people and those on a low income are more likely to make cash transactions.
In the two years to December 2019, there was a 17% reduction in free-to-use ATMs. LINK3, with support from the Payment Systems Regulator, have protected ATMs in specified areas where provision is limited.
However, while there remains a higher number of free-to-use ATMs in more deprived areas, in the two years to January 2020 the proportion of free-to-use ATMs has declined faster in those areas than in less deprived areas.
The NAO cannot currently see a clear link between the government’s aim to safeguard the consumer’s ability to use cash, and the responsibilities of the five public bodies in the cash system.
No single body has responsibility for reporting on the performance of the system in meeting the government’s aim. In May 2019, HM Treasury established the Joint Authorities Cash Strategy Group (JACS) to coordinate work to support nationwide access to cash. Although the group has improved joint working towards government’s aims, JACS does not oversee the cash system and has no decision-making power.
Changes in cash use are having an impact on the production of coins. Coin production shrank by 65% in the last decade to 383 million UK coins a year in 2019-20, from around 1.1 billion in 2010-11.
When the Royal Mint (the Mint) replaced the old £1 coin in 2017, the public returned large volumes of all coin denominations. As a result, the Royal Mint’s stocks exceeded targets in all denominations.
At the time of the NAO’s fieldwork, the Mint had no plans to produce new 2p or £2 coins for at least ten years. To drive efficiencies, the Mint has reduced headcount by 22% on coin-making work within its currency division and scrapped two of its six plating lines.
Despite fewer people using cash for transactions, the demand for notes has continued to increase.
In 2020, the number of notes in circulation reached a record high of 4.4 billion, with a value of £76.5 billion. In 2018, the Bank of England (the Bank) estimated that only 20%–24% of the value of notes in circulation were being used or held for cash transactions, with UK households holding a further 5% as savings.
Little is known about the remainder, worth approximately £50 billion, but possible explanations include holdings overseas for transactions or savings and possibly holdings in the UK of unreported domestic savings, or for use in the shadow economy. The Bank and other government bodies have little reliable information to quantify how much is likely to be held where.
At March 2020 the Bank’s contingency holding of notes significantly exceeded its minimum guidance levels, which was partly affected by the launch of the new £20 note. Its contingency stock levels were above minimum levels for all denominations, with a total value of £39 billion, against its minimum contingency guidance level of £20.5 billion.
The Bank considered these stock levels to be appropriate in light of the transition of the £20 note to polymer. However, it is not clear from the documentation shown to the NAO what process the Bank operated to determine adequate stock levels, and how the cost implications of building stock levels were taken into account.
Recent anti-counterfeiting work by both the Bank and the Mint is delivering improvements. Indications so far are that £5 and £10 polymer notes, with new security technology, have reduced the incidence of counterfeiting compared to equivalent paper notes. In addition, since the Mint introduced new advanced security technology, surveys have found very low counterfeiting rates for the new £1 coin and other denominations.
The NAO recommends that HM Treasury should set out more clearly the specific outcomes it wants the cash system to deliver for consumers and small businesses, and how this should be balanced against costs.
To drive efficiency, the Mint and the Bank should maximise opportunities to learn from each other’s experiences of cash production and align production capacity closely to future needs.
Gareth Davies, head of the NAO, said:“As society progresses towards the wide use of digital payments, the use of cash in transactions is dwindling. It may become harder for people to access cash when they need it and those without the means to pay digitally will struggle if cash is not accepted.
“HM Treasury now works more closely with the public bodies in the cash system to achieve the government’s goal of safeguarding access to cash. However, the approach is fragmented, and it is not clear that the action being taken will keep up with the pace of change.”
Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said:“Edinburgh and the Lothians have been moving away from cash over the last decade, but there are many people who still rely on using cash.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the use of contactless payments which is not convenient for everyone.
“The UK and Scottish Government must work together to ensure that people who prefer using cash to manage their money have easy access to it.”
People eligible for the free flu vaccine are being urged to take up the offer to protect themselves and others and help the NHS avoid additional pressure over the winter period.
This year the vaccine is being offered to more people than ever to address the additional risk posed by coronavirus (COVID-19). In order to vaccinate more people safely, where you go to get your vaccine may be different from previous years and may not be at a GP surgery.
New walk-in or drive-through centres have been set up in many areas within local facilities, such as town halls and community hubs, along with outreach programmes for the sole purpose of delivering the free flu jab. They will provide a safe alternative to GP surgeries for many adults who are eligible and have received, or will receive, a letter in the coming weeks, to book a vaccination appointment.
GP practices will continue to play an important role – particularly for the most vulnerable members of the community.
As in previous years, local health teams will be deployed to primary schools to offer the vaccination to all primary school aged children.
For those living in and working in care homes, along with those receiving care at home and the elderly, local NHS Boards are making arrangements for vaccinations to take place in the home.
Vaccination for the different groups will be staggered with those most at risk being prioritised. So far, invitations have been sent to two of those groups, parents of those aged 2-5 years and those aged 65 and over, inviting them to make an appointment.
From October, further letters will be sent to priority groups including:
All primary school children
Anyone with an eligible health condition
Pregnant women
Healthcare workers
Unpaid and young carers
Those living in the same home as people previously shielding from coronavirus
Social care workers who provide direct personal care
From December, those aged 55 to 64 (by 31 March 2021) who would not usually be eligible will also be offered the flu vaccine.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Nicola Steedman (above) said: “This year, more than ever, it is important that you receive your flu vaccine if you are eligible.
“The way the flu vaccine is administered will be a little different for many people, given COVID-19 restrictions, and it may not be at a GP practice for some.
“Some people may be worried about the risks of going out to get their vaccination, but getting your flu vaccine is one of the most important reasons for leaving your home and strict infection prevention and control measures will be in place to protect you. The vaccine is safe and it’s the best way to help protect you from flu this winter. It only takes a few minutes to be vaccinated, and it helps to provide protection from flu for around a year.
“Flu is serious and with COVID-19 still circulating in the community there is increased risk to life if you are ill with both viruses simultaneously, therefore we all need to play our part to keep ourselves as healthy as possible over the winter months. Flu vaccination is a big part of that.”
Everyone who is eligible for a free flu jab will be contacted in writing in the coming weeks with details of how to make an appointment. These letters will not all be sent out at the same time and instead will be staggered to ensure those most at clinical risk are prioritised.
People will receive a letter asking them to book an appointment at a venue which may be at their local pharmacy, attending a local walk through centre, by visiting a GP practice or nearby mobile unit or with a district nurse.
More information on eligibility and how to make an appointment in your area is available at nhsinform.scot/flu – or call 0800 22 44 88 where an NHS24 call handler will be able to direct you.
The flu vaccination programme will run from early October through to February next year.
Traffic Scotland has reported that the M8, Scotland’s busiest motorway, currently remains closed in both directions at Harthill (J4A westbound, J5 eastbound) after a serious accident in the early hours of this morning.
There are long delays – motorists are advised to use an alternate route at this time and should allow extra time for their journey.
Aldi’s popular in-store Scottish Beer Festival is back today, featuring a line-up of 31 craft beers from 15 local breweries across Scotland.
This year’s line-up includes three brand-new additions from Dalkeith-based brewers Cross Borders Brewing. Founded in 2016, Cross Borders Brewing has grown from strength to strength, winning numerous brewing accolades as well as opening their own pub, Portobello Tap near Portobello beach.
From sour ales to stouts, this season’s line-up includes something for every beer drinker, and bottles start from just £1.49.
Aldi shoppers can try Cross Borders Brewing’s award-winning Wee Braw Session IPA, flavoured with mosaic hops from the US, their pineapple and apricot infused Braw Pale Ale, or their classic India Pale Ale for those who enjoy a rich citrus flavour.
Cross Borders Brewing will feature alongside 14 other Scottish breweries, including firm beer festival favourites such as, Brewdog, Barney’s Beer and Isle of Skye Brewery.
Craig Hannigan, Sales Representative, Cross Borders Brewing, commented:“We are thrilled to make our debut in Aldi’s famous in-store Scottish Beer Festival.
“It’s a brilliant opportunity for us to reach Aldi shoppers from all over the country. The past few months have been challenging for small businesses, however, Aldi’s support is a significant boost for all of us that are featured in the line-up, and we hope Aldi shoppers across Scotland enjoy the diverse range of brews on offer.”
Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland, said:“We want our customers to have access to the very best Scottish brewing has to offer, that’s why our line-up for the 22nd in-store Scottish Beer Festival includes 15 exceptional craft breweries from all four corners of the country.
“We are thrilled to welcome back some of the Scottish Beer Festival’s firm favourites, as well as new brewers, Cross Borders Brewing, to the line-up.
“Over the years, we have enjoyed exploring the diverse range of Scottish brewing and we have built strong relationships with local breweries around the country as part of our pledge to expand our range of Scottish products to 500 over the next 2 years.
“Our Beer Festival ensures we can offer Aldi customers the best range of craft beers, whilst supporting local breweries during these challenging times.”
Over the past five months of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Carnegie UK Trust has been undertaking a series of conversations with communities across the UK, exploring the changing relationship between local government, public services and communities.
Throughout these conversations, we’ve heard from several areas that community hubs were a critical part of the emergency response.
In many cases, these demonstrated strong leadership, creative practice and partnership working. The Trust believes that these hubs could have a longer-term role in recovery from the pandemic, joining the dots between people that require support and connecting them to a range of services to promote individual and community wellbeing.
Building on the learning from four areas, (North Ayrshire, Renfrewshire, Lancaster and Scarborough), our new report offers examples of best practice, challenges, opportunities and learning for the future. We hope that these examples will inspire change.
North Ayrshire: A case study on kindness
On the same day, we are also releasing a report that tells the story of our two-year partnership with North Ayrshire Council.
This ‘case study on kindness’ shares the activities, achievements and learning about what it takes to embed kindness across a local authority area, and finishes with five priorities that we hope will feel relevant and urgent for local government and its partner organisations everywhere.
I do hope that you find these reports helpful.
To let us know your thoughts, please email Pippa@CarnegieUK.org or join the debate online by tagging @CarnegieUKTrust #COVIDConversations – we would be pleased to hear from you.
The financial impact of the lockdown imposed at the end of March has been revealed in new research of UK adults by credit reference agency Equifax. The study found that 40% people living in the Scotland feel worse off financially due to the coronavirus lockdown.
Figures suggest this could be a consequence of the fact that 38% of people living in Scotland reported they took home a reduced salary during lockdown, compared to 37% nationally, with 1 in 5 people believing they will be made redundant when furlough ends.
43% of people in Scotland believe it will take up to 12 months to recover financially compared to 36% nationally
1 in 10 of those living in Scotland are behind on regular payments for which they don’t have payment holidays
52% of people in Scotland continued saving during lockdown and 44% saved more than pre-lockdown.
Lisa Hardstaff, credit information expert at Equifax, commented: “For those on furlough, the fear of redundancy once the scheme comes to an end is very real. And even for those who don’t believe they will be made redundant; nearly a third of people living in Scotland believe their employer will ask them to reduce their salary in the immediate future once they return to work.
“Everyone has been affected differently during this crisis. National figures show that more than half (52%) said they were able to put aside more money into their savings compared with pre-lockdown.
“And nearly a quarter (24%) said they actually feel better off. However, in contrast, 18% admitted they were behind on regular payments for which they don’t have a ‘payment holiday’ in place
“Expenditure on outgoings has changed since lockdown; nearly half of those surveyed that live in the Scotland spent more each week on their food bill and 43% spent more on gas and electricity. As the work from home culture continues it’s likely these additional costs will remain, even though, not surprisingly 66% said they spent less on travel.
“With areas of the country in localised lockdowns and a second COVID-19 wave predicted in the Autumn, recovering from the financial impact of COVID-19 could be prolonged.
“National figures also show that over a third (36%) believe it will take them up to 12 months to recover and 31% said they think it will take between 13 to 24 months to get back on a solid financial footing. Now more than ever, therefore, it’s vital to have a really good understanding of financial incomings and outgoings.”
With uncertain times ahead Equifax has created an online budget planner that allows people to monitor their income against their outgoings, to help them take control of their finances now and in the future.
Lisa Hardstaff concluded: “A financial planner not only helps manage outgoings each month, it allows people to prioritise important financial commitments like mortgage payments, council tax, etc.
“It can also help to see where money can be saved, such as unused memberships or cutting back on food bills.”
Today (Thursday 1st October) marks ten years since the Equality Act 2010 became law and GMB Scotland will be marking the anniversary with an online event, bringing together prominent lawyers and activists to discuss what the Act has meant for women workers, and what challenges still lie ahead.
The event is being hosted by GMB Scotland’s Women’s Campaign Unit, which is dedicated to organising women workers, to tackle pay injustice and inequality, and to challenge all employers and politicians, whether they be in local councils, Scottish or UK Governments, to properly value women’s work.
It can be watched live at 19.00 hours tonight (Thursday 1 October) or watched via GMB Scotland’s Facebook page afterwards:
GMB Scotland Organiser Rhea Wolfson said:“There have been many significant victories won for and by women in the past ten years but despite the Equality Act and other anti-discrimination legislation, women’s work is woefully and systematically undervalued and underpaid.
“The question is, what now for women workers? The COVID crisis has surfaced some of the worst unchallenged cases of chronic low pay and exploitation of working women, none more so than sectors like social care where workers have been placed in the eye of a storm.
“It’s confirmed what we already knew. We need significant political and legal interventions to build a proper framework that’s support campaigns being led by women workers across Scotland to fight for pay justice.”
