Join Planning Democracy’s campaign for a National Plan that puts people and planet before economy
Planning Democracy are holding a free online event on 28th January 6-8pm
Learn about the new National Planning Framework 4: what it could contain and how together we can influence what goes in it and how we can make it a planet and people friendly plan.
Decisions on important developments (housing etc) are guided through the Scotland’s National Planning Framework (NPF).
It will decide on national developments like Dundee Waterfront, Grangemouth Investment zone, flood protection areas and new national parks. It will contain important policies on housing, renewable energy and the environment.
The latest NPF4 will last until 2050 and is being drawn up NOW.
Developments included in NPF4 will be untouchable once it’s been signed off by Parliament in 2022.
But there is lots we can do before then. Join us in to find out how:
The extra cost of food, energy, and entertaining, distracting and home-schooling children has meant that low-income families with children are twice as likely to have increased, rather than reduced, their spending during the pandemic so far, according to new research.
Pandemic Pressures – a collaboration between the Resolution Foundation and the Nuffield Foundation-funded Covid Realities research project at the University of York – combines survey work with first-hand accounts of low-income parents and carers to highlight how the spending patterns of low-income families with children have been very different to the wider population during the pandemic, and during the first lockdown in particular.
The report notes that the pandemic has been marked by a huge reduction in overall spending as social activities have been curtailed by public health restrictions.
However, this ‘enforced saving’ has affected higher income households more, as they spend 40 per cent more of their income on recreation, leisure and hospitality activities than the poorest fifth of households (24 per cent vs. 17 per cent).
In stark contrast to this overall picture, the research shows that the pandemic has in many cases made it more expensive to live on a low income with children – and particularly so during lockdowns.
Over-one-in-three (36 per cent) low-income households with children have increased their spending during the pandemic so far (rising to 37 per cent during the first lockdown), compared to around one-in-six (18 per cent) who have reduced their spending. Among high-income households without children, 13 per cent have increased their spending, compared to 40 per cent who have reduced it.
The report highlights three main reasons for these extra pandemic pressures.
First, parents identified that having children at home 24 hours a day led to higher food and energy bills, while the need to entertain them during the lockdowns, in place of activities such as visiting families and public libraries, has brought additional costs.
Second, parents identified additional costs associated with home-schooling, such as acquiring laptops, paying for internet access and obtaining additional study materials.
Third, families noted that the cost of buying food had risen, due to the reduction in store promotions, and because the need to shield has forced many to use more expensive home delivery options, while the need to avoid public transport means those without access to a car have had to use more expensive shops closer to home.
The report notes that these spending pressures for low-income families have come off the back of living standards that have stagnated pre-pandemic. Real incomes for the lowest-income households were no higher in 2018-19 than in 2001-02.
With the third national lockdown likely to last several months and put families under further pressure, the report calls on the Chancellor to urgently do more to support family incomes during the pandemic.
The top priority should be to maintain the £20 a week uplift to Universal Credit (UC) into next year – otherwise six million households face having their incomes cut by over £1,000. The report authors add that the Chancellor should also strengthen the safety net for families with children in light of the extra cost pressures they face.
Mike Brewer, Chief Economist at the Resolution Foundation, said:“The pandemic has forced society as a whole to spend less and save more. But these broad spending patterns don’t hold true for everyone.
“The extra cost of feeding, schooling and entertaining children 24/7 means that, for many families, lockdowns have made life more expensive to live on a low income.
“With the country going into another lockdown for at least the next few months, the Chancellor should acknowledge the pandemic pressures that families with children face and reconsider plans to cut Universal Credit in just a few months’ time.”
Dr Ruth Patrick, Lecturer in Social Policy at the University of York, who leads the Covid Realities research programme said:“The idea of being able save money during this pandemic is just a world away from the experiences of the parents and carers we’ve been working with through the Covid Realities research project.
“Parents have found their spending increase, as some of the usual strategies they use to get by on a low income – shopping around for the best deal, going to families and friends for a meal when the cupboards are empty – have become suddenly impossible.
“The conditions the pandemic has created make it harder still to get by on a low-income, creating extra financial pressures, rooted in the requirement for families and their children to stay at home and restrictions on household mixing.
“While the need for the lockdown is clear, there is an equally urgent need to address the additional financial pressures that families on a low-income face through greater income support to families with dependent children.”
XpoNorth Tweet Pitch returns on Friday 15th January
If you have always dreamed of having your very own book published, 280 characters could be all that is standing between you and securing a literary agent to make your dream a reality.
Now entering its sixth year, the XpoNorth Writers’ Tweet Pitch returns on Friday 15 January 2021 to give writers from across Scotland the chance to pitch their work to a panel of Scotland’s literary agents and publishers.
From 9am to 9pm on Friday 15 January, writers of all levels from across Scotland can tweet pitch their work to top Scottish literary agents and publishers including Jenny Brown, Birlinn, Sandstone Press, Canongate, Floris Books and Saraband simply using #XpoNorth to be in with the chance of a book deal. Completed work or projects still in development from all genres including fiction, non-fiction and children’s writing and illustration will be considered from writers living and working in Scotland. The only requirement is that the work must be unpublished.
The panel of esteemed agents and publishers will review all tweet pitches in real time and will contact the author directly to find out more or make a deal to represent or publish their work.
Produced by XpoNorth and the Association of Scottish Literary Agents, last year’s Tweet Pitch was a trending topic throughout the day with over a thousand direct pitches and reaching more than 650,000 people.
Over the past five years, the project has turned numerous applicants in to published authors including author of Scottish historical and eco-fiction for children, Barbara Henderson; picture book author and illustrator, Corrina Campbell; author of This Golden Fleece – A Journey Through Britain’s Knitted History, Esther Rutter and Leonie Charlton who successfully had Marram published this year by Sandstone Press.
Jenny Brown, Co-Chair of the Association of Scottish Literary Agents said:“The Tweet Pitch gives everyone in Scotland the chance to pitch their ideas to Scotland’s agents and publishers.
“This year, alongside fiction, I’m hoping to see more memoirs, not celebrity biographies, but extraordinary and well-told stories from ordinary people which give insight into their lives, be they care workers, vets, shop owners, firefighters, or mountain rescuers.
“One of the most successful memoirs I’ve represented is Shaun Bythell’s Diary of a Bookseller about his experiences running a bookshop in Wigtown. It’s now been translated into 25 languages. I’d love to find more memoirs which shed light onto experiences and ways of life we know little about.”
Peter Urpeth, Publishing Sector Specialist Advisor at XpoNorth said:“The annual Tweet Pitch has become a very important and unique part of Scotland’s writing and publishing calendar and provides a key moment of open access for Scotland’s writers to the nation’s amazing literary agents and publishers.
“This year more than any other I would say if you have not tried this approach try it now, and that’s especially true of writers in communities who might feel that professional publishing is not open to them. This platform enables a pitch to a very wide range of different editorial needs and tastes, and all at the same time.
“We all know that so many events for authors and for the writing development process have been a victim of the pandemic. But many of us have also witnessed and benefitted from the incredible energy and commitment that the community of writers, writing agencies, agents and publishers in Scotland have shown to each other and to the cause of just keeping going.
“We’ve also seen the immense role that stories, books and all forms of creative narrative whether for escape, for connection or for truth and deep realism have played in getting many of us through these difficult times.
“The tweet pitch is that first moment in the new Year when we connect again, when we try and when we hope, and when we take that vital step of promoting our work. That energy is at the heart of the Tweet Pitch day.”
Aspiring authors keen to learn more about how to make the perfect tweet pitch should visit www.xponorth.co.uk
Police are continuing enquiries into a robbery which happened on Tuesday, 29 December, 2020, where a taxi driver was assaulted and his taxi stolen in West Pilton Grove.
The 39-year-old taxi driver was driving along West Pilton Grove around 2.40pm when he had to stop his car due to a number of youths throwing stones at it. On stopping and getting out of his car he was attacked by around six or seven youths and assaulted.
One of the youths then drove off in his taxi, a grey coloured Mercedes car which has the registration number WP14ZRY. As yet the car has not been recovered.
Two of youths involved are described as being:
(1) male, white, 16/17 years, 5’8” tall, medium build with light brown short hair. He was wearing a brown/yellow jacket and black tracksuit bottoms. He spoke with a local accent.
(2) Male, white, medium build, dark curly hair, wearing a black tracksuit.
The other youths are only described as being male, in the 16 to 17 years age range and were wearing dark coloured clothing.
As a result of the attack the victim received a number of bruises to his face and body.
Detective Constable Zaira Marker of Edinburgh Division’s CID said: “I would ask anyone who may have witnessed this robbery, or who may have any information which might assist us in this investigation to call us on the 101 number, giving the reference number 1841 of 29 December 2020.”
UK’s new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) launched as part of UK / EU deal
Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) will gradually replace existing European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC)
UK residents will now be able to apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), the UK Government announced yesterday.
Under Britain’s new agreement with the EU, UK residents’ rights to emergency and medically necessary healthcare will continue when travelling in the EU. This includes medically necessary treatment for a pre-existing or chronic condition.
Current European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are valid as long as they are in date and people can continue to use these when travelling to the EU.
The public only need to apply for their new GHIC when their current EHIC expires. Both cards will offer equivalent protection for emergency and medically necessary healthcare needs when in the EU on a temporary stay, which includes holiday, study and business travel.
The new GHIC card is free to obtain from the official GHIC website. People should apply at least 2 weeks before they plan to travel to ensure their card arrives on time.
Minister for Health Edward Argar said: “Our deal with the EU ensures the right for our citizens to access necessary healthcare on their holidays and travels to countries in the EU will continue.
“The GHIC is a key element of the UK’s future relationship with the EU and will provide certainty and security for all UK residents.”
Cover for emergency and medically necessary healthcare is part of a wider healthcare agreement struck with the EU that will see continued cooperation on healthcare for UK residents.
If a UK resident is travelling without a card, they are still entitled to necessary healthcare and should contact the NHS Business Services Authority (NHS BSA) (which covers the whole of the UK), who can arrange for payment should they require treatment when abroad.
EU member state EHICs will continue to be accepted by the NHS.
Alongside the deal with the EU, the UK is open to agreeing further reciprocal healthcare arrangements that can support UK residents when they travel.
The government always advises that anyone travelling overseas, whether to the EU or elsewhere in the world, should take out comprehensive travel insurance.
Rory Boland, Which? Travel Editor, said:“The launch of the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is good news for consumers after we warned holidaymakers in Europe could face eye-watering medical bills if a reciprocal healthcare agreement was not part of a Brexit deal.
“We have seen and reported a number of unscrupulous copycat websites charging people to apply for free GHICs, so anyone looking to apply must remain vigilant and only use the official NHS website.
“It is important to remember the GHIC covers fewer countries than the EHIC, so travellers should check they can use it before going abroad. We’d also advise holidaymakers to still buy travel insurance as soon as they book a holiday, so they are covered for other issues that may arise such as cancellations and lost luggage.”
Speech by Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock at the Downing Street coronavirus briefing, 11 January
Good afternoon and welcome back to Downing Street for today’s coronavirus briefing. I’m joined by Professor Steve Powis, the National Medical Director of NHS England.
Before I turn to our vaccine delivery plan, which we’ve published today, I wanted to go through the latest coronavirus data.
As we know, the new strain of this virus is highly contagious, and it is putting our NHS under very significant pressure.
Yesterday 46,169 positive cases of coronavirus were recorded across the whole of the UK.
As the slide shows, 32,294 people are currently in hospital with coronavirus – that’s across the UK and as you can see that is up sharply, it’s up 22% from this time last week.
The average number of deaths reported each day over the past week is 926.
And our hearts go out to the family and the loved ones of each and every person who has died of coronavirus.
As the Chief Medical Officer said earlier today, we are at the worst point of this pandemic, and you can see that from this slide and from the increase in the number of people in hospital.
So the NHS, more than ever before, needs everybody to be doing something right now and that something is to follow the rules.
Now, I know there’s been speculation about more restrictions. And we don’t rule out taking further action if it’s needed. But it’s your actions now that can make a difference. Stay at home. And please reduce all social contact that is not absolutely strictly necessary.
That’s what’s needed. Act like you have the virus.
And it’s all the more important to do this because the vaccine rollout is now proceeding at pace and we all know that this is the way out of the pandemic.
I am determined, as I have been for almost a year now, to drive this vaccination programme as fast as is safely possible.
I’m determined to ensure every adult in this country has the chance to be vaccinated. And that as many as possible take up that chance to be vaccinated.
Vaccines are important and I care about vaccines because I want our country to get back to normal as fast as possible.
I want us to have that great British summer.
And my team and I are working hard to deliver this as fast as possible, both to save lives and to make people safe and to protect the NHS and reduce the very significant pressures it’s under right now.
Vaccines delivery plan
I wanted to bring you up to speed with the very latest statistics on vaccination.
So far, across the UK we’ve given 2.6 million doses to 2.3 million people.
And we’ve protected more people through vaccinations than all other countries in Europe put together.
It sets out how we will build on this work that’s been done so far, and put in place the biggest vaccination programme in British history.
There are 4 parts to the plan.
The first is supply.
I’ve always believed in British science, and that it can find the solutions to get us out of this.
For a year now we have been working to develop and buy vaccines for everyone in the UK.
Thanks to our investment in Ebola and MERS vaccines several years ago, the Jenner Institute at Oxford University was able to repurpose existing work, and move so fast to develop a successful vaccine.
But our search has been global throughout, so while we’ve backed the scientists who’ve been working on this here at home, we’ve also worked with international partners like Pfizer and BioNTech, to ensure that we were the first country in the world to authorise, and use the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine.
And of course the Moderna vaccine has now been authorised and is ready to bring on stream.
I want to thank all those involved, but this work is not yet done.
The supply of the vaccine is currently the rate limiting step.
And we will bring forward as much vaccine as becomes available.
And we must ensure that we have the vaccine development and manufacturing capabilities in this country for the future too.
The next part of the plan is prioritisation, this has been much discussed.
The plan sets out how we prioritise the vaccine so that we can protect those at greatest clinical risk. And one simple statistic explains why this is important.
The top 4 priority groups account for 88% of the deaths from COVID.
This stark fact explains why we must prioritise according to clinical need – to save lives – and because that is the fastest route to safely lifting restrictions.
We are on track to deliver on our pledge to offer a first vaccine to everyone in the top 4 cohorts by the 15th of February.
I want to give you an update on progress.
Two-fifths of over 80s have now received their first dose.
Care home residents are of course in the very top priority group.
In the last few days, since the Oxford vaccine was approved for use in primary care on Thursday morning, we have significantly accelerated the care home vaccination rollout.
Almost a quarter of older care home residents have now received their first dose of the vaccine.
We are committed to reaching every care home resident this month.
And I want to see as much of that as possible as soon as possible.
I’m incredibly grateful to everybody working in social care.
Whether in care homes, or domiciliary care, for everything they are doing to keep the people who are the most vulnerable to COVID, to keep them safe right now.
This is not easy, but it is vital. And it is vital too that when the vaccine reaches your care home, everyone, everyone, residents and staff alike steps forward and gets that jab.
Each of these jabs helps save lives. And we’re making this happen as fast as we can.
The plan sets out how we will continue through the clinically prioritised groups, and beyond.
So all adults can be offered a vaccine by the autumn.
The third part of the plan is expanding where you can be vaccinated.
As of Friday, 96% of the population in England lived within 10 miles of a vaccination site and we’re expanding the number of vaccination sites further, right across the whole of the UK, with the devolved NHS responsible for delivery in each of the 3 devolved nations, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
This expansion will include community pharmacy and roving vaccination centres, on top of the hospitals, GP practices, and the 7 mass vaccination centres, that we have opened, including the one I visited today at Epsom.
This huge expansion means that by the end of January everyone will live within 10 miles of a vaccination centre, either fixed or roving in England. And this will help us make sure that everyone can get access to the vaccine that’s so important.
The final part of this plan is about the people who will make it happen.
Over the past few months, we have recruited and trained an 80,000 strong vaccination workforce. I am incredibly grateful to all who have stepped forward.
Including people from all parts of the NHS:
retired clinicians
pharmacists
airline cabin crew
the armed services
St John’s Ambulance
The Royal Voluntary Service
And so many volunteers who have come forward for their country.
Thank you for your service.
And I’m very grateful to the many offers of support we’re receiving right now, and for all those who are in training as this vaccination rollout expands.
So that is the vaccine delivery plan. It is an incredibly important piece of work.
But while this crucial work takes place, each and every one of us must keep pushing back against this virus
By following the rules that are in place.
Please do your bit and help keep the NHS strong
While we roll up our sleeves and make this ambitious plan a reality.
So please, stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives.
A significant top-up to the grant support available for hospitality, retail and leisure businesses across Scotland closed by level 4 restrictions will be paid following an announcement by Finance Secretary Kate Forbes.
In addition to the grants businesses receive through the Strategic Business Framework Fund, eligible businesses will also get a one off grant of:
£25,000 for larger hospitality businesses on top of the 4-weekly £3,000
£6,000 for smaller hospitality businesses on top of the 4-weekly £2,000
£9,000 for larger retail and leisure businesses on top of the 4-weekly £3,000
£6,000 for smaller retail and leisure businesses on top of the 4-weekly £2,000
In most cases, eligible businesses that have already applied for the 4-weekly payment from the Strategic Framework Business Fund will get an automatic top-up.
For the majority, this top-up will be combined with the next tranche of payment for the Strategic Framework Business Fund due to go to businesses on 25 January.
Businesses that haven’t yet applied for either of these funds should submit an application as soon as possible through their local authority website. Applications are now open.
Ms Forbes said: “Since the start of the pandemic Scottish Government support for business and the economy has reached almost £3 billion – more than a third of our total coronavirus (COVID-19) funding, demonstrating our commitment to provide as much help as we possibly can to our businesses.
“As promised, this additional support for hospitality, retail and leisure businesses will be available this month, in some cases doubling or tripling the amount of support we are providing. Applications are open now and payment will be made this month.
“Crucially this essential funding will also help to close the gaps in UK wide support for these impacted sectors and our one-off support for larger hospitality premises of £25,000 is considerably more generous than the £9,000 grant on offer in England.
“I’d encourage all eligible businesses to apply through their local authority if they have not done so already. Of course we are acutely aware that this support can never compensate for the full impact on business, but we must work within the resources that are available to us, and we continue to respond to the evolving economic challenges arising from the pandemic.”
David Lonsdale, Director of the Scottish Retail Consortium said: “Shops and high streets across Scotland have been left reeling by coronavirus. These enhanced cash grants for retail business are a financial lifeline which will help non-essential stores through the current phase of being unable to open and trade.
“There isn’t a taxpayer-funded support scheme which can replace the potential losses of store closures, so it is very encouraging that the Finance Secretary has listened and responded positively.”
Young people aged 11-14 years in Scotland are being invited to participate in a series of free, virtual CyberFirst courses to help students explore their passion for technology and inspire the next generation of cybersecurity talent.
Created by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) – a part of GCHQ, and delivered in partnership with QA and the educational charity The Smallpeice Trust, the CyberFirst courses are designed to show students interested in computing and cyber security what a diverse range of career paths are available in the field and to help them develop the skills they need to excel.
The content is structured in a way that aims to harness every student’s individual potential whilst delving into the ins and outs of everyday technology using realistic scenarios.
The interactive, instructor-led courses, that will take place in virtual classrooms throughout February 2021, include:
CyberFirst Trailblazers – open to any student starting Year 8, S2 in Scotland in the 2020/21 academic year. Students will become ‘digital detectives’, employing digital forensics to identify the source and spread of malicious software and learning how open source intelligence can help with the collection of further information. They will also learn the basics of website customisation.
CyberFirst Adventurers – open to any student starting Year 9, S3 in Scotland in the 2020/21 academic year. Students will use ‘big data’, work against the clock in a cryptography exercise, and have the chance to create their own models using 3D design software.
The courses will also instil a strong sense of responsibility in students, emphasising the importance of acting safely, legally and ethically in the cyber security profession.
Chris Ensor, the NCSC’s Deputy Director for Cyber Growth, said: “I’m delighted we are offering our CyberFirst Trailblazers and Adventurers courses online next year, giving more students from across Scotland an exciting opportunity to develop their digital skills.
“I would really encourage students to sign up to learn more about what cyber security careers actually look like and to connect with other like-minded people with a shared passion for technology. The cyber security experts of the future will play a vital role in keeping the UK safe online, and the NCSC is committed to nurturing the young talent this country has to ensure we have a well-equipped and diverse workforce.”
Dr Kevin P. Stenson, chief executive of The Smallpeice Trust, said:“With many students continuing to shield or facing the possibility of self-isolation, the online CyberFirst courses will provide a brilliant – and most importantly, safe – opportunity for young people in Scotland to boost their digital skills and enrich their problem-solving abilities from their own homes.”
The CyberFirst Trailblazer and Adventurer courses will take place during February. Further information and booking for the CyberFirst courses can be found here: https://www.smallpeicetrust.org.uk/cyberfirst
New national radio station for Baby Boomers unveils launch line-up
Announcement comes ahead of station’s February 2021 launch
BOOM Radio, a new national radio station targeting the UK’s estimated 14 million Baby Boomers, has unveiled a line-up of familiar radio names ahead of going on air in February.
Several well-known radio personalities from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s will be heard, including a weekday breakfast show hosted by Graham Dene who woke up London for a generation, the familiar voice of David Hamilton from midday, Nicky Horne early evening and Diana Luke late at night.
The station’s schedule will be spiced by a soul show with Greg Edwards; appearances by ‘70s Magpie TV host Jenny Hanley; Kid Jensen; and Anna Raeburn returns with ‘Talk to Anna’, recreating the programmes she hosted generations ago – now targeting those same listeners who’ve grown into different life challenges.
Founded by radio heavyweights, Phil Riley and David Lloyd, Boom Radio is a new national station for Baby Boomers – the UK’s 50, 60 and 70-something population – who are hugely loyal radio consumers, yet arguably under-served by stations on offer.
With launch targeted for mid-February 2021, listeners can primarily expect a mix of ‘Boomer’ music favourites from across the decades, peppered with selected more contemporary hits, alongside conversation and company.
Roll-out starts on DAB in London, Portsmouth, Bristol, Birmingham and Glasgow, with additional locations to follow throughout 2021 and access available online from the outset.
Phil Riley said: “We’re extremely proud of what we’ve been able to put together for Boom Radio’s launch.
“With some legendary radio names back on-air, we’re really proving what the station is all about – that age isn’t a barrier to continuing to do what you love.”
David Lloyd added:“There is guaranteed to be at least one presenter whom each listener will relate to, with the line-up featuring names of Boomers of all ages from both commercial and BBC radio from across the UK.
“We’re also calling for feedback from Boomers everywhere – if you’ve got any ideas for music, presenters or shows, then do let us know by getting in contact via our website.”
More than one in three people still don’t have a dedicated home workspace
Only a quarter of home workers have invested in a comfortable work chair
Interiors experts share advice on creating a functional work area no matter what space you have available
Despite home working remaining firmly on the agenda for the near future, more than a third of people (37%) admit they still don’t have a dedicated space to work from at home. What’s more, just a quarter of home workers have invested in comfortable seating (26%) or a desk (27%).
The research1, conducted by online retailer, Furniture And Choice, reveals where the nation has spent its money to set up for long-term remote working this year, revealing the average price paid to create a home office is £144 per person – with some spending upwards of £300.
Shockingly only one in four (26%) have invested in a comfy work chair. According to the Health and Safety executive2, unsuitable seating can cause people to adopt awkward postures which can lead to discomfort, back pain and upper limb disorders. This may prove costly to employers in the form of staff absences, but individuals also bear some of the costs in the form of suffering and lost income.
It should come as no surprise that outside of the essentials, houseplants were among the most purchased items, with 14% hoping to bring the outdoors in, during a time where getting outside has never been harder. It’s not a bad option to invest in for your home office, with houseplants proven to improve concentration, boost mood and create a calmer environment.
While other essential items such as pencil holders and filing cabinets were purchased, comfort proved to be key. More than 1 in 10 (11%) bought new cushions and 6% opted to snap up pet beds so their furry friends can seek comfort in their home workspace.
With working from home likely to remain in some form well into this year, Rebecca Snowdon, Interior Style Advisor at Furniture And Choice, shares her advice on creating a functional, yet stylish home working space:
“Finding additional space in the home to work from may not be an option for everyone, in which case our workspaces need to integrate seamlessly into the overall style and functionality of the space we’re in.
“We can see in our research that many people have chosen not to invest in some of the office essentials, instead making use of their existing set ups, such as working from their dining table.
“Creating a stylish yet functional work area in your home needn’t break the bank or involve huge amounts of time and planning, but with home working looking set to stay for the near future, it’s well worth giving your home office some TLC.”
To help people create a home working space that is practical yet on trend, Rebecca shares her top tips:
Remember the trends
If you do need to utilise your kitchen counter then remember there was a big trend for standing desks last year, as the health benefits of standing rather than sitting for long stretches of time were widely debated.
The good news about a standing desk is that it takes up a lot less space than a regular desk arrangement. All you need is a high console unit or breakfast bar to set up your laptop and you’re away!
Pick the best view
Poor lighting can make you feel tired, strain your eyes and give you a headache, all of which can take away focus and motivation. A study also found a direct positive correlation between daylight and productivity, finding that natural light improves alertness4.
This means that a well-lit room is crucial for a good home office space, so set up your desk near a window and stay away from harsh, electric lights. The kitchen is often filled with natural light – great for keeping you energised throughout the day.
Bring the outdoors inside
The American Psychological Association found that workers in spaces with plants showed 15% higher productivity than those without5.
The best plants to incorporate into your home office space, are:
Peace Lily – they don’t need much light and help remove toxins from the air
Devils Ivy – these can adapt easily to a variety of conditions
Chinese Evergreen – offers visual variety and requires little maintenance
Light a candle or accessorise with a diffuser
Working in your kitchen or dining room, you might be met with smells of your partner’s lunch or last night’s takeaway. Many studies have shown that odours impact our mood, creativity and problem-solving skills6.
We’d advise sticking with natural scents like lavender and essential oils instead, such as:
Pine – for alertness
Cinnamon – for focus
Lavender – to relax
Peppermint – to lift your mood
Citrus (any) – for wakefulness
Using dining chairs
Your dining table is the perfect place to work but be aware that the average table is around 3cm higher than your desk, and your dining chair 3cm lower. Make up for this deficit by using cushions to support your lumbar and pad the bottom of the chair. You’ll know you’re sitting at the right height by making sure that, with shoulders relaxed, your forearms run parallel to the table.
Rebecca added: “With many of us finding ourselves working from home for the foreseeable future, there really is no better time to give your home working space the refresh it might need.
“With wellbeing and mindfulness as prevalent as ever, it’s important to create a space that you can switch off from to stay well at home. Carving out a zen zone near your work space for quick stretch breaks can provide a calming space for yoga or practising meditation.”
If you’re finding yourself working from your dining table and want to update its style, visit Furniture And Choice’s website for inspiration:
