Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave this statement at the coronavirus press conference last night:
Today the national vaccination programme continues to power past the target we set six weeks ago with more than 15 million people vaccinated across the UK.
And once again I pay tribute to the astonishing efforts of everyone involved – the GPs, the nurses, the volunteers, the army and the pharmacists like Hardik Desai – who rallied local volunteers to vaccinate 3,000 people in his village hall in Ticehurst in Sussex, while keeping his pharmacy open – and of course I thank all of you who have come forward to be vaccinated.
This is an unprecedented national achievement but it’s no moment to relax and in fact it’s the moment to accelerate because the threat from this virus remains very real.
Yes, it’s true, we have vaccinated more than 90 per cent of those aged over 70 but don’t forget that 60 per cent of hospital patients with Covid are under 70.
And although the vaccination programme is going well, we still don’t have enough data about the exact effectiveness of the vaccines in reducing the spread of infection.
We have some interesting straws in the wind. We have grounds for confidence. But the vaccinations have only been running for a matter of weeks – and while we are learning the whole time – we don’t today have all the hard facts that we need.
And the level of infection remains very high, with more people still in hospital today than at the peak last April and admissions running at 1,600 a day.
So we have to keep our foot to the floor. And I can tell you today that the next million letters are landing on people’s mats right now, offering appointments to the over-65s and we are also contacting all those aged between 16 and 64 with underlying health conditions, as well as adult carers.
And if we can keep this pace up – and if we can keep supply steady – and I hope and believe we can – then we hope to offer a vaccination to everyone in the first nine priority groups – including everyone over 50 – by the end of April.
And at the same time we will be giving second doses to millions of the most vulnerable within twelve weeks of the first.
So this moment is a huge step forward but it’s only a first step.
And while it shows what the country can do we must be both optimistic but also patient.
And next week I will be setting out a roadmap saying as much as we possibly can about the route to normality even though some things are very uncertain.
Because we want this lockdown to be the last. And we want progress to be cautious but also irreversible.
So please continue to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.
The Help to Buy Scotland scheme may be discontinued, but this doesn’t mean first-time buyers are being left out in the cold. Barratt Homes is reassuring prospective homeowners that there is other help available for getting on the property ladder.
The First Home Fund is an alternative shared equity scheme offered by the Scottish Government that provides up to £25,000 to all first-time buyers towards the purchase of a home – great news for anyone hoping to make the move this year.
The property market can be challenging to navigate, particularly for those doing so for the first time, so Barratt Homes is reducing this stress by addressing some commonly asked questions and reassuring that the door to owning a property is still very much open.
Anne Ross, sales director for Barratt Homes East Scotland said: “We’re here to make the process of buying a dream home as easy as possible, and this includes sharing useful information about the funding options available.
“While the Help to Buy Scheme is discontinued, we’re here to remind people that the First Home Fund is available and that the journey to owning a home doesn’t have to stall.”
If the virus has shown us anything it’s that a comfortable home plays a big role in wellbeing. A new home is a decision not to be taken lightly – and considerations like flexible living spaces, travel connections and the surrounding area have taken on new meaning during the pandemic.
If you’re looking to buy in Edinburgh using the First Home Fund, Barratt Homes’ Mayburn Walk(below) offers a variety of three and four-bedroom homes in Loanhead, to the south of Edinburgh.
With quick access to the Edinburgh bypass, park and ride options and regular bus services, Mayburn Walk offers the chance to own a house and private garden without having to compromise on location.
A stone’s throw from the Pentland Hills, downtime can be spent exploring some of Scotland’s finest hillwalking trails, all within the local area.
Flexible living
We’re spending more time in our homes, and they really have become our sanctuaries. Every design decision made by Barratt has been carefully considered to get the most out of the space. Homes such as the three-bedroom Coull include open plan kitchen/dining spaces with direct garden access, separate lounge space and bright and open rooms that flood with natural light. Ideal for first time buyers, the third single bedroom can be transformed into a private work space, fitness area or hobby room.
Also available are homes in the stylish Bonnyton and Wemyss styles, which include ample storage and utility cupboards, two double bedrooms, a family bathroom and private gardens.
The numbers
Homes at Mayburn Walk are available through the First Home Fund – perfect for a professional couple looking to make their first move together in a house that will grow with them. You can buy with a 5% deposit, 75% mortgage and 20% interest-free equity government loan.
Prices start at £235,995, so your costs could look a bit like this:
Property price:
£235,995
Buyer depositMortgage
£11,800£199,195
Scottish Government loan:
£25,000
Barratt Homes’ First Home Fund Facts
When can I apply?
The First Home Fund shared equity scheme will re-open for applications on 1 April 2021 and run until 31 March 2022. The most awarded under the scheme to purchase a property is £25,000 but the Government will not charge any interest. Barratt Homes is currently taking reservations for homes under the First Home Fund scheme at Mayburn Walk.
I want to apply but where can I get professional advice?
We always recommend speaking to an independent financial advisor to help you navigate the market and ensure you’re getting the best mortgage deal for you. They’ll help you with your First Home Fund application.
Barratt’s expert sales advisors are on hand to help you choose a property that’s perfect for you, and can direct you to financial advisors in your community to guide you through the purchase.
How much of a deposit do I need?
You’ll typically need just 5% of the value of the property as a minimum, subject to lender requirements.
What other terms to I need to consider?
You’ll need to have secured a minimum mortgage of 25% of the property purchase price. In addition to this, the equity stake from the Scottish Government must not be more than 49% of the property value.
Is there a property price cap?
Unlike the Help to Buy Scheme, there is no cap on the property price, but of course buyers must ensure their ownership is sustainable and affordable for the long term.
For more information on Barratt Homes at Mayburn Walk, or for more advice on the First Home Fund, please visit the website.
50th ANNIVERSARY: Decimal currency was introduced in the UK on 15th February 1971
The Royal Mint has posted the mintage figures for the calendar year of 2019, providing the only official guide to the rarest coins in circulation.
In 2019 over 500 million coins were released into circulation, including three new 50 pence designs celebrating Arthur Conon Doyle’s iconic Sherlock Holmes, and Paddington the Bear at St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London.
The figures were revealed ahead of the 50th anniversary of Decimalisation, which takes place today (15th February 2021) and saw the introduction of many of the coins used today.
The changeover inspired thousands of people to become coin collectors, and over the decades the 50 pence grew to become Britain’s most collectable coin.
The shape of the 50 pence made it the ideal canvas for special commemorative designs, and over 70 events, anniversaries and individuals have been celebrated on circulating 50 pence pieces.
The famous 2009 Kew Gardens 50p (top) remains the most coveted coin in circulation, with a mintage of just 210,000. Other rare designs include the 2011 Olympic 50p’s and the highly collectable Peter Rabbit 2018 coins.
The Royal Mint’s Director of UK Currency, Mark Loveridge, said: “The 50p was introduced as part of decimalisation and has grown to become Britain’s favourite coin. The innovate shape of the coin makes it perfect for commemorative designs, and over the years we’ve commemorated many iconic occasions, events and individuals on a 50p.
“Coin collecting remains as popular as ever, and we were delighted to release a number of special designs into circulation in 2019. The Kew Gardens remains the most coveted coin, with a mintage of just 210,000 but it’s always exciting to find a special design in your change. As we approach the 50th anniversary of decimalisation, we are proud that this iconic work of art remains in the nation’s pocket.”
In addition to making coins for the UK, The Royal Mint is also the world’s largest export mint and produced around three billion coins and blanks for 30 countries in 2019-20.
Rarest 50p designs released into circulation in 2019
THE Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is warning communities across Scotland to stay clear of frozen water as temperatures drop. The national service is urging the public to be aware of the risks of going onto or allowing children and pets to go onto the ice.
According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, more than 50 per cent of all drowning cases involving ice in the UK involved the attempted rescue of another person or a pet.
And SFRS is warning that while ice can look and feel solid, it can suddenly crack and cause a person to fall through and potentially become trapped under the ice.
DACO Alasdair Perry is SFRS’ Head of Prevention and Protection.
He said: “We would ask everyone to be aware of the dangers of ice during this cold snap and strongly advise against walking or playing on any iced-up waterways and always ensure that children are kept away from any iced over ponds or rivers.
“If you are out with your pet, do not throw sticks or balls near frozen water, and if they do get into trouble on the ice, do not venture onto the ice yourself to attempt a rescue – dial 999.
“The ice may look solid, but it is not worth the risk to step out on to it.”
The low temperature of the water can also bring on cold-water shock, which can be potentially deadly.
Cold-water shock can cause breathing difficulties, blood vessels to close, the heart-rate to increase and lead to a heart attack.
Michael Avril is the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s Regional Water Safety Lead for Scotland. He said: “Walking on ice is extremely risky and unpredictable and the RNLI advise that you avoid doing this. If you do fall through, the freezing water temperatures can bring on cold water shock.
“If you find yourself or someone else in trouble, dial 999 and ask for the fire service immediately. Do not attempt to rescue anyone yourself.”
Nobody should walk onto any frozen water, whether a river, pond, canal, or reservoir under any situation. Children and pets are particularly at risk when tempted to play on the ice formed on open water during cold weather.
Pets should be kept on leads when near frozen water and owners should refrain from throwing objects onto ice for them to retrieve.
If the worst happens, passers-by should shout reassurance to casualties without endangering themselves. Make sure help is on the way by phoning the emergency services on 999, don’t assume someone else will have called.
Do not walk or climb onto the ice to attempt a rescue and do not get into the water, or you may become the next casualty.
If someone can’t climb out of the water, it is not advisable, as many people think to move about in the water to keep warm while waiting for help. Instead, they should conserve their energy by keeping as still as possible.
The UK Government has been urged to hold firm on its commitment to boosting the minimum wage over the course of this parliament, in order to give low paid workers a much needed pay rise. But the government must also take wider measures to boost job quality and tackle poverty, and provide additional support for employers to adapt to higher minimum wage.
New research published by the Carnegie UK Trust and the Learning and Work Institute argues that despite the pandemic and the recession it has triggered, the ambitious minimum wage targets of the next four years are both deliverable and vital for low paid workers.
In 2019, the Government pledged to increase the National Living Wage – the legal minimum wage for workers aged 25 and over – to two thirds of median pay by 2024, and to extend this rate to workers aged 21 and over. Polling commissioned by Learning and Work Institute and Carnegie UK Trust shows that a majority of workers (66%) and businesses (54%) support the move.
The report argues that increases in the minimum wage must be part of awider mission to support ‘good work’ across the economy.
Polling of employers as part of the research found that 22% of employers with a high proportion of workers on low pay said they may respond to a higher wage floor by using more insecure job contracts, with 17% saying they would cut back on non-pay benefits. 12% of low pay employers said they may remove supervisory or managerial roles in response to a higher minimum wage, risking more ‘bunching’ of workers at or near the wage floor and making progression more challenging.
The report calls for the increase to the minimum wage to be part of a wider strategy for good work, including promoting sectoral collective agreements in low pay sectors, in order to agree common standards beyond the minimum wage.
While recent increases in the minimum wage have been successful in reducing the number of people on low pay, the number of people in in-work poverty has continued to rise.
This is in part because increases in the wage floor have been accompanied by cuts to in-work benefits for those on low incomes and with high living costs, which have pushed more working people into poverty. Any increases in the wage floor need to be accompanied by better support through the social security system, including through retaining the £20 uplift in Universal Credit which is due to end in April.
The report considers support needed to help employers who are hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic to adapt to the new wage floor.
It calls for a temporary re-balancing of employer national insurance contributions (NICs) as a transitional measure to support employers to adapt and minimise any risks to employment of a higher minimum wage.
Through both increasing the threshold at which employers start to pay NICs, and increasing the rate at which NICs are paid, government could reduce the tax burden on employers who are impacted by the increase, supporting them to adjust to higher wage costs, whilst protecting overall revenue for the Treasury.
Douglas White, Head of Advocacy at Carnegie UK Trust, said:“Good work has a vital role to play in supporting wellbeing – and decent pay is of fundamental importance. Many low pay workers have been on the frontline during the pandemic and we were pleased that November’s spending review confirmed a rise in the minimum wage.
“Our report sets out a path towards future sustainable minimum wage increases – providing support for employers as they recover from the pandemic and ensuring that workers receive the pay rise that they deserve and need.
“We also urge government to be ambitious in driving forward other crucial aspects of their good work agenda, including supporting workers to train and re-skill and making progress to build back a resilient labour market from the pandemic”.
Joe Dromey, deputy director of research and development at Learning and Work Institute and author of the report, said: “Government can still achieve its commitment to boosting the minimum wage, but this will be trickier after the pandemic. A temporary rebalancing of employer national insurance contributions would help businesses to adapt to a higher wage floor, minimising any potential job losses.
“While increasing the minimum wage would deliver a much-deserved pay rise to millions of low-paid workers, this alone will not tackle the scourge of in-work poverty. Government must ensure sufficient support through the social security system, starting by retaining the £20 increase in Universal Credit.”
We have published the final report in our series looking at the future of the minimum wage, and exploring its impact on workers, employers and the economy.
The UK’s minimum wage is widely regarded as a successful policy which has achieved broad political support over the last two decades, and successfully reduced extreme low pay without damaging employment.
Despite these successes, a rising minimum wage has not been enough to tackle in-work poverty.
And even before the pandemic inflicted severe pressures on the economy, there was a need to understand the ability of businesses to adapt to a higher wage floor, and ask whether changes made by employers to accommodate higher pay might compromise other important aspects of job quality, such as progression or terms and conditions.
Our report makes recommendations about the future path of the minimum wage, and sets out proposals for how an increased minimum wage can be delivered as part of a wider labour market strategy that promotes good work and tackles in-work poverty.
We would be delighted to hear your views on the ideas in the report.
You can get in touch with us on Twitter @CarnegieUKTrust, using the hashtag #MinimumWage or you can let us know your thoughts by emailing Gail Irvine, Senior Policy and Development Officer, ongail.irvine@carnegieuk.org.
New research by credit reference agency Equifax reveals that the financial uncertainty of 2020 means 85% of people in Scotland will change the way they manage their personal finances in the immediate and long-term future.
Although one third (34%) of Scots said 2020 brought greater financial uncertainty, 16% have entered this year feeling positive about their finances. 54% of those who experienced financial uncertainty in Scotland said they are now trying to be more frugal, compared to 46% of the wider UK.
Key data:
46% of residents in Scotland are trying to spend less disposable income each month
31% of Scots feel confident about their finances going into 2021 compared to just 19% of the UK as a whole
70% of 18-34-year-olds across the UK said 2020 brought them financial uncertainty, steadily decreasing across all age groups with only 11% of those aged 65 plus feeling the same
As a result, 63% of 18-34-year-olds plan to change the way they manage their money in the immediate future, with 32% starting to save or put money aside
52% of UK women compared to 38% of men who experienced financial uncertainty in 2020 said they will be more frugal in 2021
41% of UK women plan to ‘buy more things I need and less things I want’, compared to 33% of men
Lisa Hardstaff, Head of Customer Experience at Equifax commented: “Our latest research suggests vital personal finance lessons have been learned in this pandemic, and more people are looking to better manage their money.
“54% of those surveyed in Scotland said they are trying to be more frugal and it’s encouraging to see that 13% are proactively researching ways to manage their money. 19% of the region are also starting to put money aside and will be using spreadsheets and apps to help them budget.”
Despite the huge financial uncertainty of last year, the research revealed that 28% of residents in Scotland used credit less than they did in 2019. However, 14% used short-term ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ services for their online Christmas shopping.
Clare Seal, author of Real Life Money and frugality champion added: “One of the silver linings of last year is that as a nation we are now being more open about financial concerns and mental health issues. In fact, 8% of the region said they are proactively seeking more financial advice from family and friends.”
As the Christmas credit card bills land on people’s door mats, Equifax has a wide range of useful articles and tips in its Knowledge Centre. It also has 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.
“A financial planner not only helps manage outgoings each month, it allows people to prioritise important financial commitments like mortgage payments, council tax, etc” concluded Lisa Hardstaff.
“It can also help to see where money can be saved, such as unused memberships or cutting back on food bills. If we are in the Year of Frugality have a clear view of all outgoings is essential.”
Holyrood needs to define more clearly its scrutiny role in response to Brexit, according to a new report to be discussed by the Finance & Constitution Committee this week.
A panel of fiscal, economic and constitutional experts says devolution is now much more complex, with its recent fiscal powers and post-Brexit changes, that the Scottish Parliament must change its approach to scrutiny after the 2021 election.
The panel recommends that to support this work a short, tightly focused independent review of the committee structure should be established, to report back to Parliament as soon as possible.
The focus of the review should be on committee remits in the next Parliament and should include consideration of the fiscal and Brexit-related issues raised by the experts, along with the legacy reports of other committees.
Holyrood’s Finance & Constitution Committee, who commissioned the expert panel’s analysis, will consider the findings this week.
Expert panel member Professor James Mitchell, University of Edinburgh said:“Devolution is now much more complex and challenging to understand with the powers of Scottish Ministers shared with UK Ministers in many significant policy areas.
“For example, in relation to income tax and in many policy areas previously within the competence of the EU. This means that the Parliament will need to be much more aware of how UK legislation impacts on devolved areas including the extent to which it constrains the powers of Scottish Ministers.
“At the same time the Parliament will need to continue to scrutinise policy developments at an EU level. Both in terms of the on-going impact of the UK-EU trade agreement on devolved areas and the extent to which the keeping pace power is used.”
Setting out the expert panel’s recommendations, Charlotte Barbour, Director of Taxation, The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland said:“The Panel’s view is that if there is to be meaningful scrutiny of Brexit-related developments, the Parliament cannot merely continue with the existing approach to its scrutiny function.
“The future scrutiny burden arising from Brexit is so great that if it is carried out in an ad-hoc manner it is unlikely that it will be done effectively.
“Instead, a more systematic and carefully planned approach is required, albeit with a need for flexibility in order to react to changing circumstances. The Panel, therefore, recommends that Parliament in consultation with the Scottish Government needs to clearly define its scrutiny role in response to Brexit.
“To support this work, we propose that a short and tightly focused independent review of the committee structure should be established forthwith and report to the Parliament as soon as practically possible.
“The focus of the review should be on committee remits in the next Parliament and should include consideration of the issues raised in this report and the legacy reports of other committees.
“The review findings should help to inform the agreement of the committee structure and committee remits for Session 6.”
The expert panel also made recommendations for the committee that will succeed the Finance & Constitution Committee after the May 2021 election:
• The Panel’s view is that there is likely to be an increased demand for parliamentary time to consider tax legislation and therefore the ongoing work of the Devolved Taxes Legislative Working Group should be an early priority in Session 6.
• The Panel agreed the successor committee should explore how COVID-19 has impacted the taxation system and consider options for a restructuring of the taxes which are devolved including a human-rights based approach. The Panel recommends that this inquiry should be a priority for the successor committee.
Finance & Constitution Committee Convener Bruce Crawford MSP said: “The calibre of our expert panel speaks volumes. I welcome this insightful, authoritative analysis.
“There is much for our committee and the rest of the Parliament to consider. I am sure it will be influential on the establishment of committees in the new Parliament.”
• The devolution of further powers through the Scotland Act 2016, following the recommendations of the Smith Commission. • The operation of the UK/Scottish Government’s Fiscal Framework including in response to COVID-19. • The constitutional impact of Brexit on devolution.
The panel members, in alphabetical order, are:
• Charlotte Barbour, Director of Taxation, The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland • Douglas Fraser, Business & Economy Editor, BBC Scotland • Professor Michael Keating, Centre on Constitutional Change • Professor James Mitchell, University of Edinburgh • Christine O’Neill QC, Chairman, Brodies LLP • Mairi Spowage, Deputy Director, Fraser of Allander Institute • Mark Taylor, Audit Director Audit Scotland • Dr Hannah White, Deputy Director, Institute of Government.
They were joined by Professor Tom Mullen, Professor Kenneth Armstrong and David Phillips who are Advisers to the Finance & Constitution Committee. Dr Jim Johnston, Clerk to the Committee, chaired the panel and support was provided by parliament officials.
Find more information about the Finance & Constitution Committee here.
As the long-running campaign for professional recognition of electricians in Scotland nears its final stages, SELECT has warned that the clock is ticking for those who want to help influence the sector’s future.
Scotland’s largest construction trade association is reminding professionals that the deadline to respond to a second consultation on the regulation of the electrical industry is Friday February 12 – and is urging interested parties to take part before it’s too late.
The consultation was launched by Jamie Hepburn, MSP, the Minister for Business, Fair work and Skills, and SELECT says the fact that further parliamentary investigation into regulation is being made is an extremely encouraging sign.
Alan Wilson, Managing Director of SELECT, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the levels of support we have received, and the huge range of people who have publicly backed us through channels such as our Wall of Support.
“This second consultation another great opportunity for the industry to take part in and shape the future. It is a further chance for Scotland to demonstrate that we are committed to a safer industry and we would urge that all interested parties make their submission to the latest consultation.”
SELECT argues that only government legislation can bring about “comfort and security” for customers across the country and end the scourge of unqualified people passing themselves off as electrical professionals.
Grahame Barn, its Chief Executive (below) , said: “It seems a glaring anomaly that when virtually every other trade in the UK is regulated, that no such scheme operates for electricians.”
The Supplier Development Programme has also taken part, with manager Gillian Cameron saying: “Protection of title could reduce the amount of evidence required by public sector buying organisations into a single certification to determine if electricians are competent to carry out work in Scotland.”
Its campaign, which has been raised in the Scottish Parliament, is being backed by membership bodies, industry figures, professional services and individuals from across the country – and has received unprecedented levels of cross-party support from politicians.
Monica Lennon, MSP, who currently is challenging for the leadership of the Labour Party in Scotland, said in her Wall of Support message: “Poor quality electrical work carries huge risks to people’s homes, their businesses and even their lives.
“It is vitally important that consumers are helped to make informed choices whenever they employ an electrician.”
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Renniesaid: “I fully support the importance of using professionals in all aspects of construction work, be they multi-million-pound contracts or small domestic works.
“It is vital that we ensure only properly trained, qualified and competent people carry out these works.”
Mr Wilson pointed out that any real and effective change must be underpinned by legislation. He said voluntary regimes have never addressed the issue of dangerous and poor work often undertaken by unqualified or partially qualified persons.
He said that the Scottish Government needs to introduce a package of measures which must include Protection of Title. Establishing a single register based on the existing SJIB model would provide the comfort and security to a customer that someone calling themselves an electrician was qualified and competent.
Mr Wilson said: “There is a strong economic case for legislation. Scotland is investing £1.6 billion over the next five years in decarbonising the heat in buildings and it makes sense that those undertaking that programme are trained, qualified and competent.
“But there is also a social side. Protecting title and making the role of electrician a profession will lead to greater interest in the industry and more opportunities for women and ethnic minorities to join it, which would be a significant advantage to us all.”
Foundation Scotland and OSCR to work together to revive around 400 dormant trusts in Scotland
The Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) and Foundation Scotland have revealed they’re preparing to launch a brand new project which could unlock additional funding for charities and other community and voluntary groups across Scotland.
“The Revitalising Trusts” project aims to identify charitable trusts registered in Scotland that appear to be inactive and support them to reactivate by using funds that are lying dormant.
Charitable trusts typically provide public benefit by making grants or donations to other charities, voluntary groups or individuals. So-called ‘sleepy trusts’ are identified as charities that have either had no income or expenditure over the last 5 years or have donated less than 30% of their total income over the last 5 years to help good causes.
The project will also look at charitable trusts that have failed to submit annual accounts and reports to OSCR within the last 5 years.
Whilst the full value of Scotland’s ‘sleepy trusts’ has yet to be established, a similar programme was launched by the Charity Commission in England in 2018 which has so far ‘revitalised’ £32 million.
With support from local community foundations, this is now providing targeted and local support for the voluntary community sector thanks to the creation of new local funds.
There are over 3,400 charitable trusts on the Scottish Charity Register and OSCR’s initial findings have identified around 400 that may not be using their funds to full effect.
OSCR’s vision is for a trusted and respected Scottish charity sector which positively contributes to society.
Chief Executive Maureen Mallon said: “The public expects charities to use their funds to fulfil their charitable purposes and deliver public benefit, but sometimes charity trustees need a little help or encouragement to do so.
“If trusts are underperforming, we want to find out why and, through our partnership with Foundation Scotland, to offer assistance or a wake-up call where necessary.”
As the community foundation for Scotland, Foundation Scotland will be delivering this project in partnership with OSCR. The Foundation has the experience and expertise of building local funds which provide long-term benefit for communities.
Chief Executive for Foundation Scotland Giles Ruck said “This is an exciting opportunity to modernise many historic trusts, and revitalise others, and enable them to invest in our communities once again.
“We work with registered and unregistered voluntary and community groups all over Scotland. We will ensure revitalised funds can also provide support to the smaller, lesser-known community groups working on the frontline across Scotland’s communities.”
The Revitalising Trusts project is expected to launch in April following the appointment of a Project Advisor. The role of the Advisor will involve working closely with Foundation Scotland and OSCR to identify inactive trusts, and support these trusts to reactive or reorganise to deliver public benefit once again.
The post is initially a 2-year contract up to 3 days per week working from home. Previous experience working with charitable trusts, expertise in charity finance and governance and strong analytical and interpersonal skills are essential.
Full details of the vacancy and how to apply can be found on the Foundation Scotland website.
133 suicides were registered in Scotland, England and Wales in 2019 for those working in farming and agricultural related trades according to the Office of National Statistics.
88% of farmers under the age of 40 rank poor mental health as biggest hidden problem facing farmers today, a recent study reveals.
89% of young farmers believe that talking about mental health in farming will remove any stigma attached to it.
This year the Farm Safety Foundation’s Mind Your Head campaign will focus on prevention and early identification of risk factors associated with those living and working in the UK farming industry.
A total of 31 suicides were registered in 2019 in the agricultural industry in Scotland.
From 15th – 19th February 2021, the Farm Safety Foundation (also known as Yellow Wellies) will launch their fourth annual Mind Your Head campaign to illustrate actions being taken to break down mental health barriers in farming.
A recent study by the Foundation, found that mental health issues among farmers and agricultural workers are of growing concern and having a direct impact of safety on farms. With 88% of farmers under the age of 40 now ranking poor mental health as the biggest hidden problem facing farmers today (increased from 82% in 2018).
In an industry where 20 farm workers lost their lives in fatal farm accidents in 2019/2020, there were a total of 102 suicides registered in England and Wales in those working in farming and agricultural related trades, according to the Office of National Statistics. Scotland saw another 31 suicides in the agricultural sector. These include farmers, managers, and proprietors of ag related services and those working in agricultural related trades and elementary ag occupations.
The farming industry faces many stress factors, which are placing increased pressure on workers and putting them at greater risk of mental ill health. During the last year, the coronavirus pandemic will have only increased the mental health effects on farmers and could continue long after the virus has gone.
In the study, it was also revealed that 89% of young farmers believe that talking about mental health in farming will remove any stigma attached to it (increased from 80% in 2018).
Stephanie Berkeley, Manager of the Farm Safety Foundationsaid: “Humans are social animals. We not only enjoy each other’s company, but we also thrive on it.
“Digital solutions have tremendous value, however we must not underestimate the value of talking through our problems. It sounds non-technical, and therefore old-fashioned, but getting farmers to open up is the very first step to building a holistic approach to mental health in the industry.
“It is so important to encourage a habit within agriculture that explicitly recognises how the job can, and does, impact on the wellbeing of everyone living and working in it and how poor mental health can have a direct and deadly impact on the job. Given the year we have just experienced, making sure we are all looking after our physical and mental wellbeing has never been more relevant.
The Mind Your Head campaign will focus on prevention and early identification of risk factors associated with those living and working in the UK farming industry and also aims to highlight the wealth of support available.
During the week long campaign, the Farm Safety Foundation will be sharing the stories of some incredible people who have lost loved ones to suicide, made difficult career and life choices, and hear stories of hope, resilience, and the light at the end of that dark tunnel.
Stephanie added: “This is a huge concern and one that we need to keep talking about. In the last 12 months, calls to farming charities have increased so we need to be concerned about the numbers of people in our industry feeling high levels of distress and to keep pushing to ensure people know that help is available and encourage them to ask for it.
“This is your industry, your future, and your responsibility to it’s time to speak up, speak out and mind your head.”
For more information on the campaign or to learn more about how the Farm Safety Foundation and partners are tackling the issue of poor mental health in the industry please visit www.yellowwellies.org or follow them on social media – @yellowwelliesUK on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
