Month: March 2021

Skyrora boosted by European Space Agency funding

Scottish-based company aims to be the first to launch from Europe, delivering UK’s sovereign launch capability

Edinburgh-based rocket company, Skyrora, has received €3 million of co-funding from the European Space Agency (ESA), ensuring that the company can complete at pace the development of its rocket technology.

The funding not only represents a significant support of Skyrora’s ambitions as a pioneer in the sector but puts it on track to be the first UK company to launch satellites from Europe, delivering the UK’s sovereign space launch capability – a key Government ambition.

The funding, which is part of the ESA’s Boost! program, will be used by Skyrora to complete the crucial technology required to deliver consistent orbital launches from the UK with Skyrora’s XL launch vehicle.

Skyrora XL is a 23-meter 56-tonne three-stage rocket capable of carrying up to 315 kg into orbit. The vehicle is on course to be test-launched in 2022 from a UK spaceport.

This project plans to create over 170 high-skilled jobs in the UK.

Skyrora is ahead of any other UK launch company with its technology readiness, evidenced by four launches of its sounding rockets, static fire tests of its suborbital vehicle, and orbital third stage. Skyrora, which has its HQ in Edinburgh, has established its comprehensive rocket engine testing and manufacturing facilities in Scotland.

Volodymyr Levykin, founder and CEO of Skyrora, said: “This ESA contract will accelerate Skyrora’s progress on its journey to be the first to achieve the UK’s sovereign orbital launch.

“I am delighted that the UK Space Agency and the European Space Agency support our programme, which has, to date, delivered outstanding achievements – four successful launches, with two more ready for launch; the establishment of manufacturing and engine test facilities throughout Scotland; and the static fire test of our orbital third stage. ESA’s support, approved by the UK Space Agency through the Boost! programme will lead us to flight readiness of Skyrora XL in 2022.

“ESA’s funding will allow us to complete the set up of our larger Engine Test Complex, complete our 70kN engine programme and static fire test fire the first and second stages of Skyrora XL.

“Our pioneering work on championing environmental spaceflight, our proprietary eco-fuel and green innovations – together with the support of the European Space Agency and UK Space Agency – will help establish the UK not only as a world leader in space technology but the greenest space industry in the world too.”

Tim Peake, the first British astronaut to visit the International Space Station and an Advisor to Skyrora, said: “Independent access to space is vital for the UK to realise the full potential of its space industry and this exciting announcement for Skyrora brings us a big step closer to achieving that goal. 

“Skyrora is bringing innovation and growth to the space sector, whilst setting new benchmarks for reducing carbon emissions. I’m delighted that ESA has awarded Skyrora this contract to support providing a new space transportation system for Europe.”

Ivan McKee, Trade and Innovation Minister said: “This is great news for Skyrora as it takes another major step in bringing green small satellite launch capability to Scotland.

“Our aim for Scotland is to secure a slice of the $400 billion global space market by 2030, remaining committed to our climate change targets and becoming a net zero society by 2045.

“The Scottish space sector is unique in that the environment is at the forefront of our considerations. Skyrora’s use of innovative technologies like this will position Scotland as the go-to destination for sustainable space services.

“Skyrora’s engine test complex in Fife will contribute to our national mission to create new jobs, good jobs and green jobs. Developing an end-to-end space economy in Scotland will support these goals and benefit the entire country through the creation of highly skilled, green employment.”

Environmental leadership

Inspired by the UK’s historic Black Arrow programme, Skyrora is combining the UK’s engineering heritage with new technologies to enable the UK to regain its leading role in space – as a champion of environmental sustainability.

The production of Ecosene, Skyrora’s proprietary eco-fuel, will remove over 3,000 tons of unrecyclable plastic waste by 2030. Skyrora has also conducted several successful trials of Space Tug which is its solution for clearing debris and removing defunct satellites from orbit, enabling the UK to become a world leader in addressing space junk.

Skyrora’s innovations are helping to establish the UK space sector as a green industry while also opening up the utility of space to tackle climate change. Space technology contributes to the attainment of 13 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Dr. Jack-James Marlow, Head of Engineering for Skyrora, said: “ESA’s funding award will enable Skyrora to significantly accelerate the pace at which we can complete the next stages on our technological roadmap and become the first UK company to launch satellites from Europe.

“We draw huge inspiration from the British engineers who led the way on the Black Arrow programme, and we are thrilled to be advancing their pioneering work at Skyrora for the benefit of the UK.”

Amanda Solloway MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Science, Research and Innovation, said: “The UK’s space industry is thriving and we have bold ambitions to be Europe’s leading destination for small satellite launches, developing world class commercial spaceflight capability up and down the country. 

“Today’s funding for two of our most innovative space businesses is not only a step forward for UK spaceflight, but it will also help to create highly skilled jobs and local opportunities as we build back better from the pandemic.”

Ian Annett, Deputy CEO, UK Space Agency said: “This funding is great news for the UK space sector and will ensure companies such as Skyrora really are at the forefront of the European space industry. 

“This support to our thriving space sector, alongside our flexible regulations and strong international agreements, means the UK is well placed to benefit from the new commercial opportunities UK launch will bring.”

14% increase in first-time buy-to-let landlords

With the pandemic driving interest rates into the ground, it’s only natural that people are searching for a more lucrative return on their investments. 

Research by insurance and personal finance comparison experts Quotezone.co.uk reveals that 85% of those looking for landlord insurance own just one property – suggesting this is a buy-to-let investment rather than their full-time job.

The data, which covers a sample of landlord insurance quotes from 2019 to 2020, suggests redundancies and furlough has perhaps created an emerging trend of small and first-time landlords. 

Although the majority of the 19,000 landlords Quotezone.co.uk sampled have owned their property for five years or more, there is a recent spike emerging, with properties owned for ‘less than 1 year’ in Scotland seeing a 14% year-on-year increase during the pandemic. 

The data also showed that the average age of a landlord in the UK is 51 – these people are likely at least a decade from retirement and looking to invest their skills and savings in a more long-term asset that may offer higher returns than other investment options out there.

And with only 52% of landlords using cash to purchase during 2020, the lowest figure on record* – buy-to-let is an increasingly viable option for many UK buyers, even those with a relatively modest amount of capital to invest.

The average rent landlords can expect from their investments differs dramatically across the UK, with data from Statista revealing that Greater London has the highest average at £1,556, while the cheapest region is the North East where the average rent is just £539. The UK average is currently £832.

The best interest rate available from savings accounts currently stands at just 3%. By contrast, the average rental yield in the UK is currently 5.2%***, and buy-to-let property in some parts of the country even offers rental yields in excess of 7%.

However, there are overheads a landlord needs to consider such as a managing agent, utilities inspection reports and certificates, landlord licence (£500 every 5 years), safety equipment such as fire alarms and extinguishers and routine maintenance to the property.  Landlord insurance is another vital element but by comparing policies on comparison platforms, there are competitively priced policies available.

The research also showed that the majority of tenants were employed professionals followed neck-and-neck by short-term Airbnb lets and DSS / unemployed occupants.

Founder of Quotezone.co.uk, Greg Wilson, comments: “It is interesting to see that 85% of people in our data, who class themselves as landlords, own just one property – suggesting that actually first-time landlords with other occupations could be adding this asset to their portfolio as an additional revenue stream or an alternative to pension investments.

“Covid has created a temporary shopping spree within the housing market with the government’s stamp duty holiday, however I fear this temporary boost in sales may be short-lived as the economic aftermath of the pandemic is yet to be revealed and the stamp duty holiday is due to expire at the end of next month.

“However rental properties haven’t gone untouched by the crisis with many tenants on furlough or facing redundancies and social distancing creating physical barriers to the properties making routine maintenance and repairs difficult. 

“It is perhaps more important than ever to ensure landlord insurance policies are thorough, accurate and up to date so that landlords are fully protected should a claim be needed.” 

Policies vary from one landlord insurer to another, but in general can cover any damage to the building caused by insurable events like fire, flood, storms, subsidence, theft and vandalism. 

Landlord contents insurance, landlord liability and unoccupied property insurance can also be added as well as extra tailored features such as rent guarantee insurance, landlord home emergency cover and legal expenses.

Recommended by 97% of reviewers, Quotezone.co.uk helps around 3 million users every year, with over 400 insurance brands across 60 different products

Full scale of Britain’s job crisis uncovered in new research

Seven new private sector jobs will be needed to create one viable job post-pandemic

  • Cities will lead economic bounce back but most new jobs are expected to be low-skilled and low-paid.
  • Government must upskill workers and encourage higher-skilled businesses to invest in cities – particularly in the North and Midlands.

New Centre for Cities’ research in partnership with HSBC UK reveals that Britain’s jobs crisis is bigger than realised as the economy will need to create almost ten million new private sector jobs just to reverse the damage done by the pandemic.

Analysis of Britain’s ‘jobs miracle’ from 2013 to 2019 – when the national economy created 2.7 million net new jobs – finds that 19.3 million private sector jobs were created during this period and 16.6 million were lost. This meant that seven new private sector jobs were needed to create one viable job.

If this pattern repeats post-Covid then 9.4 million new private sector jobs will be needed to get the 1.3 million people who lost their jobs during the pandemic working again.

After the financial crisis big cities created the vast majority of new jobs and are expected to do so again post-Covid. London created one in four of all new private sector jobs (790,300) – equal to 17 Scarboroughs, or 25 Hartlepools. Other big cities also played an outsized role: in Manchester, 152,100 new jobs were created; in Birmingham 99,100 were; and in Glasgow 40,800 were.

In total, Britain’s ten largest cities created almost half (45.6%) of jobs during the ‘jobs miracle’, despite accounting for just 3.5% of land. In contrast, smaller towns and rural areas created 36% of new jobs. These findings underline the important role that big cities will play in helping the country recover from Covid-19.

Contribution of cities and non-urban areas to job creation, 2013-19

Fig 1.png

Source: ONS, Business Structure Database (BSD)

Many of the jobs lost in the pandemic were in sectors such as hospitality and tourism. While they are expected to recover quickly once the economy reopens, with an estimated three quarters of new jobs likely to come from sectors such as these, relying on them for new jobs will not address years of poor productivity and pay stagnation, particularly outside London and the Greater South East.

After the pandemic, the productivity problem that UK cities face will need to be addressed.

To do this the Government should invest in adult education to train people for higher-paid jobs in emerging industries. It should also recognise the crucial role that cities will play in building back better from the pandemic. It should invest £5 billion in a new City Centre Productivity Fund to make struggling city centres more attractive places for high-skilled businesses to locate.

The paper’s other proposals to help the country build back better from the pandemic include reforming business rates, which in their current form are a tax on business investment, and devolving more economic powers and resources to local government – particularly England’s metro mayors.

Centre for Cities’ Chief Executive Andrew Carter said: “Britain’s biggest cities will play a central role in our recovery from the pandemic, as they did after the last economic crisis when London alone created a quarter of all new jobs.

“We must use Covid-19 as an economic reset and address many of the long-standing problems that the economy has faced in recent years such as stalled productivity and stagnant pay. To do this the Government will need to focus on investing in adult education to train people for higher paid jobs.

“Addressing these problems will be be essential if the Government hopes to attract higher-skilled businesses in emerging industries to cities and large towns in the North and Midlands and meet its levelling up objectives.

Ian Stuart, CEO, HSBC UK said: “The employment challenge ahead for the country’s economy cannot be underestimated.

“Beyond the sheer volume of new jobs required, the UK will need to create high value, export-led employment across all regions, if it is to address the age-old productivity puzzle.

“Coming out of the Covid-19 pandemic, we will only truly succeed in levelling up the country if the challenge is shared between government and the private sector with a focus on reskilling our people and attracting new business growth and international investment in the sectors where we have a real competitive advantage.”

Think inside the box for your Easter lunch eggstravaganza

– Scotch Lamb and Thyme 2 Dine join forces for Easter dining experience –

One of Scotland’s finest ingredients is forming part of a luxury home dining delivery service to help bring restaurant quality cooking to homes for Easter.

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) and Glasgow-based Thyme 2 Dine have teamed up on a second limited edition Easter menu, this time featuring Scotch Lamb PGI, which will be available for two weekends over the Easter holidays (2-3 and 9–10 April). 

Thyme 2 Dine’s head chef and co-founder Peter Carey has crafted the menu using high quality, locally sourced Scottish ingredients to deliver top quality dining to homes in Scotland in their iconic thyme green box.

Taking centre stage among the main course options is a succulent, slow cooked Scotch Lamb PGI shoulder in cumin and marsala wine, pickled celeriac and kalamata olive sauce.

Diners can take their pick from two equally delicious starter options and satisfy their sweet tooth with a salted caramel Easter egg dessert, while complementing the entire meal with their choice of red or white wine chosen by Thyme 2 Dine co-founder Lukas Krischke.

Thyme 2 Dine said: “After the huge success of our sell-out Hogmanay partnership with QMS, it was an easy decision for us to collaborate with them again on our Easter menu.

“We know that Easter is a special celebration for lots of people, so we hope that enjoying one of our Scotch Lamb Easter boxes will make it even more memorable for them and their loved ones. 

“Given the popularity of our Hogmanay box, we’ve decided to offer our Scotch Lamb Easter box over two consecutive weekends – giving more people the opportunity to indulge and treat themselves to a delicious restaurant standard Easter meal at home.”

Thyme 2 Dine is committed to using only the best quality ingredients and the inclusion of Scotch Lamb in its Easter box aligns with their sourcing policy. Scotch Lamb is sourced from local Scottish farms that adopt best practice regarding animal welfare and production methods, whilst also supporting local farmers.

Lesley Cameron, Director of Marketing and Communications at QMS added: “Despite Easter looking somewhat different to what many people would have hoped for this year, we are confident that Thyme 2 Dine’s Scotch Lamb Easter box will help make it a very special occasion for them to enjoy.

“We hope this collaboration will give everyone a chance to put their feet up on Easter Sunday and instead spend quality time with their household while enjoying a delicious meal with minimal effort involved!”

Prices for Thyme 2 Dine’s Scotch Lamb Easter Box start from £60.00 for a box for two and are available to order online at www.thyme2dineglasgow.co.uk/

Full Thyme 2 Dine Scotch Lamb PGI Easter Menu –

Starters

·       Chorizo scotch egg, pickled fennel, herb emulsion

·       Heirloom tomato & roasted red pepper pressing, basil crusted Buffalo mozzarella, Gordal olive & pine kernel dressing (V)

Mains

·       Slow cooked Scotch Lamb shoulder in cumin & Marsala wine, pickled celeriac & kalamata olive sauce

·       Caramelised shallot & Blue murder tart tatin, charred baby gem and balsamic glaze (V)

Sides

·       Garlic & herb rosti, Heather honey roasted root vegetables, Wilted spring greens with almonds & lemon, Rapeseed roasted red rooster potatoes & our giant Yorkshire pudding (V)

Dessert

·       Milk chocolate Crémeux & salted caramel Easter egg, honeycomb, salted caramel gel (V)

Wine

·       Petit Ballon Blanc, Southern France 2019

o   Refreshing lemon, green apple and hints of stone fruit combined with vibrant and zesty acidity

·       Petit Ballon Rouge, Southern France 2019

o   Classic blend of Syrah and Mourvedre spicy and black fruit dominated, great match with lamb dishes

Cheese – optional add-on

·       Isle of Kintyre apple smoked cheddar, spiced pineapple chutney & Scottish biscuits (V) (4.95 for 2/ 9.90 for 4)

Deliveries will be made on 2-3 and 9–10 April 2021.

For Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI and Specially Selected Pork recipe videos and inspiration visit www.scotchkitchen.com or follow Scotch Kitchen on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Edinburgh’s Peter, Lucy and Keiran are Young Scot finalists

Three young people from Edinburgh have been announced as finalists in this year’s Sunday Mail Young Scot Awards in recognition of their incredible achievements. 

All three impressed an esteemed panel of judges with their outstanding contributions to their communities.

Peter Sawkins, winner of last year’s Great British Bake Off, is a finalist in the Entertainment category.

The Edinburgh University student became the first Scot and the youngest ever winner of the popular TV show when he took home the crown last year. He is passionate about Scottish produce and enjoys taking inspiration from locally sourced ingredients when designing his bakes.

Despite his newfound fame, Peter, who grew up watching the show, is committed to finishing his accounting degree and is appreciating having time to bake for friends and family.

Lucy Challoner, 22, is a finalist in the Young Hero category, which celebrates young people who have shown amazing courage, battled the odds or showed incredible perseverance in the face of adversity.

When Covid restrictions prevented Lucy from visiting her mum in her care home, she made the brave decision to move her home where Lucy took on the role of her mum’s fulltime carer.  

The social work student, who acts as her brother’s kinship carer, has also been campaigning for face-to-face visits with her 98-year-old gran in her care home – recognising the negative impacts visitation restrictions were having on her mental wellbeing.

Lucy’s campaign was eventually successful, and her tireless efforts have given a voice to all care home residents and their relatives.

Kieran Miller, 17, is a finalist in the Enhancing Education category, which awards young people who are determined to make a positive difference in improving education for others.

A passionate advocate for mental health support, Kieran assisted in the delivery of his school’s first Boys Mental Health Day. He played a pivotal role in the day, discussing his personal experiences with younger students and encouraging pupils to talk openly about their own challenges.

The talented footballer has overcome adversity in his own life and was recently voted head boy of his school.

The Sunday Mail Young Scot Awards aim to recognise and inspire the nation’s young people. This year’s winners will be announced during a live online ceremony on 22 April – marking the Award’s fifteenth year of championing and celebrating the achievements of young people from all communities across Scotland.

The finalists join a prestigious roll call of previous recipients including Sir Andy Murray, Olympian Laura Muir, and top vlogger Jamie Genevieve. Recent winners include actor Ncuti Gatwa from Netflix’s Sex Education and the team behind Fridays For Future Scotland.

Louise Macdonald OBE, Chief Executive of Young Scot, said: “Peter, Lucy and Kieran’s inspiring achievements show how important young people are to Scotland and their incredible contribution to communities in Edinburgh.

“A huge congratulations to all of the 2021 finalists – we can’t wait to celebrate their achievements at the Awards ceremony!”

Edinburgh Festivals welcome £1 million UK Government support

Edinburgh Festivals – the biggest combined festivals in the country – will benefit from £1 million from the UK Government this year

Half a million pounds will fund a new digital platform to promote UK talent and content to both international and domestic producers

£500,000 will be made available for Festival organisers to increase their digital capabilities

The UK Government will fund two new projects to expand the digital potential of the Edinburgh Festivals with £1 million investment, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has announced.

The Edinburgh Festivals are the biggest combined festivals in the UK, attracting audiences of nearly 5 million every year, generating £313 million for Scotland’s economy alone, and providing unparalleled opportunities for artists across the country. 

Last year many shows at the Edinburgh Festivals had to move online due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

The challenge of moving to a combination of physical and online events, and the increased demand for British virtual cultural content around the globe, revealed the need to expand the Edinburgh Festivals’ digital capabilities as part of the cultural sector’s post-Covid recovery. 

The UK Government is providing £1 million in funding for digital improvements that will enable more ways for people to virtually access the events across the country, increase opportunities for UK artists and ensure Edinburgh’s landmark events will continue to be major contributors to the UK’s economy and cultural landscape. 

The 11 festivals in the Festivals Edinburgh event portfolio will be able to apply for a share of a new £500,000 fund which will support innovative virtual solutions to the challenges of commissioning, producing and promoting festival programmes in an increasingly digitised cultural sector.

The funding will help encourage collaboration between events and develop hybrid events with live and digital elements. 

Another £500,000 will be provided to create a new digital platform that will help national and international buyers and producers search for talent and content from the festivals’ hugely varied programmes, which showcase thousands of artists and performers every year, and promote the work of British artists and performers around the world. 

The funds will be available to Festivals Edinburgh this financial year. Events with live audiences at limited capacities in Scotland will return no earlier than 17 May, and further details about the planning for this year’s Edinburgh Festivals will be released in due course.

This funding builds on £100,000 previously awarded to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2018 to better connect UK artists with international producers. As part of ongoing support for culture in Edinburgh, the UK Government provided £10 million for the Dunard Centre, through the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal.

It will be the city’s first dedicated new space for music and the performing arts in 100 years. Scotland also received £97 million from the UK Government’s Culture Recovery Fund to provide support for the nation’s arts and cultural sectors. 

Lothian MSP candidate for Edinburgh Southern, Miles Briggs, said: “This funding from the UK government is a very welcome investment into the arts and supporting the Edinburgh festival.

“It has been an exceptionally challenging year for artists and performers, many of whom have needed to adapt to virtual audiences.

“This investment will pave the way for hybrid Edinburgh Festival performances, which will allow people around the globe to see the creativity and talent on show in Edinburgh.”

Oliver Dowden, Culture Secretary, said: “Edinburgh’s Festivals have long been a springboard for the very best of British talent and a vital part of culture in Scotland and the UK.

“The UK Government’s investment will promote it to a worldwide audience online, helping the UK’s biggest combined festival build back better from the pandemic.”

“This is on top of £97 million we provided last year to the Scottish Government to support Scotland’s arts organisations through the pandemic. Like everyone else, I look forward to our fantastic arts and culture coming back better than ever before, as soon as it is safe to do so.”  

Iain Stewart, UK Government Minister for Scotland, said: “Edinburgh is world-famous for its festivals, bringing wider benefits to Scotland’s economy, tourism and arts sectors.

“We know the last 12 months have been difficult for the culture sector. This £1 million funding boost will support organisations to improve their digital capabilities and engage with audiences here in Scotland and further afield.”

Sorcha Carey, Chair, Festivals Edinburgh, said: “While live events in Edinburgh will remain the backbone of our world-class festivals, it’s crucial that we enhance our digital operations and so we’re delighted with this incredible support from the UK Government which will help reposition our work, and the work of creatives, across the digital world.”

Sir James Macmillan, Composer, said: “I’m delighted and encouraged to see this significant and notable support being given to the Edinburgh Festivals at this crucial point.

“The arts have been seriously affected by the pandemic and it is wonderful that the UK Government is showing its tangible commitment to culture in Scotland by investing in one of Scotland’s and Britain’s most important arts organisations.”

Pro-EU organisation urges Scottish Government to set up its own Erasmus programme

Scotland’s leading pro-EU organisation, the European Movement in Scotland, has urged the Scottish Government to follow the Wales Government and establish its own version of the Erasmus education exchange programme.

With Brexit, the UK government has withdrawn from the EU’s Erasmus scheme, which offered student exchanges as well as school links and work experience.

Its replacement, the Turing Scheme, includes a fraction of the benefits provided to students under Erasmus+.

Free tuition and travel expenses have been scrapped, except for the most disadvantaged students and the cost-of-living allowance has been slashed by a fifth. In addition the Turing Scheme does not extend to apprentices and trainees.

The Turing scheme does not extend to staff exchanges. Funding will also not be reciprocal, meaning that international partner institutions will not be supported for any exchanges coming to the UK.

Around 2000 Scottish students and staff used Erasmus+ each year and now many will be denied the chance to study and travel in 27 other EU countries as the new scheme puts financial barriers in front of them.

In contrast, the Welsh Government said its scheme would “support, as far as possible, the entire range of activities that have been available to learners in Wales” under Erasmus+.

The new programme will fill in many of the gaps Turing leaves, including, crucially, the commitment to long-term funding, the retention of the principle of two-way exchanges and the inclusion of youth work.

Scotland attracts proportionally more Erasmus participants from across Europe – and sends more in the other direction – than any other country in the UK. Through associated youth work projects, the scheme is estimated to deliver at least £7 in value for every £1 it costs in public cash, and its value to the economy has been estimated to be worth nearly £34 million annually since 2014.

The Scottish Government had lobbied the EU for continued membership but its hopes were quashed last month by Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, who told MEPs that, as a “constituent nation” of the UK, Scotland could not rejoin. Students studying at institutions in Northern Ireland can take part in Erasmus thanks to an arrangement with the Irish government.

Mark Lazarowicz, Chair of the European Movement in Scotland commented: “The loss of Erasmus is an act of cultural vandalism and we would urge the Scottish Government to follow Wales and fill the immense gaps presented by the Turing scheme.

“Erasmus brings different countries and nationalities together and generates such massive cultural and educational benefits, its loss is a huge blow.  It allowed many thousands of young people, no matter their background, to continue to improve their futures, their access to global opportunities, and their development as citizens of a connected world. 

“Over 2000 Scottish students, staff and learners used the scheme each year. Indeed, Scotland attracts proportionally more Erasmus participants from across Europe – and sends more in the other direction – than any other country in the UK.

“A unilateral replacement, such as the proposed Turing scheme, will never be able to replicate the wealth of opportunities for all young people, or raise the same reciprocal benefits of the Erasmus Programme.”

Fairer pay for social care workers

A commitment to ensure adult social care workers receive at least the Real Living Wage of £9.50 an hour has been agreed with COSLA.

Funding of £64.5 million will be committed to ensure adult social care workers will be paid at least the Real Living Wage from May 2021, backdated to April 2021. This is an important early response to the recent Independent Review of Adult Social Care and comes as a joint statement between with COSLA has been issued setting out how they will work together to deliver on the review’s recommendations.

Subject to the outcome of the Scottish Parliament elections,  minimum standards for employment terms and conditions will be developed for the sector in partnership with COSLA. This includes a requirement for ethical commissioning which ensures procurement decisions take into account factors beyond price, including fair work, terms and conditions and trade union recognition.

There will also be new measures introduced to ensure staff, the majority of whom are women, are able to raise concerns, respond to local conditions and support an effective collective bargaining role in a sector where staff currently lack a clear representative voice.  

The Scottish Government and COSLA have also jointly committed to working together to deliver recommendations of the independent review, including:  

  • ending charging for non-residential services as soon as possible
  • introducing agreed ethical commissioning principles 
  • overhauling eligibility criteria to ensure social care support is based on human rights and needs
  • implementing measures to put voices of those with lived experience at the heart of policy development and service delivery
  • ensuring unpaid carers are fully supported to continue in their caring roles

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “Social care workers do a critical and invaluable job and they should be paid fairly for it. The Scottish Government want Scotland’s social care services to be high quality and consistent for those who use them and also for those who deliver them.

“Derek Feeley’s Independent Review of Adult Social Care set out clearly the need for better recognition and treatment of the, largely female, workforce, describing this as a key issue of equality and gender fairness, as well as an investment in critical service provision. The Scottish Government agree with those conclusions.

“This funding will help support a move to an ethical approach to commissioning which recognises the economic and social value of the work that staff in social care do, and that decisions must be about more than just price.”

COSLA Health and Social Care Spokesperson Councillor Stuart Currie said: “This statement of intent will allow work to begin now which will make improvements to adult social care in Scotland, and I welcome this progress.

“It is evident that there is significant discussion needed around the areas in the review that relate to governance and accountability within the report.

“However, COSLA Leaders are clear that there is much in the report to be welcomed  particularly the principles in relation to empowering people, valuing the workforce and embedding a human rights-based approach in social care.”

Easter Weekend: Remember your repeat prescriptions, says NHS 24

NHS 24 is reminding people who take regular medication to make sure their repeat prescriptions are ordered in plenty of time for the Easter Weekend.

The reminder is part of the ongoing health campaign ‘Show you care. Prepare’ which encourages people to take care of themselves, their loved ones and the NHS by being prepared for minor ailments.

The Easter Weekend impacts on many local GP and pharmacy opening times,  so it’s important that people check their prescription, order only what they need and in plenty of time.

NHS 24’s Head of Pharmacy, John McAnaw said: “This can be a really busy time of the year but it’s important that we all take time to think about our health, do what we can to stay well and be prepared for illness. That way we’ll also be doing our bit to support the NHS through the busy Easter period.

“Things like paracetamol, ibuprofen and indigestion remedies are useful to have and you can ask your pharmacist for advice about helpful medicines for your household. It’s also a good idea to keep a few child friendly remedies if you have any wee ones.

“We’re all looking forward to spending time in the spring sunshine (should it appear!), so it’s a good idea to think ahead to what you might need to support you and your family’s health.

“Check what you have, and order only what you need and collect it in plenty of time – you should order by Friday the 26th March at the latest to be sure of having your medicines ready before Easter weekend.”

General advice and information on how to stay healthy can be found at www.nhsinform.scot/easter

Mentor scheme to improve life chances for young people

A £19.4 million Scottish Government fund will support a six year mentoring programme to help young people reach their full potential.

MCR Pathways charity will roll out its successful Young Scottish Talent mentoring programme and social enterprise and charity Columba 1400 will expand its values-based Leadership Academy for Young People, working in partnership to improve education outcomes, career opportunities and life chances.

A network of volunteer mentors – drawn from business, civic society and the wider public – will offer tailored support to young people through schools as lockdown eases. They will be trained to develop strong relationships that are at the heart of the programme and key to helping young people achieve their full potential.

The programme will be delivered in partnership with local authorities that wish to participate and will be part of the Scottish Government’s Young Person’s Guarantee, to provide long term support where it is needed most.

Education Secretary John Swinney said: “Our young people have endured an extremely challenging 12 months coping with the disruption to school life caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. For some young people, this period has impacted them disproportionality, which is why we have introduced the young person’s guarantee.

“Improving the education and life chances of all our children and young people is the defining mission of this government, which is why we are funding this mentoring support package that will enable young people to reach their full potential.”

Marie Clare Tully, Chief Executive of Columba 1400, said: ‘We are delighted that the Scottish Government is enabling Columba 1400 to deepen the reach and impact of our Leadership Academies.

“We can now welcome more of Scotland’s impressive young people on a shared journey to explore their own values, and values-based leadership.

“The core values of Scotland’s young people will be crucial in ensuring that our communities thrive post COVID-19. Columba 1400 is honoured to play a part in creating the conditions for change – enabling Scotland’s young people to transform their schools, their communities and the future of Scotland.”

Graeme McEwan, Chief Executive of MCR Pathways, said: “We are absolutely delighted that the Scottish Government is supporting the expansion of the Young Scottish Talent mentoring programme to thousands more inspiring young people across the country. This recognises the transformational impact of mentoring and the key role it will play in post-Covid recovery in our schools and local communities.

“We look forward to partnering with our local authorities and schools to work with volunteer mentors across the country to help our young people find, grow and use their talents and be all they can be.”

The ambition of the Young Person’s Guarantee is that, within two years, every person aged between 16 and 24 will have the opportunity to study; take up an apprenticeship, job or work experience; or participate in formal volunteering.

MCR Pathways is currently operating in 72 schools across 12 local authorities. Young Edinburgh Talent has been running in Craigroyston Community High School since 2019 and in 2020 the programme was extended to 9 schools across the capital.

This proposal would see it increase to potentially 300 schools over a 6 year period.