Day: July 15, 2021

Hay fever sufferers could see red with penalty points warning

The Met Office pollen forecast for Scotland could give hay fever sufferers more than just watery eyes this weekend.

Pollen predictions show things could get very uncomfortable for sufferers, especially on Sunday when the pollen count is forecast to be raised to ‘high’ for all of Scotland, except the Orkneys and Shetland which will be at a ‘medium’ level.

Scottish hay fever sufferers who are vulnerable to grass pollen might be especially affected. Spores also in peak season now in Grampian and the Highlands, with weed pollen (nettle, dock and plantain) at medium risk in lowland areas.

The Met Office forecast has led to a warning from one of the country’s leading car insurance comparison website, concerned that most motorists are aware of the fact that ‘driving under the influence’ could result in hefty fines and points on their licence – but unaware there’s a risk they could end up committing this type of motoring offence without even realising it by using medication to counter hay fever.

According to Quotezone.co.uk, the government legislation that bans driving while under the influence, does not distinguish between illicit drugs, prescription medication and over-the-counter medications. 

This means any type of drug that affects a motorist’s driving abilities could potentially result in a drug-driving conviction, even if it’s something as simple as hay fever medication that causes drowsiness.

One in four people in the UK has hay fever, approximately 16 million people, according to the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation.  Grass pollen is arguably the biggest cause of seasonal allergies, affecting approximately 90% of hay fever sufferers – with peak season from mid-May until July.*

The region’s hay fever sufferers could consider the following advice before getting behind the wheel:

Five driving tips for hay fever sufferers

  1. Check your medication– antihistamines and hay fever medications can differ in strength, check with your doctor if in any doubt about possible side effects and always read the label – the warning, ‘do not operate heavy machinery’ is commonly found and applies to cars, forklifts and any other heavy machinery.
  1. Plan your journeys –check the Met Office Pollen warnings or download the weather app, which gives a 5-day forecast, for high pollen counts. 
  1. Don’t take non-urgent journeys –if you don’t feel well or the pollen count is high, play it safe.
  1. Keep your car as pollen-free as possible– clean your car as much as possible to get rid of dust that could trigger symptoms before setting out, regularly change pollen filters in your car’s ventilation system and keep car windows closed during journeys.  
  1. Drive safely– better to err on the side of caution, giving lots of space to fellow road users and taking breaks if hay fever symptoms start.

Greg Wilson, Founder of Quotezone.co.uk, warns:  “Most people assume that the term ‘drug-driving’ refers to driving while under the influence of illicit narcotics, but the truth is that driving after taking any type of drug, could result in a motoring conviction if the motorist’s driving abilities are impaired.

“While some hay fever medications are non-drowsy, some types do cause drowsiness, and some prescription hay fever tablets in particular carry a ‘do not operate heavy machinery’ warning. If a driver fails to obey this warning and gets behind the wheel, they could risk a hefty fine of up to £5,000 as well as points on their licence.”

Tree pollen is typically from late March to mid-May, grass pollen lasts from mid-May until July then weed pollen tends to be from the end of June to September – dependent upon where you live, for example urban areas have lower counts than the countryside, and coastal areas have lower counts than inland.

Quotezone.co.uk compares quotes from over 110 UK car insurance providers, helping over 3 million users find a more competitive deal each year on everything from car insurance to electric car insurance to convicted driver insurance.

The Inside Scoop! Morrisons all set for World Ice Cream Day

With a heatwave here and temperatures set to hit 27c on Sunday, Morrison’s have big plans for World Ice Cream Day (Sunday 28 July).

Prices start from just 99p. Customers can choose from exciting kid-friendly cones to more grown-up, indulgent ice creams, or decadent loaded tubs to share, or keep to yourself!

EIFF presents a Special Preview screening of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

Edinburgh International Film Festival is delighted to announce that the 74th edition of the Edinburgh International Film Festival will host a unique screening of the eagerly awaited film adaptation of the award-winning hit musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.

The film will have its Special Preview screening at the Festival Theatre – a ‘coming home’ of sorts – where the stage musical was the last show to play before the March 2020 lockdown.

On Friday 20 August, the EIFF screening which will be accessed by the public using an EIFF first ‘Pay-What-You-Can’ model will be preceded by a unique and inclusive outdoor celebration event in St Andrew Square Edinburgh’s Talking About Jamie.

EIFF is also delighted to reveal that Jamie Campbell and his mother Margaret, the subjects of the original documentary that inspired the musical will be attending the screening and festivities.

Inspired by true events, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is the film adaptation of the award-winning hit musical from London’s West End, about Jamie New (newcomer Max Harwood), a teenager in a blue-collar English town with a dream of life on stage.

While his classmates plan their livelihoods after graduation, Jamie contemplates revealing his secret career ambition as a fierce and proud drag queen. His best friend Pritti (Lauren Patel) and his loving mom (Sarah Lancashire) shower him with endless support while local drag legend Miss Loco Chanelle (Richard E. Grant) mentors him toward his debut stage performance.

But it’s not all rainbows for Jamie as his unsupportive dad (Ralph Ineson), an uninspired career advisor (Sharon Horgan), and some ignorant school kids attempt to rain on his sensational aspirations. In rousing and colourful musical numbers, Jamie and his community inspire one another to be more accepting, and to see the value in facing adversity stepping out of the darkness into the spotlight.

In true Jamie style Edinburgh International Film Festival is inviting everybody to an event to celebrate being themself at St Andrew Square, Edinburgh’s Talking About Jamie.

The evening will kick off with drag queen entertainment and cocktails. Those dressed to impress will be in with a chance of prizes for the best outfits.

Tickets are free to Edinburgh’s Talking About Jamie and must be booked in addition to tickets to the Special Preview screening at Festival Theatre.

The iconic Edinburgh square will also be home to EIFF’s Film Fest in the City, a series of free outdoor screenings delivered in partnership with Essential Edinburgh.

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie stars newcomer Max Harwood, Sarah Lancashire, Lauren Patel, Shobna Gulati, Ralph Ineson, Adeel Akhtar, Samuel Bottomley, with Sharon Horgan and Richard E. Grant.

The stage production’s director, Jonathan Butterell, makes his feature-film debut as director, with screenplay and lyrics by Tom MacRae, songs by Dan Gillespie Sells and a score composed by Sells and Anne Dudley. Mark Herbert, p.g.a., Peter Carlton, p.g.a., and Arnon Milchan are producing, with Yariv Milchan, Michael Schaefer, Natalie Lehmann, Daniel Battsek, Ollie Madden, Peter Balm, Niall Shamma and Jes Wilkins serving as executive producers.

The film features hit songs from the stage show including ‘And You Don’t Even Know It’, ‘The Wall In My Head’ and ‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’ as well as an exclusive new song ‘This Was Me’, performed by Holly Johnson, lead singer of Frankie Goes to Hollywood.

The original musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie has quickly become one the most beloved musicals of recent years.

Premiering at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, before transferring to London’s Apollo Theatre, the production was an overnight success amongst audiences and critics, receiving rave reviews and garnering five Olivier Award nominations.

The show was also honoured at the UK Theatre Awards with Best Musical Production, with its star John McCrea named Best Musical Performer.

The stage show joyfully reopened its doors in May 2021 in London’s Apollo Theatre – the first musical in the West End to do so, before the UK tour recommences in September 2021 visiting 24 UK cities including Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre again from Tuesday 29 March to Saturday 2 April 2022.

Jonathan Butterell, Director of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie said: “I am thrilled to be presenting Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at the Edinburgh International Film Festival as a Special Preview, a city that early spring last year, just before the national lockdown, embraced the stage musical so enthusiastically!

“I am also delighted to hear about the plans for Edinburgh’s Talking About Jamie celebrations and cannot wait to see Edinburgh putting its best frock on and get singing!”

Nick Varley, Lead Guest Programmer of Edinburgh International Film Festival added: “Has Sheffield ever looked so glamourous? Everyone’s Talking About Jamie has all the ingredients of a classic feel good musical, proving that being yourself and following your dream always triumphs over adversity.

“After a year of lockdowns we all need a reason to have fun and Jamie provides it in spades. We are delighted to present it as our Special Preview screening.”

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie will be exclusively released on Prime Video on 17th September 2021.

Join the Facebook event here.

The 74th edition of EIFF runs from 18 – 25 August 2021. The full programme will be announced on 28 July 2021.

#EdFilmFest

One million children in key worker households live in poverty

New research published by the TUC (produced by Landman Economics) finds that over a million children of key workers are currently living in poverty.

The research, which used the government definition for key workers, found that in some regions more than a quarter of children in key worker households are living in poverty.

Key worker families in the North East have the highest rate of child poverty (29%), followed by London (27%), the West Midlands (25%) and Yorkshire and the Humber (25%).

Government policies could worsen key worker poverty

The TUC says the main reasons for key worker family poverty are low pay and insecure hours – factors that often coincide in occupations such as care workers, delivery drivers or supermarket staff.

High housing costs further reduce keyworker family budgets for essentials like groceries and utility bills. And support through Universal Credit is not enough to guarantee families avoid poverty.

Current government policies are likely to increase child poverty rates. Ministers have capped pay rises for key workers in the public sector, which in some cases will mean real wage losses. And the chancellor is planning to cut Universal Credit for low-income families by £20 per week in October.

The TUC warns that these policies will put the brakes on the nation’s economic recovery by curbing household spending. This will restrain business activity, and impact on wage growth for other workers across the economy.

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “Every key worker deserves a decent standard of living for their family. But too often their hard work is not paying off like it should. And they struggle to keep up with the basic costs of family life.

“The prime minister has promised to ‘build back fairer’. He should start with our key workers. They put themselves in harm’s way to keep the country going through the pandemic. Now, we must be there for them too.

“This isn’t just about doing right thing by key workers. If we put more money in the pockets of working families, their spending will help our businesses and high streets recover. It’s the fuel in the tank that our economy needs.”

Support needed for key worker families

The TUC is calling on the government to guarantee decent living standards for key worker families by:

  • Raising the national minimum wage to £10 per hour immediately.
  • Ending the freeze on public service workers’ pay and give all public service workers a decent pay rise.
  • Funding the public sector so that all outsourced workers are paid at least the real Living Wage and get parity with directly employed staff.
  • Canceling the £20 cut to Universal Credit, which is set to hit low-income families in October, and set out plans to increase child benefit above inflation each year across the parliament.

– Children in poverty in key worker households by UK nation and region

RegionChildren in poverty in key worker familiesProportion of children in poverty in key worker families
North East56,19829.1%
North West101,48118.1%
Yorks & the Humber100,21424.9%
East Midlands80,65321.2%
West Midlands111,57725.2%
East of England83,71915.5%
London164,54826.5%
South East143,37218.7%
South West66,67815.6%
Wales60,37823.4%
Scotland74,37618.7%
TOTAL1,062,58620.6%

‘One last push towards normality’

Edinburgh Pentlands MSP Gordon MacDonald has welcomed the announcement from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon that Edinburgh will move from Level 2 to Level 0 on Monday (19th July).

Moving to level 0 means that 8 people from 4 households will be able to meet indoors and 10 people from 4 households in an indoor setting such as a pub or restaurant. 15 people from 15 households can meet outdoors; up to 2,000 people can attend stadia seated, 1,000 standing, with 400 people indoors. The limit on attendance at weddings and funerals has increased to 200.

International travellers arriving from amber list countries will not have to self-isolate if they have had two COVID vaccines, but the advice remains not to travel unless it is essential.

The First Minister also made it clear that face masks will continue to be mandatory in certain settings and are likely to be in the future.

SNP MSP, Gordon MacDonald said: “I welcome the Scottish Government’s announcement that Edinburgh will move to Level 0 from Monday July 19th, this is a welcome step in easing restrictions and returning to normality.

“This is our one last push towards normality, I am very grateful for the efforts of everyone in Edinburgh to follow the rules and keep everyone safe.

“To get us over the line we need to continue to follow the rules which understandably continue to state that we must still wear face coverings in the settings we have been doing so in for some time now.

“It is also very important, if you have not already, to get vaccinated. There is a walk-in centre set up here for anyone who has not yet had a first dose or if you have waited 8 or more weeks for your second dose.

“Vaccination is our route out of the pandemic and we are in a race between the virus and the vaccine and we cannot allow the virus to get ahead.

“I would urge everyone to follow the rules laid out in the First Minister’s statement to ensure we can move to a greater sense of normality on the Scottish Government’s route map on August 9th.”

Mandatory wearing of face coverings in Scotland is right, says Usdaw

– customers urged to follow the rules and respect shopworkers –

Retail trade union Usdaw has successfully lobbied for the continued mandatory wearing of face coverings in Scotland for the foreseeable future.

The union is calling on retailers to promote face coverings, hand hygiene and social distancing in their stores and urging shoppers to adhere to the law.

Tracy Gilbert, Usdaw Regional Secretary for Scotland, said: “It is right that requirements to wear face coverings in Scotland’s shops continue, which is what Usdaw called for.

“We are asking retailers to promote to customers the wearing of face coverings, continuing with hand hygiene and maintaining social distancing. We also ask the public to show their support and respect for shopworkers by following the law.

“Wearing a face covering in a shop is an important measure to help protect workers who have no option but to interact with large numbers of people as a part of their job. Many retail workers are at a greater risk of catching the virus and bringing it home to their families.

“Supermarket workers and delivery drivers have worked throughout the pandemic to keep the country supplied with essentials. These key workers must be valued, respected and protected.”

In responding to the First Minister’s statement the Scottish Licensed Trade Association said: “Scottish licensed trade operators, while welcoming today’s announcement by the First Minister that Scotland will move to a modified version of Level 0 rules from Monday, remain disappointed that they must still operate under restrictions and at limited capacity.

Colin Wilkinson, managing director of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, said it was a “relief to have some clarity” from the Scottish Government but added: There’s still quite a lot of uncertainty about what will happen from August 9th.

“We urge the Scottish Government to give businesses – and the public – messaging that is both clear and consistent to avoid confusion. Clarity is key as our sector tries to save what is left of the summer.

“That hospitality can open until midnight if their current licence permits that from July 19th is, of course, good news and it will help some businesses tart to claw back lost trade. However, as the one-metre physical distancing rule remains in place, that will be very difficult for some premises, particularly smaller ones.

“The announcement also leaves those still unable to open because of their size or the entertainment they provide, such as late opening premises and nightclubs, no further forward.”

Mr Wilkinson also reiterated the SLTA’s call for further financial aid to ensure the survival of the licensed hospitality industry as it plays its part in rebuilding the economy.

“There needs to be an extension to the current support schemes available such as furlough, VAT reduction, deferral of loan repayments and so on.”

Half of employers expect more flexible working requests from staff after pandemic

A new survey from Acas has found that half of employers in Great Britain expect an increase in demand for flexible forms of working from employees after the country comes out of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Acas commissioned YouGov to ask British businesses about changes to working practices that they are expecting once the COVID-19 pandemic is over compared to before the pandemic. The poll found that:

  • Over half of employers (55%) expect an increase in staff working from home or remotely part of the week; and
  • Nearly half of employers (49%) expect an increase in staff working from home or remotely all week.

Acas has published new advice on hybrid working that can help employers introduce it and manage requests from staff who wish to split their time between working remotely and in their employer’s workplace.

Acas Chief Executive, Susan Clews, said: “The pandemic has greatly impacted working life and it’s unsurprising that many employers and their staff have seen the benefits of flexible working during this difficult period.

“Hybrid working existed before Covid and our survey reveals that more than half of employers in Britain expect this type of flexible working to increase once we come out of the pandemic.

“Our new advice can help employers look at the potential benefits of hybrid working, consider whether it is suitable for their workplace, and fairly manage any staff requests.”

Acas advice is that hybrid working can help businesses attract and retain staff as well as increase staff productivity as the flexibility allows them to balance work and personal responsibilities.

Employees can benefit by saving costs and the time spent travelling to work as well as enjoying a better work life balance.

Acas’s advice for employers includes:

  • Consult widely with staff or their representatives about introducing hybrid working and discuss practical considerations such as regular communication, technology, performance management and health and safety;
  • A company hybrid working policy could look at which roles are eligible, how someone can request it and any principles such as allowing remote working for a maximum number of days a week;
  • Ensure staff who are working remotely are not excluded and have access to the same opportunities as those in the workplace such as team building activities, training and development;  
  • Decisions around whether to approve a request for hybrid working should be fair, transparent and other forms of flexible working that could work as possible alternatives can be discussed with employees;
  • Think about training line managers and staff to help them prepare for and manage hybrid working; and
  • Consider a trial period to see if it works and if any further adjustments to arrangements are needed.

For Acas’s full advice on hybrid working, please see: www.acas.org.uk/hybrid-working

Don’t give thieves an easy ride!

Motorcycles and scooters are an easy target for thieves. While these criminals are becoming more sophisticated in their methods, by following a few simple steps, you can reduce your chances of becoming a victim.

– Ensure your bike is fitted with a combined alarm and immobiliser which will deter thieves when the alarm sounds.

– Attach both a disc lock and U-lock. Do not rely on one device, the more security placed on your bike, the less attractive it is to a thief.

– Try to park under street lights- When applying your locks, ensure they are secured to a solid anchor point or a permanent piece of street furniture. Keep the lock off the ground where possible as this makes it difficult to cut off.

– Cover your motorcycle and ensure the cover is attached to the security device.

– If possible, use ‘Thatcham’ or ‘sold secure’ approved devices. These have been tested by the industry.

– Ensure you always activate the steering lock.

– Avoid leaving your helmet or other possessions on the motorcycle, in luggage space or panniers.

– Look out for car parks that are accredited to the ‘Parkmark’ scheme, as they are safer places to park vehicles. Log onto www.parkmark.co.uk for a list of car parks on your area.

– Be vigilant, ensure that you are not being followed home and check for suspicious items attached to your motorcycle or transporting vehicle/trailer that could be used to track your whereabouts.

– Tracking Devices are an effective covert security measure. They may not prevent your motorcycle from being stolen, it will assist in tracing and recovering the vehicle quickly.

– Marking and Identification Systems such as Datatag ID which can be attached to various parts of your motorcycle.

Datatag assists in identifying the owner of the vehicle should it be stolen and later recovered even if the motorcycle has been taken apart.

For more information visit www.datatag.co.uk.

#LockYourDoors

#DontGiveThievesAnEasyRide

Then Play On: Music tuition and core curriculum fees removed

Fees for children learning a musical instrument at school will be removed thanks to more than £7 million funding from the Scottish Government.

Councils will also receive £6 million to waive core curriculum charges which can be levied on families for things including materials for home economics or theatre trips associated with drama qualifications.

The agreement with COSLA covers the 2021-22 academic year and marks the delivery of two further commitments for the first 100 days of this Government.

Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “My priority is to ensure the best possible outcomes for all of Scotland’s children and young people, whatever their background.

“All children should have the best start in life and the ability to take part in core elements of education should never be limited by a child’s ability to pay.

“Today’s announcement means families will not see bills for musical tuition or core curriculum activities in the new school year. I will continue to work with COSLA and local authorities to develop a sustainable and funded model for future years.”

COSLA Children and Young People spokesperson Councillor Stephen McCabe, said: “Councils recognise the importance of instrumental music tuition for the learning and development of our children and young people.

“Where fees were in place for tuition this is due to a range of local pressures on core council budgets. The one year funding package agreed between COSLA Leaders and Scottish Government will allow for the removal of fees in the coming academic year and the maintenance of existing levels of provision, so that fees and charges are not a barrier to learning an instrument. 

“We welcome the commitment from the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills to work with COSLA and partners in the sector to consider the intent, impact, and broader implications of this Scottish Government policy intervention and to develop a model for the long-term sustainability of  instrumental music tuition services across Scotland which must include sustainable funding arrangements for all councils.”

Lothian Lockdown: Back to Normal?

LAST CHANCE to contribute your story to the oral history of Covid-19 in Edinburgh and the Lothians!

Every single person has a story worth telling: any age, any background, any language.

For every contribution we donate to one of our charity partners (https://lothianlockdown.org/community/) and give you £15 to keep or donate to the charity of your choice. DEADLINE 15 JULY!

Send us a fb message or email at lothiandiaries@gmail.com with any questions.

Thank you for sharing your story with us!

Summer Boost: NHS Lothian and Lothian Buses team up for vaccination drive

NHS Lothian has joined forces with Lothian Buses to provide a mobile vaccination hub to deliver teenage booster jabs for meningitis, polio, diphtheria and tetanus to S4-S6 pupils across the capital.

The initiative will see a Lothian Buses Airlink bus being converted into a mobile clinic to support the campaign throughout the summer months. Alongside this, the NHS Lothian team have also worked closely with council education colleagues to secure access to a number of schools across Lothian throughout the holidays, where clinics will also be run.

The teenage vaccination programme is usually run in schools during term time, but with the COVID-19 pandemic closing schools throughout 2020 and 2021, the service was interrupted. These summer clinics will ensure that all school leavers have access to the important meningitis ACWY vaccination and diphtheria, tetanus and polio boosters before they transition from secondary school to higher education or employment.

Dona Milne, Director of Public Health, NHS Lothian said, “We are delighted to launch this new initiative, in partnership with Lothian Buses. Our school vaccination programme is critically important to the health and wellbeing of children and young people, by preventing the risk of transmission and illness from serious conditions like polio and meningitis.

“The COVID-19 pandemic and the associated closure of schools had a significant impact on the vaccination programme, however we were determined that despite these challenges, we would ensure that those leaving school had access to their booster jabs. Through the booster bus, and the pop-up clinics in a number of our schools, we can ensure that these vital vaccinations can still be delivered.

“I would like to thank all of the NHS Lothian teams, Lothian Buses and the council education teams for their hard work and commitment to making this initiative happen.”

Sarah Boyd, Operations Director, Lothian Buses said, “We are delighted to support NHS Lothian with this special summer vaccination programme for S4-S6 pupils. Lothian Buses are fully committed to the local communities we serve and whilst this is a new pilot, it is one that we are really excited to be involved with.”

The booster bus will be located at Fort Kinnaird Retail Park on the 22 July, and Napier University, Sighthill campus on the 15 and 29 July. It has already delivered one successful day of vaccinations on 8 July at Fort Kinnaird. Those young people who are eligible have been contacted to arrange a suitable time to attend an appointment.

Younger pupils will be offered their booster jabs in school next year as part of the usual in-school Teenage Booster Programme.

For more information on immunisations for young people, visit NHS Inform.