Prime Minister Boris Johnson was briefed on the policing operation for COP26 during a visit to Police Scotland yesterday.
Mr Johnson met officers and staff working at Police Scotland Headquarters, Tulliallan, and at the Scottish Crime Campus, Gartcosh, and thanked them for their public service during the pandemic.
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack also participated in the visit and both met with officers and staff from Police Scotland’s newly formed International Academy, and spoke with probationary Constables.
The Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “Police forces across the U.K. have played a crucial role in keeping us safe throughout the pandemic.
“I was delighted to visit Tulliallan and give my thanks to the officers and recruits of Police Scotland.
“I congratulate them on the launch of their International Academy and I look forward to working together to deliver the COP26 conference this November in Glasgow.”
During the visit to Police Scotland Headquarters, hosted by Chief Constable Iain Livingstone, the Prime Minister was briefed on the policing operation for the COP26 summit due to be held in Glasgow over two weeks in November.
The United Nations climate conference will require one of the largest policing operations undertaken in the history of the United Kingdom with over 100 world leaders expected to attend.
Around 10,000 officers will be deployed on some days of the event with a significant number coming from police services across the UK, via mutual aid arrangements.
Chief Constable Livingstone said: “The officers and staff of Police Scotland have performed vital duties to support the collective efforts against coronavirus.
“They have done so in line with the values that underpin all we do – integrity, fairness, respect and commitment to upholding human rights and working with the consent of our fellow citizens to improve the lives of our communities.
“Those principles will be at the heart of our operation to police COP26, a major international event for Glasgow, Scotland and the whole of the United Kingdom. As a service committed to fundamental human rights, we will help people to make their voices heard on the crucial subject of climate change, while minimising disruption and ensuring all our communities continue to get the policing service they need and deserve.”
The Prime Minister also met with officers and staff based at the Scottish Crime Campus (SCC) at Gartcosh which houses staff from key agencies operating in Scotland, as well as state-of-the-art forensics laboratories, to combat the threat from serious crime and terrorism.
The Scottish Government funded SCC was opened in 2014.
A new scheme to provide pre-treatment support to cancer patients is launching across Scotland. The project will give tailored help and advice on exercise, nutrition and mental health, to improve outcomes for those preparing for cancer treatment.
Prehabilitation – pre-treatment rehabilitation – will be offered at all eight Maggie’s centres across the country, thanks to Scottish Government investment of £270,000.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf visited the charity’s Dundee centre where he learned more about the project. He said: “Prehabilitation enables people with cancer to physically and mentally prepare for treatment by adopting healthy behaviours – with the ultimate aim of improving outcomes for them.
“It can reduce the length of stay in hospital and post-treatment complications, and improve recovery, fitness, nutritional status, neuro-cognitive function and quality of life.
“This pilot scheme will help us understand how the NHS and Third Sector can work together to help people ahead of their cancer treatment.
“With eight centres across Scotland, working with Maggie’s allows us to meet the needs of cancer patients close to home. We want to empower them to get the best possible results from their treatment, and improve their long-term health.
“Cancer treatment has remained a top priority for the Scottish Government and NHS Scotland throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Maggie’s Chief Executive Dame Laura Lee said: “We are delighted to be working with the Scottish Government to support people with new cancer diagnoses to understand the benefits of making changes before treatment begins.
“Gentle exercise, eating well and emotional and psychological support are already aspects of the Maggie’s core programme of support – but this usually comes after the patient has started treatment. This new project will ensure newly diagnosed people find support sooner, and will be delivered while working with the NHS as part of their overall care package.”
Prehabilitation is a flagship action in the Scottish Government’s Cancer Plan. As a component of rehabilitation, it should underpin the whole cancer pathway and be integral to the care of all people with a cancer diagnosis.
The Scottish Government has established a Cancer Prehabilitation Steering Group, to ensure lessons from the Maggie’s pilot and other approaches are shared across Scotland and inform future ways of working.
Scottish artisan ice cream maker, Equi’s, has created a bespoke Sicilian lemon and elderflower flavour for Gladstone’s Land to celebrate ice cream season.
Inspired by ingredients found in a 17th-century cookbook that was published around the time that Gladstone’s first opened, the irresistible sweet treat will transport you straight to a long hot summer’s day in Sorrento.
Following the launch of the historic National Trust for Scotland (NTS) venue last month, the exclusive flavour is now available from the new Gladstone’s Land ice cream parlour on the ground floor of the 500-year-old tenement house on the Royal Mile.
Blending Scots with Italian heritage like Equi’s roots, deliciously creamy lemon ripple – made with vanilla, egg yolks and Sicilian lemons are churned with delicious whole milk and double cream from local Scottish dairy farms and finished with a hint of elderflower. The result is a smooth summer-fresh flavour that is impossible to resist.
Equi’s, the current UK ice cream champions, are known for creating irresistible artisan ice cream using high-quality ingredients from local Scottish dairy farms, and secret family recipes that have been passed down through four generations.
This exciting new flavour marks the start of a new journey for the ice cream manufacturer as they look to move into new factory premises later in the year. Future plans include more experimentation and flavours for fans of the brand to enjoy.
David Equi, director at Equi’s Ice Cream, explains:“We toiled and tinkered making this new indulgent ice cream. Nothing beats Sorrento in the summer, and after finding an old 17-century cookbook, we have created a fresh explosion of Scots-Italian aroma and flavour, exclusively for Gladstone’s Land.
“Ice cream tastes best in the sunshine, and our partnership with Gladstone’s will let you enjoy an Equi’s ice cream looking out towards Edinburgh castle. It doesn’t get more perfect than that.”
Claire Grant, National Trust for Scotland’s Operations Manager for Gladstone’s Landsaid: “We’re delighted to have partnered up with Equi’s on making this truly unique ice cream. This special flavour reflects a recipe found in a 17-century cookbook, and it has been fantastic to see this flavour brought back to life.
“Our new ice cream parlour is located on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile in Gladstone’s Land and is a perfect place for locals and tourists to stop and refuel this summer.”
The exclusive Equi’s flavour is now available daily between 9am and 6pm from Gladstone’s Land ice cream parlour, 477B Lawnmarket, Royal Mile.
Climate change heritage to take centre-stage in stunning transformation of Discovery Point
Dundee’s Discovery Point, home to one of the world’s most famous scientific research ships – the RRS Discovery – is set to be completely transformed after securing substantial financial backing from the Scottish Government and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The news is the latest seismic shift in Dundee’s fortunes as it’s transformed from the industrial city of jute, jam and journalism into a global tourism destination.
Scotland’s fourth largest city is the winner of multiple tourism and staycation awards, home to the remarkable V&A Dundee, soon to be the home of the Eden Project in Scotland and now set to be an important centre of climate change heritage, science and learning.
The £12m Discovery Point Transformed project has been awarded £900k of Scottish Government funding through the Tay Cities Culture and Tourism Investment Programme, with another £1.6m approved subject to a successful match-funding drive.
A further £316k initial investment has been awarded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, with another £2.55m expected if plans progress as anticipated.
This £5 million of funding adds to over £1m already raised from a combination of Dundee Heritage Trust’s own funds, grants and donations from a range of trusts and foundations, high net worth individuals and corporate sponsors. This puts the project over the halfway mark to being fully funded, with two years to raise the balance.
The project, run by the Dundee Heritage Trust, will transform one of Dundee’s most popular and highly rated visitor attractions, Discovery Point, from a traditional heritage museum into a new multi-element visitor attraction with a strong emphasis on climate change and environmental sustainability.
An artist’s impression of exterior looking west from V&A Dundee. Credit AIM Design
Discovery Point will have five new or substantially revamped major attractions:
‘Think Global, Act Local’ climate change gallery – a major, completely new, world-class visitor attraction, highlighting the international significance of the RRS Discovery and its expeditions, and their connections to the major global issues of climate change and the ocean environment.
The Dundee Dome Experience – a stunning, brand new visitor centre in this previously inaccessible roof space at the top of the Discovery Point Dome, offering 360°panoramic views of the city, waterfront and River Tay and featuring Gaia, the impressive artwork by world famous environmental artist, Luke Jerram. Now fully funded and due to open in 2022.
RRS Discovery – conservation and preservation of this world heritage asset, the ship that took Scott and Shackleton to the Antarctic in the days when that was as unthinkable as space travel. A recent specialist survey has identified several critical areas for conservation.
A new permanent gallery – using the site of the current café, the gallery will focus on polar exploration, including the infamous ‘Race to the Pole’ which dominated Captain Scott’s ill-fated second expedition to the Antarctic, and the amazing and inspiring life story of Sir Ernest Shackleton, who sailed first to the Antarctic on board Discovery in 1901.
A new gallery for temporary and special exhibitions – this will allow Discovery Point to host a greater range of temporary exhibitions – either developed in-house or touring exhibitions – and the potential to host larger scale ‘blockbusters’ exhibitions.
In addition, the transformation will include refurbishment of existing galleries; the development of a new river-facing café/restaurant and events space; expanded and enhanced conference and event facilities; a redesigned entrance and reception area; environmental improvements to meet low carbon targets; and a comprehensive programme of learning for schools and the wider community, with exciting new themes of Antarctic exploration, science and climate change.
The resulting world-class tourism centre will bring significant benefits to the local, regional and national economy, forge partnerships with other regional attractions and ensure the financial sustainability of an established museum with an international audience.
Economy Secretary Kate Forbes said: “I’m pleased to see the latest step in the delivery of the Regional Culture and Tourism Investment Programme, supported through the Tay Cities Region Deal. We are investing £37 million in projects across the region to ensure it continues to excel in its offer to residents and visitors alike.
“I’m delighted that our funding will help Discovery Point enhance their offering and, in particular, emphasise the importance of climate change as Scotland prepares to host COP26 in November.”
Think Global: Act Local gallery
The news of the redevelopment comes as the world prepares for COP26, the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, hosted just 80 miles away in Glasgow from 31 October to 12 November 2021.
Discovery Point and its new ‘Think Global: Act Local’ Climate Change gallery will celebrate and exploreDundee’s authentic links to climate change – the RRS Discovery undertook the world’s first scientific research in the Antarctic, producing critical benchmark data and technological innovations which are still used to this day by climate scientists.
It will also highlight how individuals can reduce their environmental impact.
Linking historic objects from the Discovery collection with cutting-edge research from world-leading partners in polar and environmental science, the gallery will use objects, audio-visual, interactive and immersive content to engage visitors with the theme of climate change.
It will also explore the less comfortable elements of Dundee’s environmental impact, such as the pollution from factories during the industrial revolution and the city’s whaling heritage. This will link to the more inspiring story of Discovery’s second Antarctic mission in the 1920s, from which the whale conservation movement was born.
Jim Pettigrew, Chair of Dundee Heritage Trust, said: “The transformation of Discovery Point will have a huge impact on the city, bringing visitors, jobs and investment to Dundee and helping to put the city on the map as a global destination for green tourism.
“We are delighted to have secured this financial support – a huge vote of confidence in our plans. There now begins a major public funding drive to raise a further £6m, which is necessary to unlock a significant proportion of the money committed so far.”
Phase one of Discovery Point Transformed – the fully funded Dundee Dome Experience – will open for the 2022 tourist season. The remainder of the capital works – phase two – is expected to take place between 2023 and 2025, with both of Dundee Heritage Trust’s five star rated venues, Discovery Point and Dundee’s Social History Museum and Scotland’s Jute Museum at Verdant Works staying open throughout.
Drivers willing to add more than a half marathon distance to their journey to avoid narrow roads
1 in 10 drivers has had an argument over who should reverse back to a passing place on a narrow country road
Three-in-10 motorists admit to deliberately steering clear of narrow country lanes and are prepared to take a detour of 16 miles or 25 minutes to avoid them, according to new research from one of the UK’s biggest car insurers, Ageas, and the RAC.
As millions of Brits jump into their cars and head off on staycations in the countryside this summer, the figures highlight just how unnerved many drivers – especially those who live in towns and cities – are by Britain’s rural roads, which account for more than half of all those in the country.
More than half of drivers (58%) say they find using narrow country roads stressful, a figure that rises to 76% for drivers who live in urban areas. The two biggest causes of stress, according to the research, are the difficulty of squeezing past other vehicles in tight spaces (62%) and the fear of colliding with another vehicle head on (61%).
But the etiquette of who moves out of the way is also high on drivers’ list of concerns about these types of roads. Having to try to reverse back to find a passing place (45%), the fear of meeting a tractor and not being able to pass (44%) and deciding who succumbs to back up to a passing place (37%) make up drivers’ top five stress factors.
More than a third (36%) meanwhile say they think the default 60mph limit on country roads is just too fast to begin with, while 35% say they fear damaging their car.
The research suggests that some motorists are more vocal than others when it comes to deciding who has to reverse, with one-in-10 drivers admitting they’ve had an argument with another driver over who should go back when driving on a narrow country road.
But it is the detours that drivers are prepared to go to avoid the stress of rural lanes which is perhaps most surprising. On average, people are prepared to add 16 miles – more than a half marathon – to their journey if it means they can avoid driving down this type of road. They’d also be willing to add another 25 minutes to their drive – enough time to watch a whole episode of Eastenders.
City-dwellers are also much more concerned about narrow country lanes and go to longer distances to escape them. Three-quarters (76%) of these drivers say they find them stressful, of which 27% say they will always stick to wider main roads instead. What’s more, these drivers say they’d be willing to add 23 miles or 30 minutes to their journey to avoid them, 14 miles and 10 minutes more than their rural counterparts.
Robin Challand, claims director at Ageas Insurance, said: “We understand that getting to your holiday destination can be stressful at the best of times. Between packing, long car journeys and hot weather, there’s a lot to get flustered about.
“Our research shows the type of roads we drive on can also be a cause of stress, with crashes and scrapes high on the list of people’s concerns, so we’re urging people to stay calm and – most importantly – stay safe this summer.
“Negotiating narrow rural lanes can be tricky, even for the most seasoned of drivers, but by following some simple tips and staying calm, you can avoid adding a damaged car to your list of things to get stressed about this summer.”
RAC Breakdown spokesman Simon Williams said: “With unprecedented numbers of drivers on the UK’s roads this summer, more and more people will find themselves squeezing down narrow country lanes to reach beaches and popular countryside spots – and these figures show just how uncomfortable many drivers are using doing this, especially those who are used to wider city roads with much better visibility.
“For any driver less confident with tackling rural lanes the message has to be to plan a journey properly before setting out, and drive at the right speed according to the nature of the road, even if the official limit is 60mph. We’d also advise not becoming too reliant on a car’s sat-nav – while ducking off a main road to shave off a few minutes might seem like a good idea, if you’re then faced with having to carefully negotiate a tractor and queue of vehicles coming the other way, any advantage is soon lost.”
The RAC offers three simple tips to help drivers negotiate rural roads safely and more stress-free this summer:
Check your route carefully – if using a sat-nav, scrutinise the suggested route before setting out and see whether it’s actually easier and more comfortable to stick to main roads as far as possible instead. And be aware of sat-navs recommending diversions down narrow lanes for the sake of making up just a few minutes – it’s time that’s easily lost if you meet oncoming traffic. Don’t be afraid to take the long way round – perhaps an extra 16 miles or 25 minutes is well worth it
Get in some practice – if you’re not used to negotiating narrow roads, then have some practice driving on some close to home before the pressure of a family holiday
Take your time – while many country roads might have speed limits of 60mph, that doesn’t mean it’s the right speed to drive at – in fact, in many cases it’s incredibly unsafe to do so. Read the road carefully and consider what forward visibility you have. If it’s narrow and winding, reduce your speed accordingly
Separate RAC research suggests this summer will see very high levels of traffic on UK roads, with drivers planning in excess of 29m staycations – 16m of these in the school holidays alone.
Artisan Real Estate has started construction on the much-heralded Rowanbank Gardens new homes development in Corstorphine, marking a significant step forward in meeting the capital’s ambitious targets for low carbon housing.
Piling has now begun on site, following the granting of planning approval for 126 energy efficient homes by The City of Edinburgh Council in December 2020, with Artisan set to benchmark new standards in sustainable homes development on a site of a former care home.
Rowanbank Gardens industry-leading design is geared to achieving low to zero carbon development – as well as creating a more open and landscaped environment to benefit general health and well-being.
It links closely with the City of Edinburgh Council’s ‘Future Edinburgh’ strategy which aims to make the city carbon neutral within the next ten years.
Smart building design has been matched with an innovative approach to placemaking and community – introducing such creative concepts as green roofs, ‘edible’ gardens and green transport plans to sensitive city centre environments
The development is designed around a central courtyard garden providing nearly twice the level of open space recommended by council planning policy, filled with fruit trees and communal planting and growing beds. Apartments are designed for open plan living with large windows giving views of the courtyard and the wider area, while green roofs ensure benefits of surface water retention, insulation and ecology.
Welcoming the start on site, David Westwater, Artisan’s Scottish Regional Manager, said: “We are all excited to start at Rowanbank Gardens, which promises to significantly raises the industry bar on sustainable homes development.
“At its heart is a sustainable design which reflects the demands of modern life, with buildings designed to minimise carbon footprint and maximise daylight. Significant emphasis is placed on the quality of internal space and light to create enjoyable home-working environments, whilst accessible gardens and landscaping promote health and well-being by making nature and well-designed outdoor space integral to the day-to-day living experience.
“The site fits in well with Artisan’s approach of regenerating brownfield sites with good public transport links and is well set to meet the Council’s stated requirement for well designed, high density living whilst providing spacious communal areas and well-established public transport links ensuring low car ownership.
“There are also all-electric charging points for the provided car parking, City Car Club membership and generous secure cycle parking.”
Artisan is perhaps best known in Scotland for large-scale city regeneration projects like the award-winning New Waverley, which has transformed the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town.
The developer is now applying the same values and philosophy which has guided the successful design and execution of New Waverley to its residential developments, setting it apart from other major homebuilders in Scotland.
“Remaining true to our urban regeneration credentials, at the heart of all Artisan’s developments is building a strong sense of place,” adds Clive Wilding, Artisan’s Group Development Director.
“We are specialising in niche urban developments in the most exciting parts of the city centre, creating a high-value premium product for a wide range of homebuyers, including young professionals, families and downsizers.
“Artisan now has an opportunity in Scotland to set a new benchmark for high quality urban regeneration in sensitive city-centre environments – whether it be commercial, residential or mixed-use.
“Our track record in Edinburgh and in Scotland has given us a strong understanding of the importance of high quality placemaking, which is at the heart of all Artisan’s developments.”
For more information on Artisan’s developments in Scotland and the UK visit:
The UK’s leading kitchenware brand ProCook has announced its latest store launch at Edinburgh’s Fort Kinnaird, opening today (Thursday 5th August).
ProCook is renowned for its extensive range of high quality, best-selling cooking and dining essentials which are sold through over 50 own-brand stores across the UK, its ecommerce site procook.co.uk and also in a growing number of European markets.
Andy Kerr, Retail Director at ProCook, said: “We strongly believe in the continued benefit of in-store physical retail as part of our multi-channel offer and Fort Kinnaird is the perfect proposition as we continue our expansion into retail parks this year.
“We can’t wait to welcome customers from Edinburgh and surrounding areas.”
Liam Smith, Centre Director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “ProCook coming to Fort Kinnaird is very exciting, and will certainly be well received by those shoppers who are budding amateur chefs and love to spend time in their kitchen.
“The addition of ProCook also fits in with our commitment to bring exciting new brands and experiences to the city, ensuring there is something for everyone who visits Fort Kinnaird.”
To browse the latest cookware, kitchenware and diningware from ProCook, visit the store at Fort Kinnaird from today.
About ProCook
ProCook is the UK’s leading specialist kitchenware brand. The business offers a direct-to-consumer proposition, designing, developing and retailing a high-quality range of cookware, kitchenware and tableware which provides customers with significant value for money. The brand sells directly through its website, procook.co.uk, and via over 50 own-brand retail stores, located across the UK.
Founded over 25 years ago as a family business, selling cookware sets by direct mail in the UK, ProCook has grown into a market leading, multi-channel specialist kitchenware company, employing over 700 colleagues and operating from its Head Office in Gloucester.
About Fort Kinnaird
Fort Kinnaird is Edinburgh’s leading retail and leisure destination, with over 70 shops and restaurants.
It is situated just off the A1 and is easily accessed by car with 2,600 free car parking spaces, and public transport available. Fort Kinnaird also offers a Shopmobility service which provides powered scooters and manual wheelchairs to our visitors.
Retail stores include Boots, Marks and Spencer, H&M, Primark, HomeSense, TK Maxx and River Island. Fort Kinnaird’s leisure offering includes a seven-screen Odeon, Five Guys, PizzaExpress, Nando’s, Chiquito, TGI Friday’s and Caffe Nero.
Recent big-name openings include Swarovski, Wilko, Schuh and Schuh Kids, while Starbucks, JD and Curry’s PC World all recently upsized their presence at Fort Kinnaird.
If you’d like to keep up to date with everything that’s going on at Fort Kinnaird, including all of the latest offers and events, visit www.fortkinnaird.com, or find us on Facebook or Twitter.
India also turns amber in latest update to international restrictions
Arrivals from France to Scotland will no longer need to quarantine if they are fully vaccinated under the latest review of travel restrictions.
The step to realign France with the rest of the EU is possible due to a reported fall in the country’s Beta variant case rate. The latest review of international travel regulations has also moved India from the red travel list to amber.
Spain remains on the amber list but travellers are advised to be cautious as investigations continue into a new variant originating in South America and now present in Spain.
It is recommended passengers choose a PCR test prior to departure from Spain, rather than other available tests such as lateral flow, to give greatest assurance before travelling.
The latest changes come into effect at 4am on Sunday (8 August) following consideration of analysis by the Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC).
The countries moving from the red to amber are India, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Georgia and Mexico, as well as the French overseas territories of Réunion and Mayotte, have moved to the red list which means travellers returning to Scotland will have to stay in managed isolation for 10 days.
In line with current guidance, individuals should not travel to red list countries on holiday, or for any leisure purposes.
In light of a decision taken by the UK Government, which manages contractual arrangements on behalf of the four nations, the price of a stay in managed isolation is also increasing from £1,750 to £2,285.
The Scottish Government will review existing hardship and welfare arrangements for travellers in managed isolation to ensure they remain suitable following this change.
Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport Michael Matheson said: “These latest changes make it clear that international travel remains challenging.
“Recent relaxations to travel restrictions for fully vaccinated people were due to the huge success of the Scottish Government’s vaccination programme.
“It is vitally important we protect that progress through continued vigilance on importation, and we continue to urge caution given the risks caused by variants of concern.”
The cost of managed isolation has increased to £2,285 for a first adult and £1,430 for a second adult in a room. The price for children remains at £325.
Government names and shames 191 employers who have underpaid workers, including major household names
named firms have been fined for owing £2.1 million to over 34,000 workers
Business Minister Paul Scully: “Employers that short-change workers won’t get off lightly”
Today (Thursday 5 August) 191 businesses are being named for breaking national minimum wage law.Twenty-twoof them are in Scotland.
Following investigations by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, a total of £2.1 million was found to be owed to over 34,000 workers.
The breaches took place between 2011 and 2018. Named employers have since been made to pay back what they owed, and were fined an additional £3.2 million, showing it is never acceptable to underpay workers.
The UK government recently gave millions a pay rise, by increasing National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage rates in April 2021. The rise means someone working full time on the National Living Wage will be taking home £5,400 more annually than they were in 2010. Every single UK worker is entitled to the National Minimum Wage, no matter their age or profession.
Whilst not all minimum wage underpayments are intentional, it has always been the responsibility of all employers to abide by the law. Clear guidance is available on gov.uk, which all employers should check.
Minimum wage breaches can occur when workers are being paid on or just above the minimum wage rate, and then have deductions from their pay for uniform or accommodation.
The employers named today previously underpaid workers in the following ways:
47% wrongly deducted pay from workers’ wages, including for uniform and expenses
30% failed to pay workers for all the time they had worked, such as when they worked overtime
19% paid the incorrect apprenticeship rate
Business Minister Paul Scully said: “Our minimum wage laws are there to ensure a fair day’s work gets a fair day’s pay – it is unacceptable for any company to come up short.
“All employers, including those on this list, need to pay workers properly.
“This government will continue to protect workers’ rights vigilantly, and employers that short-change workers won’t get off lightly.”
Employers who pay workers less than the minimum wage have to pay back arrears of wages to the worker at current minimum wage rates. They also face hefty financial penalties of up to 200% of arrears – capped at £20,000 per worker – which are paid to the government. Since 2015 the government has ordered employers to repay over £100 million to 1 million workers.
A significant number of the minimum wage breaches identified today affected those on apprenticeships. Today the government has published new guidance to ensure employers know exactly what they need to do to pay their apprentices, and all workers, correctly.
The government is committed to protecting workers’ rights and while the vast majority of businesses follow the law and uphold workers’ rights, the publication of this list serves as a reminder to employers that the government will take action against those who fail to pay their employees the minimum wage.
As well as advice for employers, HMRC offers advice for all workers on how to ensure they are being paid correctly via the Check your pay website.
Chair of the Low Pay Commission Bryan Sanderson said: “These are very difficult times for all workers, particularly those on low pay who are often undertaking critical tasks in a variety of key sectors including care.
“The minimum wage provides a crucial level of support and compliance is essential for the benefit of both the recipients and our society as a whole.”
Up to 130,000 children will be able to benefit from 1,140 hours of free early learning and childcare (ELC) each year from this month.
Available to all three and four-year-olds, as well as two-years-olds who need it most, the flagship commitment will save families childcare costs of around £4,900 per child each year.
Many children in funded ELC already access 1,140 hours. Legislation came into effect on 1 August to make the expanded offer available across Scotland.
The expansion from 600 to 1,140 hours of funded ELC was made possible by a close working partnership between the Scottish Government, local authorities and ELC providers across Scotland, underpinned by a landmark multi-year funding agreement.
Delivery of the 1,140 hours offer, which will bring Scottish Government funding for ELC in 2021-22 to over £1 billion, marks another commitment for the first 100 days of this Government.
The Scottish Government has also provided local authorities with £476 million of capital over the last four years, which has enabled them to refurbish, re-purpose and extend hundreds of existing nursery settings, as well as providing over 150 new facilities across Scotland.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon made the announcement during a visit to Fallin Nursery, Stirling, where she met staff and children.
The First Minister said: “All children deserve the best start in life. Providing access to free, high-quality early learning and childcare enriches children’s early years and provides them with skills and confidence for starting school and beyond. It also supports parents’ ability to work, train or study.
“I am delighted to announce that every local authority in Scotland has assured us they are ready to deliver the 1,140 hours offer by the start of the new term – a truly transformational offer that will benefit children and families all over the country.
“Getting to this point, especially given the challenges of the pandemic, has taken a mammoth effort and I’d like to thank local authorities and private and voluntary sector providers for helping to make it happen.”
COSLA Children and Young People’s Spokesperson Councillor Stephen McCabe said: “This announcement is good news for families across Scotland with children able to benefit from almost double the amount of funded childcare later this month.
“These additional hours will be transformative for families, ensuring children have more time to play and learn while parents and carers will have more opportunities to work, study or volunteer.
“The delivery of the 1,140 hours expansion of early learning and childcare is the result of hard work by councils and our partners, who have made huge efforts to deliver against the extremely challenging and ever-changing nature of the pandemic.”
Early Years Scotland Chief Executive Jane Brumpton said: “Children and families will now have access to more funded hours of early learning and childcare than ever before.
“We know that investing in the earliest years of a child’s life is crucial to a child’s positive development, and has long-lasting impacts on outcomes in health, education, and positive life chances.
“Early Years Scotland very much welcomes this duty coming into force, and will work closely with Scottish Government and our members to support the rollout of this important policy.”
Funded early learning and childcare (ELC) is available to all three and four-year-olds and eligible two-year-olds.
