Day: August 30, 2021

Tap into a Better Future: SNIPEF Training Services calls for recruits

New opportunity to fill the ranks of the next generation of highly skilled plumbing and heating technicians

Places on the Modern Apprenticeship in Plumbing and Heating are filling up fast. Spaces are open to applications from anyone aged 16 and over for the Modern Apprenticeship in Plumbing and Heating programme, including existing employees and new recruits of plumbing firms.  

With demand already outstripping supply it is vital to attract new talent to the sector to avoid long term consequences for the plumbing trade. Even before the global pandemic, the industry was faced with a skills shortage.  

This skills deficit has now become more critical and to ensure that the plumbing industry is able to keep up with current demand and meet the government’s net zero ambitions, SNIPEF is urging individuals to consider a career in plumbing, and for plumbing employers to support them by offering apprenticeships. 

With training delivered both on-site and in a classroom environment, a plumbing apprenticeship offers individuals the opportunity to earn a wage while gaining the important skills, knowledge, and experience to become a qualified plumber.  

The programme is managed by SNIPEF Training Services Ltd (STS), the only industry recognised Management Agent and Training Provider in Scotland.

With 38 years experience in delivering Modern Apprenticeships, STS now work with 18 colleges across Scotland supporting training in four fuel pathways which include ACS Gas, Oil, Low Carbon Technology and Solid Fuel.  

In addition to fuel accreditation, participants will achieve an SVQ Level 3 (SCQF 7) Modern Apprenticeship qualification which also includes Water Byelaws and Unvented Hot Water.  

Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive of SNIPEF, said: “Anyone looking for a satisfying career, whether a school-leaver or someone contemplating a career change, should consider the benefits of undertaking a plumbing apprenticeship.

“Starting, then working diligently to complete a plumbing apprenticeship, is an excellent option for anyone who hasn’t yet decided how they want to direct their working lives.

“As an employer, there are many benefits to recruiting an apprentice or offering a Modern Apprenticeship to an existing staff member. Not only will you be developing enthusiastic talent with the exact skills and experience the plumbing and heating industry and your business requires you will also be developing the workforce of the future.” 

Dale Thomson, Training Manager of SNIPEF Training Services Ltd, said “It is more important than ever that increasing numbers of people consider a career in the plumbing and heating industry.  

“There are skill shortages up and down the country and employers are desperately looking for competent and qualified plumbers to help with the work they have lined up.  

“In addition to this, we need to ensure that sufficient numbers of plumbing apprentices are being trained now to secure enough qualified plumbers in the future to work on low carbon technology such as heat pumps to meet the Scottish Government’s ambitious net zero carbon targets.  

“If you are an employer looking to recruit an apprentice or if you are interested in a career in plumbing please contact SNIPEF Training Services who will assist you every step of the journey.” 

STS has supported thousands of apprentices to complete their training to become qualified plumbers, guiding apprentices and employers from recruitment and selection through to workforce planning, funding and training delivery.  

College places are limited and with many plumbing employers already applying to enrol candidates for the 2021 cohort registering interest now is strongly recommended.  

Anyone considering a career in plumbing and heating or hiring an apprentice plumber, should contact Gillian Macaulay, Regional Support Officer at:

SNIPEF, Bellevue House, 22 Hopetoun Street, Edinburgh EH7 4GH. T: 0131 322 1245. E: training@snipef.org W: http://www.becomeaplumber.org/.  

T: https://twitter.com/snipeftraining 

FB: https://www.facebook.com/SNIPEFtraining/ 

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/snipef-training-services-ltd/ 

Lothian MSP supports Bill to tackle Fly Tipping

Lothian MSP Miles Briggs is supporting Scottish Conservative colleague Murdo Fraser MSPs plans to introduce a Members’ Bill to tackle fly-tipping.

Mr Briggs has highlighted the increase in fly tipping across Edinburgh and the Lothians over the last five years.

Incidents of fly tipping have become worse in Edinburgh and West Lothian in particular, with the number of fly tipping incidents in Edinburgh increasing from 7,439 in 2016 to 10,358 in 2020. In West Lothian the number of fly tipping incidents rose to from 1,404 in 2016 to 2,367 in 2020.

So far this year Edinburgh has had 7,599 incidents of fly tipping and West Lothian has had 1,795 incidents. [Figures from SPICe, see below]

Work has begun with the Scottish Parliament Non-Government Bills Unit on the new law, which would crack down on those caught fly-tipping by increasing fines and making offenders liable.

Scottish Land and Estates (SLE) have welcomed the intention to introduce a Bill to tackle the “scourge of fly-tipping”.

NFU Scotland also called for action on fly-tipping, branding it a “permanent scar on our natural environment”.

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “The level of fly-tipping in Edinburgh and the Lothians has got out of control, with the number of incidents on the rise, especially in Edinburgh and West Lothian.

“It is clear that something needs to be done and the low number of penalties for fly tipping shows that the current sanctions are not working.

“I fully support my colleague Murdo Fraser’s bill to crack down on fly-tipping and change the liability of cleaning up fly-tipping, to those who have committed the crime, rather than the landowner.

“SNP Ministers have let fly-tipping in Scotland get out of control, so the Scottish Conservatives are introducing legislation to make a positive difference and crack down on fly-tipping.”

This data was provided by Zero Waste Scotland on behalf of the Local Authorities.

Table 1: The number of annual flytipping incidents in City of Edinburgh, West Lothian, East Lothian and Midlothian council, 2016 to 31 July 2021

YearCity of EdinburghWest LothianEast LothianMidlothian
20167,4391,404779505
20175,7011,590654651
20188,1451,999500502
20199,3222,089487*352
202010,3582,367415558
2021 (to 31 July)75991795275293

*Note: In 2019, there were 2 months with limited data available in Midlothian.

MPs to grill Foreign Secretary over Afghanistan evacuation

Westminster’s Foreign Affairs Committee is to hold an evidence session on the UK’s evacuation of people from Afghanistan, following the Taliban’s seizure of power. MPs will have the opportunity to question Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab at the session which takes place on Wednesday (1 September) at 2.00pm.

The Taliban took control of Kabul on 15 August.

The Foreign Secretary has said that: “Afghanistan must never again be used as a base for terrorist attacks against the West or any other country.

“We will have to address the looming humanitarian crisis in the country, which would also threaten regional stability, and strive to secure a more inclusive Afghan government that can maintain stability and avoid the kind of human rights abuses that the Taliban have committed before, particularly against women.

“We will use all of the levers at our disposal, including sanctions, aid and access to the international finance system, and we are rallying our international partners around these shared priorities.”

Members of the Committee are likely to question the Foreign Secretary on issues such as:

  • Progress on the effort to evacuate UK nationals and others eligible for relocation;
  • The security, humanitarian and human rights impacts of the Taliban takeover;
  • The use of levers such as sanctions and aid to pressure the Taliban.

Announcing the evidence session, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee Tom Tugendhat MP, said: “The last two weeks have been tough for so many of us: anger, shame, even incredulity.

“We never thought we would see the day NATO forces, led by the US, would turn their backs on the people of Afghanistan. It is the biggest foreign policy failure since Suez and highlights once again the importance of building up networks of allies, not having a single partner.

“Many of those raw emotions have now turned to questions on the future of UK foreign policy. How will we deal with the Taliban? How will Afghanistan shape our regional strategy? How will the Government hold the Taliban to account for reverses in human rights?

“These questions, and so many others, will be put to the Foreign Secretary this week.”

Cooperation deal: Scottish Green pair to become junior ministers

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced her intention to appoint two new Ministers following the approval of the historic Bute House agreement.

For the first time anywhere in the UK members of the Green Party will enter government and for the first time since devolution a formal cooperation agreement will be in place in Scotland.

Patrick Harvie will be Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants’ Rights, working with the Housing Secretary and Net Zero Secretary.

Mr Harvie’s responsibilities will include driving policy changes that shift Scotland away from reliance on high carbon modes of transport and heating and towards greener alternatives – essential as part of the push towards a net zero economy by 2045.

Ensuring fairness during that transformation will also be key, and Mr Harvie will lead on delivering a new deal for tenants, and ensuring building standards are fit for purpose.

Lorna Slater will take on the role of Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity, working with the Finance and Economy Secretary and Net Zero Secretary.

Ms Slater will drive a Green Industrial Strategy, helping people access training and opportunities as part of a net zero Scotland, and ensuring our economy is supported through a just transition to net zero.

Supporting biodiversity and protecting our national parks and natural heritage will also form part of Ms Slater’s role, working closely with NatureScot and Zero Waste Scotland and supporting the development of a circular economy that minimises the impact on our natural environment.

The First Minister said: “This historic cooperation agreement is founded in a shared drive to work together in the Scottish Government to build a greener, fairer, independent Scotland.

“We have massive challenges to overcome: a global pandemic and its lasting effects, the climate emergency and the assault by the UK government on the powers of our Parliament. Patrick and Lorna’s roles in Government are rightly at the heart of facing up to them, and the expertise and passion they bring with them will contribute greatly to defining Scotland’s path forward in doing so.

“Although our parties do not agree on everything we have been able to compromise on both sides, find common ground and agree on areas where we can work together to build a better country.

“The world has had to adapt quickly to respond to the fast-paced and changing nature of the pandemic but what it has shown us is that we can put politics aside to tackle the challenges in front of us decisively and in a way that delivers. I look forward to working with my new Green Party colleagues in this new and ambitious way.”

Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants’ Rights Patrick Harvie said: “We are at a crucial tipping point in terms of our relationship with the planet.

“I am thrilled at the opportunity to drive forward policies that enhance peoples’ lives while supporting the urgent goal of tackling the climate emergency as we emerge from the pandemic.”

Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity Lorna Slater said: “Any transition to net zero must be just, and my focus will be on delivering policies that support our workforce and wider economy through that change as well as ensuring our greener future is also a prosperous and fair one that benefits our natural environment.”

Charity launches legal challenge over UK Government’s failure to prevent use of ‘FrankenChickens’

Animal protection charity The Humane League UK has filed a Judicial Review against Defra’s allowance of the widespread use of fast growing breeds of chicken, contrary to legislation that bans the keeping of animals if their breeding causes ‘detriment to their health and welfare’.

The Humane League UK argues that the standard industry use of breeds of chicken who grow unnaturally large, unnaturally fast is unlawful, and challenges Defra’s current position allowing the use of these extreme breeds.

Pru Elliott, Senior Campaigner at The Humane League UK, said: ”There’s an assumption that because intensively breeding chickens to grow unnaturally fast is standard practice, it is therefore legal. But looking at the legislation it’s crystal clear that the law is being flouted in standard chicken production.”

The case asks the court to determine that Defra’s policy to permit the current standard of farming fast-growing ‘FrankenChickens’ in the country is in breach of the Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Regulations 2007. The rule states:

Animals may only be kept for farming purposes if it can reasonably be expected, on the basis of their genotype or phenotype, that they can be kept without any detrimental effect on their health or welfare.

Elliott continued: “We believe Defra has an unlawful policy in permitting the use of these breeds and should instead be stipulating that they cannot be used. We also believe they have an unlawful monitoring system in place that fails to detect the scale of welfare issues associated with fast growing chickens.”

Broiler chickens have been genetically selected over decades to prioritise for fast growth, to produce as much meat in the shortest possible time. As a result, they can suffer from a wide range of health and welfare issues. Last year an investigation by The Humane League UK revealed that the muscle disease white striping, caused by fast growth, was present in over 8 in 10 standard packets of chicken on supermarket shelves.

The challenge comes after the RSPCA published a scientific report in 2020 comparing the welfare of three different breeds of fast growing chicken. It showed that the fast growing breeds have poorer health and welfare than a slower growing breed. Three further scientific studies by the University of Bristol, the University of Guelph, and the Royal Veterinary College all support these findings.

Despite the clear scientific consensus and the findings from numerous undercover investigations on broiler farms using these breeds, Defra’s position is that fast growing breeds can be kept without detriment to their health or welfare, as stated in its responses to The Humane League UK’s pre-action correspondence.

Edie Bowles, Solicitor at Advocates for Animals and representing The Humane League UK in this case, said: “The law is clear that farmed animals can only be kept if the breed used will not experience detriment to their health or welfare. The science clearly shows that fast growing broilers cannot be kept without such detriment. It is therefore evident that keeping fast growing broilers is unlawful.”

The case also challenges the ‘trigger system,’ Defra’s monitoring system aimed at detecting welfare issues associated with commercial broilers. The trigger system requires vets at abattoirs to report welfare issues, but only if they occur above a given threshold as set out in Defra’s Code of Practice. The Humane League UK believes the threshold set by Defra is too high.

The high threshold results in countless welfare issues not being reported and dealt with. This is contrary to the 2007 farm animal welfare regulations which state: ‘If the mortality rate of the chickens or the results of the post-mortem inspection are consistent with poor animal welfare conditions, the official veterinarian must communicate the data to the keeper of those chickens and to the Secretary of State without delay.’

Charities have been campaigning for food companies to commit to ending the use of fast-growing FrankenChickens by asking them to sign up to the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC), which demands slower growing breeds, more space, natural light and enrichment, less painful slaughter methods and third-party auditing.

KFC, Nando’s, Greggs, Marks and Spencer and Waitrose are among the 250+ companies in the UK and EU to have committed to the BCC, but supermarkets including Morrisons, Asda, Sainsbury’s and Lidl are refusing.

Construction growth experiences short-term slowdown

Pace of sector recovery reduces in 3 months to end of July 2021, but long-term indicators suggest quick return to upward momentum

  • Value of project starts in three months to end of July 2021 dips by 14% compared to buoyant start of the year
  • Planning consents down 20% in three months to end of July 2021 against previous three months
  • However, contract awards show resilience, three months to end of July 82% up on same period in 2020 and 43% above same period in 2019
  • Non-residential RMI Work increases by 2.3% in three months to end of July, up over 50% against previous three months in 2021
  • East of England region on the brink of return to pre-COVID levels of output

Glenigan, the construction industry’s leading insight and intelligence experts, has released the August edition of its Construction Review.

This monthly report provides a detailed and comprehensive analysis of construction data, giving built environment professionals unique insight into results from the three months to the end of July 2021.

Short-term slowdown

Following a growth spurt in the first half of 2021, momentum has started to show signs of slowing down. This recent decline has been led by a sharp fall in private residential and civil engineering work.

Overall, the value of projects starting on-site averaged £5,497 million per month in the three months to July. Despite being 27% higher than the same period in 2020, it remains 14% lower than the preceding three months in 2021.

Glenigan August Review_Executive Summary.png

Fig 1. August Construction Review Summary

This sudden fall can be attributed, in part, to a 19% decline in the value of underlying project (<£100m in value) starts. Although these were up 36% on 2020, the figures are still 24% lower than pre-pandemic levels.

Whilst the value of major projects remained unchanged (£1,740 million per month) against the preceding three months to July, they were still 2% down on 2019 levels.

Best laid plans                         

Planning consents have also seen a slip during this slower period, down 20% against the previous three months. Major planning approvals are more stable, but also witnessed an 8% decrease.

However, on a positive note, planning consent levels remain significantly higher on both 2020 and 2019.

Back on track

Looking further ahead, the strengthening pattern of main contract awards points to renewed growth in project-starts during the second half of the year.

Although the value of main contracts awarded slipped 1% against the previous six months, it remained 43% above the same period in 2019 (82% up on 2020). Putting this into perspective, major contract awards were three-and-a-half times higher than a year ago and 98% ahead of pre-COVID levels.

Recovery progressing

Despite the m-o-m decline, second quarter output was up 3.3% on the preceding three months.

Further, some areas of activity saw modest growth on Q.1, with RMI work increasing by 2.3% (53.5% ahead of 2020 figures). Much of this is accounted for by non-housing repair and maintenance work, perhaps reflecting the easing of COVID-19 restrictions and calls from Government and business to return to city centre workspaces.

There was also a slight uptick in new-build output (3.9%) in Q.2 against Q.1, with private housing experiencing a marked upward spike of 10.6%.

In line with Glenigan’s previous reviews and indexes, infrastructure has been the strongest performing sector for new work, rising 15.9% against the preceding quarter.

Industrial and commercial sector activity also rose by 3.8% and 0.8% respectively against the first quarter.

The biggest losers were the new public residential and non-residential sectors, which saw a slight dip in output of 1.5% and 1.4% respectively.

Strong performers

Regionally, Scotland achieved strongest growth project-starts against the previous year (124%) during the previous three months to end of July 2021. However, these figures were still below 2019 levels.

Yorkshire and The Humber also achieved three digit growth on 2020, but slipped by 14% against the previous three months.

Recovery is strengthening in the East of England, which is the closest UK region to returning to 2019 levels of output against the previous three months to July. Climbing 58%, the area is now only 9% off a pre-pandemic footing.

These positive figures are further tempered with continued output decline registered in Wales, the North East and South East. This highlights the sector still as a way to go to full nationwide recovery, even if good progress is being made.

Allan Wilen_Economics Director_Glenigan.jpg

Commenting on the findings, Glenigan’s Economic Director, Allan Wilen (above) says, “There’s no doubt the slowdown seen over the last three months has been the result of a perfect storm of external events, beyond the industry’s control.

“Supply chain issues continue to bite and look likely to remain a challenge for the foreseeable future. However, the sector is showing its strength across the board, and this modest slowing of pace is certainly not as serious as many might have predicted.

“With a number of major projects in the pipeline, a potential national green retrofitting programme and core infrastructure remediation work upcoming, there are reasons to stay positive as we look to the second half of 2021 and beyond.

“Our recent Forecast for 2021-2023 indicates 2022 will see a return to pre-COVID levels of project-starts, and whilst we’re not there quite yet, we’re seeing lost ground being made up at a quicker rate than anyone would have predicted this time last year.”

To request a copy of Glenigan’s full August Construction Review, with sector-by-sector analysis, click here.

Extra Time for The Changing Room health initiative

Scottish Government funding to boost men’s mental health football programme

A programme to use the power of football to help support people experiencing poor mental wellbeing, using the connection to professional football, has been enhanced by funding from Scottish Government.

The Changing Room – Extra Time has been awarded £100,000. The new programme builds on The Changing Room, an existing support service which uses football to bring men together to tackle mental health.

The Changing Room, which is funded by Movember and supported by the Scottish Professional Football League Trust (SPFL Trust), was first created in 2018 at Hibernian Football Club, and rolled out to Heart of Midlothian Football Club later that year.

Aimed at men in their middle years, the Changing Room is a 12-week programme which uses football to bring men together to tackle mental health.

Extra Time aims to give people the opportunity to speak in more depth about their mental wellbeing and to come together to explore areas which are giving them particular challenges or concerns.

The project will be delivered by SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) in partnership with the SPFL Trust and associated community trusts at Aberdeen (AFC Community Trust), Rangers (Rangers Charity Foundation), Heart of Midlothian (Big Hearts) and Hibernian (Hibernian Community Foundation) football clubs.

The Extra Time initiative will provide an opportunity for people to explore specific areas that often challenge them including how they view themselves, think and feel – all of which impacts on their mental wellbeing. 

Mental Wellbeing Minister Kevin Stewart, who launched the initiative at Pittodrie, home of Aberdeen FC, said: “Mental wellbeing has never been more important especially as we continue to deal with the ongoing pandemic and I am pleased to see this programme grow and develop.

“Although the focus is on four of our biggest clubs, which are all situated in urban areas, there is significant reach within those clubs across wider Scotland. My message is simple, we shouldn’t be afraid to talk about how we are feeling. This is an excellent way to combine football to improve mental wellbeing.”

Billy Watson, Chief Executive at SAMH said: “We’re delighted that the Scottish Government is funding The Changing Room – Extra Time, which will provide people with an opportunity to focus on resilience and self-care by exploring areas that often challenge them.

“It can be a struggle for many of us to talk about how we feel, and football is a really powerful way of bringing them together and encouraging them to open up.

“The Changing Room pilot projects have shown the difference the right support can make. Extra Time is a result of the value of this unique form of support being recognised not only by our pilot partners, but now also the Scottish Government and our new football club partners.

“Together, we’ve designed this expanded programme to fit the needs of people across the country, and we look forward to starting the next chapter of The Changing Room.”

SPFL Trust operations manager Fiona Taylor said: “Football has an extraordinary power to inspire people to make changes for the better. We’ve seen this with other programmes such as Football Fans in Training, and the pilot of The Changing Room at Easter Road and Tynecastle.

“The Changing Room Extra Time brings together the expertise of SAMH and our brilliant community trust partners to deliver something which we know people are looking for; interaction, safe spaces and friendship. What better place to provide this, than in the sanctuary of a club’s changing room?”

Aberdeen FC Community Trust chief executive Liz Bowie said: “We’re absolutely delighted that The Changing Room Extra Time is coming to Pittodrie, because this programme has a track record of success in supporting men to improve their mental health. We are sure that the Red Army will get right behind the project.”

Witness appeal following ‘deliberate’ hit and run

Detectives in Edinburgh are appealing for information after a man was struck by a car which then failed to stop. The incident happened on Restalrig Avenue near the junction with Craigentinny Avenue around 4.30pm on Friday (27 August).

A 34-year-old man was struck by a black Vauxhall Corsa car which had mounted the pavement before driving off.

The man was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh later that evening for treatment to non-life threatening injuries.

Detective Inspector Jonny Wright of Gayfield CID said: “Our enquiries so far suggest the car was deliberately driven at the man and we are seeking further information in relation to the matter.

“I would urge anyone who was in the area around 4.30pm on Friday afternoon and may have witnessed the incident or hold any information in relation to the incident to contact us.

“I would also ask anyone who may have seen a black Vauxhall Corsa car with collision damage since then to get in touch.

“Anyone with information can call 101, quoting incident 4357 of 27 August, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Boys Brigade is back in Muirhouse

66th Muirhouse Boys Brigade started back on Friday 27 August. Here’s some important information for returners and for young people interested in joining the BBs:

We start at 6pm, please do not arrive early. All parents/guardians must come in to the hall to sign the annual consent form. If a young person turns up without a parent or guardian we may have to send them home.

We welcome boys and girls who are in primary one, two and three in our anchor section, primary four, five and six in the junior section and Primary seven and all secondary pupils in our company and senior section.

We finish at 7.45 for all children in Primary one to six. For young people in Primary 7 and secondary school we finish at 8.30. All young people will be in the church at the same time as the government no longer limits numbers for youth groups.

Cost

We do not charge a joining fee. We do charge subs each night. This pays towards capitation fees for Boys’ Brigade locally and Nationally along with insurance. The subs also pay towards resources, equipment and awards for presentation night.

This year we need to increase the subs. This was not a decision taken lightly. For the last 20 years we have had the same fee, however with the capitation fees continuing to rise each year we have made the difficult decision to increase our nightly fee.

This session it will be £3 a night.

Uniform – for the first few weeks we ask that all young people do not wear uniform as we settle back in.

We will post in the future the information for new parents along with information for parents who have existing uniforms that most likely will be too small now.

COVID specific guidance to protect all young people and our volunteer leaders:

We must follow all government guidance for youth work.All adults must wear masks when coming in to the church building. All our leaders will be wearing masks for the full evening.

All young people who are 12 and older must wear a mask at all times inside the church building. Younger members can wear masks of they wish. Anyone with an exception should bring their lanyard along and this should be discussed when the parent fills in the annual consent form.

There are hand gel stations at the doors that should be used at entry and exit. We will also have hand gel available throughout the evening.

Please bring your own pen for filling in the consent form.

Subs will be collected as the young people enter.

Please as much as possible bring the correct change, we do not hold petty cash in the church.

If you have been told to self isolate you must not come along to Boys’ Brigade until the self isolate period is over.

If your young person has any symptoms of COVID you must not send them to Boys’ Brigade.

Any young person who develops symptoms during the night will be isolated and a patent/guardian will be called to collect them immediately.

Parents are asked to maintain distancing when inside the building.

Leaders will be remaining 2m away from young people as much as possible.

Any failure to follow the COVID guidelines could lead to us having to stop meeting face to face for an extended period of time.

We will not be running a tuck shop at this time.

Our first few nights are all about reconnecting and embedding the routines.

We really look forward to seeing all the young people back in the church halls!