Flu vaccinations are already underway for 2 to 5-year-olds, primary and secondary school children.
Everyone else that is eligible for the free flu vaccine will be invited soon.
There’s no need to do anything just now and you don’t need to call your GP.
To find out if you’re eligible visit www.nhsinform.scot/flu
So, you’re looking to buy a new car. Why wouldn’t you? After all, there are many advantages to buying a new car. You get to play with all the latest technology and gadgets that the automotive industry has to offer. Your car will last longer. And you’ll be the envy of the roads in your latest motor. But when are you planning to buy this car? And is there a best time to buy a new car?
From number plates, car model renewal, and dealership incentives, we show you how to work out when you should buy your new car:
New number plates are issued twice a year in the UK. This happens once in March and then again in September. Number plates from the start of the year will take their numbers from the last two digits of the year.
After September, 50 is added to these digits to differentiate when the car was registered. Therefore, in 2021, cars registered after March will have a 21 plate, and a 71 plate after September. But how much does this affect your vehicle’s value, and should you wait until the next set of plates are released?
This depends on how you intend to use your car and when you plan on selling it in the future. The average car building a mileage of 10,000 miles per year will lose about 10 to 40 per cent of its value in the first year, and then 50 per cent of its value over three years. Therefore, waiting for the new plates to be released can give you some more selling power. You may have to wait just a month, but your car could be classified as up to six months newer.
Meanwhile, if you’re looking to save money now, you may want to buy a car before the new number plates are released. A newer number plate carries some prestige, and increased demand may lower your chances of saving money.
If you’re not interested in sporting the latest number plate, buy a car just before March and September instead. You’ll have an immediately older number plate, but you may have a heavier wallet left to buy any little extras for your car.
Do you want all the latest features and gismos in your new car? Then you will want to consider what model car you are buying and when it was released. Cars will usually update and renew themselves over a seven-year period, with a semi-upgrade halfway through the cycle:
Again, deciding when to buy a car depends on what you’re looking for when buying a new motor. Do you want the latest upgrades, or do you want to save money? If you’re looking for upgrades, you may want to buy your car in year 2, after any teething problems have been ironed out, or after the mid-cycle update.
If you’re looking to save money, buying a new car on the fifth or sixth year after its release may be a more economic choice. Manufacturers will likely want to move stock quickly before the release of the next model, so you may be able to negotiate a lower price or take advantages of other incentives, including free or reduced car accessories.
Just like any other retailer, car dealerships such as Volvo Guildford will also have a sale period, where there are a number of buying incentives to take advantage of. These periods usually fall in line with what we would expect from sales: they often take place on bank holidays, on Boxing Day, and on other retail holidays such as Black Friday.
Find out what your local dealership is offering and how it could help you save. Incentives may also be offered more towards the end of the year when sales quotas are closing. You may be able to find a great deal on a new car and take advantage of incentives during this time as dealerships try to meet and exceed their targets.
When shopping for your next car, make sure you’re buying at the right time. Whether you’re looking to save money or have fun with all the best technology, it’s clear that there are advantages to waiting for the perfect moment.
LONDON-based property investment firm Castleforge Partners has announced the acquisition of Edinburgh hotel, the Crowne Plaza Royal Terrace.
The 97-room hotel, located nearby to the newly re-developed St James Centre, will undergo a full refurbishment before being re-launched in March 2022.
This is the third hotel investment Castleforge has made this year, as the firm continues to strengthen its portfolio in the hospitality sector. In May, Castleforge announced the acquisition of the Bruntsfield Hotel in Edinburgh, shortly followed by the purchase of the Hilton Hotel in Cardiff in June. Castleforge has appointed Axiom Hospitality to manage all three assets.
Since its inception in 2010, Castleforge has invested approximately £1bn, gaining a reputation for value-add investment in office and residential real estate across the UK and Europe.
In 2020, the firm signalled its intentions to expand into the hospitality sector with the appointment of Matt Lederer from Marriott International as its Hotel Acquisitions director.
Property and investment management group JLL advised on the deal, the value of which has been undisclosed.
Matt Lederer, Hotel Acquisitions Director for Castleforge Partners commented: “We are thrilled to add the Crowne Plaza to our portfolio of hotels. It is in a prime location in one of the most exciting areas of Edinburgh and we are looking forward to working with Axiom and IHG Hotels & Resorts to bring the best out of this hotel for guests, staff and investors alike.
“Now is a particularly exciting time to be investing in hotels as the tourism industry shows signs of recovery from the pandemic and we will continue to seek exciting investment opportunities in this space.”
Alex Pritchard, Co-CEO of Axiom Hospitality said: “We are pleased to be working with Castleforge once again on their latest hotel acquisition, particularly in Edinburgh as it is known for having some of the most sought-after hotels in the world.
“We are looking forward to repositioning the hotel, making it an exciting place to work, and welcoming guests from across the UK and abroad.”
Kerr Young, Director at JLL added: “We are pleased to have been able to facilitate an off-market sale of the Crowne Plaza, Edinburgh.
“This is the fourth hotel transaction JLL have brokered in Edinburgh during 2021 and is yet further evidence on the long-term confidence investors have in the sector.”
Three brothers with a rare genetic kidney disorder have all now received life-saving kidney transplants within three years of each other, thanks to organ donors across the UK.
John, Bill and Robert Whiteford all suffer from autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADKPKD) – a genetic degenerative illness which sees kidney function gradually decrease to the point of failure, meaning all would have required ongoing dialysis.
Luckily, thanks to donors, the brothers all have a brand new lease of life, and a new kidney, with John Whiteford successfully receiving his transplant last week at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, following seven months of dialysis.
Each brother received their kidney through separate routes – each with their own unique story – but all being reliant on donors.
Mr Marc Clancy, lead consultant for transplant surgery at NHSGGC, who also performed John’s transplant, said: “The three brothers highlight the different routes people can receive transplants and we’re delighted to have been part of the process for John and Bill, as well as John’s daughter Sonia’s kidney donation. Furthermore, it’s fantastic to see them all recovering, albeit at different stages, and we wish them well for the future.
“Across NHSGGC we’ve been fortunate in being able to maintain a full kidney transplant service across the West of Scotland Renal Transplant Centre. This means a total of 224 transplants have taken place since April 2020.
“Thanks to the new opt-in rules which came into effect earlier this year we expect the numbers of transplants to take place across the UK to increase upwards of 30% over the next 5 years. This is fantastic news for our patients, and despite the pandemic, we are in a strong position within NHSGGC and anticipate similar growth in figures within our own service.”
John Whiteford – received a kidney through the Living Kidney Sharing Scheme
John, who was discharged earlier this week, received his transplant at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, thanks to his daughter Sonia who was not a match, but was happy to donate her kidney as part of the UK Living Kidney Sharing Scheme. The scheme means if a donor is unable to donate directly, as was the case here, they are registered in a national scheme which matches them up with other pairs throughout the UK. This means Sonia’s kidney helped save a life elsewhere, while another donor’s kidney was given to John.
The retired minister, who is married with four children, is looking forward to getting his life back on track, and especially to spending time back in Sweden where his wife is from.
John said: “I am massively thankful to everyone working in dialysis and in the transplant arena. The team at the QEUH was excellent throughout and the care has been second to none.
“I couldn’t believe it when I was matched, it really is life changing news. The dialysis keeps me alive but I’m tethered to a machine three days per week and you’re energy levels are low. Transplant is the long-term solution and I’m incredibly thankful to my daughter Sonia, and to the UK Living Kidney Scheme.”
Daughter and 38 year old mum of two, Sonia, said: “The Living Kidney Sharing scheme has allowed me to help my dad and that is a huge privilege and an amazing thing to be part of.
“I can already see him getting better and his kidney function is improving every day. There’s a real feeling of joy and relief at the same time, and while I was only discharged this week, I’m already feeling my energy levels returning. As a mum of two getting that back fully is essential!
“The genetic condition which runs in our family means 50% of us will have kidney issues so we really are all in this together, and it’s inspiring to see how well programmes like the Living Kidney Sharing scheme work in practice.”
Bill Whiteford – received a kidney from a friend
Retired BBC journalist Bill Whiteford is well on his way to recovery having received his kidney two weeks ago at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (07/08/21). Bill was lucky enough to have a friend who turned out to be a match.
Bill, who worked for the BBC for years, presenting the likes of Good Morning Scotland and BBC Drivetime, commented: “First and foremost I am grateful to my friend. It’s a massive decision to give up a kidney and I am humbled for his support, without which, I would inevitably still be on the waiting list and fast approaching the need for regular dialysis.
“I’d urge everyone to consider donating an organ – whether that’s through the living donor programmes or by having that important conversation with family to let them know your organ donation wishes in the event you pass away.”
Robert Whiteford – received his kidney from an altruistic donor through the Living Kidney Sharing Scheme
Robert, 67, was the first of the brothers to receive a kidney transplant. The retired vet who stays in Scone also received his kidney through the Living Kidney Sharing Scheme, with ex-wife Linda donating her kidney as part of the process. Luckily Robert was matched up in the first round of checks which meant he was able to avoid going on to dialysis. Three years on and he remains extremely grateful to Linda and the altruistic donor he was matched with through the programme.
Robert said: “I started developing symptoms around 10 years ago, and following a scan it was confirmed that I had the condition. Following that, my kidney function gradually fell to 8% but luckily through the programme I was matched very quickly.
“I’m extremely thankful to Linda and the altruistic donor, who joined the Kidney Sharing programme and helped facilitated my transplant, and others.
“I would tell anyone who is considering donating to a friend or loved one, to seriously consider the programme – even if you’re not a match, by donating your kidney you can ensure your loved one is matched with someone else.”
GRAHAM has welcomed the “next generation of talent” from its Graduate Apprenticeship Programme, which gives company employees the opportunity to gain higher education via the workplace.
Under the programme, delivered as part of the GRAHAM Academy Scotland, four employees have completed their studies at Heriot Watt University – the top university in Scotland for construction and civil engineering*.
The graduates are Thomas McGoran from Cardonald, Karen Jeffrey from Bishopbriggs, Jos Mackie from Lenzie and Shams Rahimi from Maryhill – all have completed degrees in Construction Built Environment and Civil Engineering.
Hosted and funded by Skills Development Scotland, the programme provides a new route into degree level education for those currently employed, or those who want to go straight into the workplace.
The courses have been designed around the needs of the construction industry to ensure employees are learning skills that contribute to business needs.
The new graduates will have the opportunity to apply the knowledge gained from their degree courses on some of GRAHAM’s most high-profile projects, such as Central Quay and Buchanan Wharf, Glasgow.
Karen Jeffrey (25), who has been working on site at Buchanan Wharf, said: “I’ve always had an interest in construction, particularly buildings and how they are constructed and maintained. When I left school, I originally pursued a degree in building surveying, but I desperately wanted to develop my practical experience.
“I applied for an apprenticeship with GRAHAM and started their programme to gain a technical apprenticeship at HNC level. From there, GRAHAM has been fantastic at continuing to develop my skillset and further my potential by putting me forward for the Graduate Apprenticeship.
“When the pandemic struck, our mentors at Heriot Watt University and the team at GRAHAM were supportive throughout and ensured we all stayed on track, achieved our outcomes and produced the appropriate evidence.
“The course has provided me with a great blend of theory andon-the-job experience on the Buchanan Wharf projects – expertise which I’m excited to take forward into the next chapter of my career.”
Debbie Rutherford, Social Impact Manager at GRAHAM, believes nurturing talent has been key to GRAHAM’s strong growth, saying: “We are thrilled to welcome the next generation of talent and to equip them with the tools to grow and become future leaders at GRAHAM.
“Despite the disruption caused by the pandemic, our graduates have overcome the enormous challenges presented to them over the past year. Coupled with support from the university, we are exceptionally proud of our graduates and look forward to seeing them further their professional careers and futures with GRAHAM.
“As one of the first companies in the UK to be accredited Platinum status by Investors in People, we believe that nurturing and investing in the next generation of talent is crucial for the long-term success and sustainability of GRAHAM.”
Graeme Bowles, Programme Director for Heriot-Watt’s Construction and the Built Environment Graduate Apprenticeship programme, said: “I’m delighted to have reached this important milestone with the graduation of our first cohort of apprentices with GRAHAM.
“They leave us with an accredited Honours degree and continue their career development with the knowledge and skills that the apprenticeship has developed. I’ve enjoyed working with our apprentices and overseeing their growth and development as construction professionals. They will be very valued by their employers and I’m sure they’ll make a huge contribution.”
The Graduate Programme is part of the GRAHAM Academy, which is an in-house training and development initiative which offers a range of graduate programmes, industrial and undergraduate placements, part-time university study, apprenticeships, work experience, and trainee opportunities.
Since 2015, the GRAHAM Academy has seen more than 215 graduates successfully through its programme, with 11 new technical apprentices joining GRAHAM in the last year.
A member of the “5% Club”, a group of companies committed to ensuring 5% of their workforce over the next five years is comprised of young people on structured learning schemes, GRAHAM is already ahead of the curve, with 13% of its workforce fitting the criteria.
GRAHAM is also a member of the Fairness, Inclusion and Respect (FIR) Programme, an industry-wide initiative that aims to make workplaces better for everyone.
Scottish Book Trust, the national charity changing lives through reading and writing, has announced that nominations for the Bookbug Hero Award 2022 are now open.
Run in association with Walker Books, the award aims to honour someone working with Bookbug who has used the programme to make a real difference to the lives of the young children, families and communities they work with.
Scottish Book Trust is asking people across the country to nominate a librarian, early years worker, volunteer, health visitor, or anyone who uses Bookbug in their work. The winner will receive a special trophy and a bundle of picture books worth £500 from Walker Books.
Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: “Scottish Book Trust is pleased to welcome nominations for the Bookbug Hero Award: a prize that celebrates the fantastic work of our Bookbug practitioners across Scotland.
“Without the hard work of those in libraries, early years settings and through the health service, many young children would not know the joy of sharing stories, songs and rhymes. Our thanks to Walker Books for supporting the prize and allowing us to recognise these heroes in the local community.”
Kylie Watt, Nursery Practitioner at Longridge Nursery and winner of the Bookbug Hero Award 2021, (above) said: “I was extremely honoured to have won the Bookbug Hero Award for 2021. It affirmed my passion and vision as an educator to actively encourage the joys, benefits, and motivations of reading from a young age.
“Nominating your colleagues allows them to share their best practice, passing on new ideas and skills and importantly acknowledging their efforts and successes.”
Jane Winterbotham, Publishing Director at Walker Books said: “The Bookbug Hero Award highlights all the fantastic staff who run Bookbug programmes across their communities, and we are delighted that we can continue to show our appreciation and support of that work by sponsoring the award.
“The award shows appreciation for practitioners who champion reading and work tirelessly to change lives through stories. We look forward to hearing more about the next Bookbug Hero.”
Nominations for the Bookbug Hero Award can be made online via Scottish Book Trust’s website. The closing date for nominations is Friday 26 November 2021.
Police Scotland is encouraging the friends and family of people living with dementia to sign up to the Herbert Protocol.
On Tuesday – International Alzheimer’s Day – Police Scotland adopted a single national process to help officers quickly obtain information about a vulnerable missing person who has dementia, saving vital time in the early stages of an investigation.
The national implementation of the Herbert Protocol has been developed in partnership with Police Scotland, Health and Social Care Scotland, Alzheimer Scotland and the Scottish Government.
Carers or family members can download the Herbert Protocol form from the Police Scotland website, or request a copy from local Health & Social Care Partnership staff, or other agencies, including Alzheimer Scotland.
The form is completed in advance and generally kept in the person’s home or with relatives. It holds personal details, a description, a recent photograph, languages spoken, as well as previous addresses, places of employment and other significant locations in someone’s life. This can include their old school, a church, or a favourite walking route, plus their medical history and information about past incidents of going missing.
While the Herbert Protocol is in use in a number of Scottish policing divisions, a single form is now available nationwide to optimise the police response to locate the person and return them home, safe and well, as quickly as possible.
The Herbert Protocol form can be used together with Alzheimer Scotland Purple Alert, a free app designed to help finding missing people with dementia. If someone is missing, users will get notified via the app and can help with local searches.
Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie (Partnerships, Prevention and Community Wellbeing) said: “When a person goes missing, the first hour is vitally important. Previously, we would have spent a significant amount of time gathering information from family, friends or carers, but being able to give officers a completed Herbert Protocol form saves valuable minutes and hours.
“We hope that families who choose to complete a form will never have to use them. But if they do, having that completed form to hand gives relatives or carers peace of mind that they’re providing the police with detailed, relevant information to enable us to send officers to places where your loved one may be.
“We are completely committed to protecting vulnerable people from harm and having the Herbert Protocol in place Scotland-wide is a significant step towards keeping people safe.
Morag Francis is a carer for her mum, who has a dementia diagnosis. Her family has already completed a Herbert Protocol form.
Morag explained: “We did it as a little project with Mum, because it was about her life, so it turned into a bit of a reminiscence session, so we could pinpoint areas that were still important to her.
“We could guess most of them because she did talk a lot about the past, but we wanted to make sure we’d thought of all the areas she might turn up at because that’s where she remembered.
“To me it’s my insurance document, because I appreciate if we couldn’t find her the levels of stress would be incredible and we wouldn’t really be able to think straight.
“Everyone in the family who’s on the form as a contact has the Herbert Protocol saved in their emails, so if something did happen we would have very quick and easy access to it on our phones and we could email it to whoever needed it.
“Having that ready to go is very reassuring to me as her daughter. It’s really important to have it there, just in case.”
Alzheimer Scotland Deputy Director Joyce Gray said: “Alzheimer Scotland is fully committed to our partnership with Police Scotland, and delighted to endorse any opportunities to support families to use the Herbert Protocol.
“The Herbert Protocol and Purple Alert will help us to make people living with dementia safer in Scotland. We are proud of the partnership and in these world leading initiatives which help support our communities.”
Kevin Stewart, Minister for Mental Wellbeing and Social Care, said: “Having a loved one with dementia go missing is a very stressful time for families, friends and carers and the priority is to find the person safe and well and as quickly as possible.
“The Herbert Protocol is a straight-forward way for families and carers to provide all the necessary information easily and efficiently in one form which will save vital time in missing person enquiries.
“I welcome the national roll-out of this partnership which is being taken forward by Police Scotland, Health and Social Care Scotland, Alzheimer Scotland, Scottish Care and the Scottish Government.”
Judith Proctor, chair of the Chief Officers’ Group, Health and Social Care Scotland, said: “We are delighted to be a key partner supporting the national roll out of the Herbert Protocol.
“Care professionals across health and social care partnerships in Scotland will be encouraging and supporting family and friends of people at risk of going missing to complete and hold onto this simple form. It’s another proactive way we can all work together in our communities, helping to keep people safe.”
L to R: ACC Gary Ritchie, Ch Supt Linda Jones, Tommy Petillo (Alzheimer Scotland), Supt Norrie Conway, Karen Thom (Edinburgh Health & Social Care Partnership)
Researchers in Scotland are investigating a new treatment for diabetes which they hope could reduce one of the most common complications of the condition – sight loss.
The team of scientists, funded by the British Heart Foundation (BHF), are aiming to find new ways of preventing diabetic retinopathy (DR) and have been given a grant of £286,000 for the study, which is being led by Professor Mirela Delibegovic in collaboration with clinical colleagues Professor John Forrester and Dr Lucia Kuffova at the University of Aberdeen.
People living with cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure can develop a condition called retinal microvascular disease and this is increased in the presence of diabetes.
Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes. Those with DR develop damage, often permanent, to the retina – the light-sensing layer inside the eyeball – and as a result, are at risk of losing their sight.
People in the UK known to have diabetes are offered retinal screening once a year to detect signs of changes in the retina caused by DR. This new project aims to identify physical signs of DR when they occur, but before they lead to loss of vision, and to help find treatments to prevent it from developing.
Professor Delibegovic (above), who is the Director of the Aberdeen Cardiovascular Disease Centre at the University of Aberdeen, explains: “Given its nature, DR is a significant and worrying complication of diabetes and so it is important that we understand more about it and find ways to reduce and prevent it.
“In addition, as Type 2 diabetes – the most common type of diabetes – can often go undetected and undiagnosed for many years, up to 40% of people with Type 2 diabetes already have signs of DR when they are first diagnosed with the condition. Being able to intervene sooner could make a real difference for people living with diabetes.”
Over the next 3 years, the team will investigate if inhibition of an enzyme, called PTP1B, will lead to protection against retinal microvascular disease and diabetic retinopathy.
The BHF is the largest independent funder of research into heart and circulatory diseases in Scotland and this project is one of more than 100 research projects currently underway in ten universities across Scotland.
James Jopling, Head of BHF Scotland, said: “This is an important project which could benefit patients living with heart and circulatory disease and diabetes. As such, it is vital we understand more about diabetic retinopathy.
“Research projects like this one in Aberdeen help inform how we treat patients, identify those at particular risk and ultimately find new ways to save and improve lives.”
For more information on the BHF’s life saving research and the work of the BHF visit www.bhf.org.uk
The UK Government is taking belated action to tackle the shortage of HGV drivers. Industry leaders have warned the government of an impending crisis since before Brexit.
Up to 4,000 people will soon be able to take advantage of training courses to become HGV drivers, as part of a package of measures announced yesterday by the government to ease temporary supply chain pressures in food haulage industries, brought on by the pandemic and the global economy rebounding around the world.
The Department for Education is investing up to £10 million to create new skills bootcamps to train up to 3,000 more people to become HGV drivers. The free, short, intensive courses will train drivers to be road ready and gain a category C or category C&E licence, helping to tackle the current HGV driver shortage.
An additional 1,000 people are expected to be trained through courses accessed locally and funded by the government’s adult education budget.
Fuel tanker drivers need additional safety qualifications, which the government will work with industry to ensure drivers can access as quickly as possible.
To help make sure new drivers can be road ready as quickly as possible, the Department for Transport (DfT) have also agreed to work with Driver and Vehicles Standards Agency (DVSA) to ensure that tests will be available for participants who have completed training courses as soon as possible.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has also announced the immediate deployment of their Defence Driving Examiners (DDEs) to increase the country’s testing capacity. MOD examiners will work alongside DVSA examiners, providing thousands of extra tests over the next 12 weeks.
The package comes as the DfT, along with leading logistics organisations have worked with the DVLA to send nearly 1 million letters to thank HGV drivers for their vital role supporting our economy, and to encourage those who have left the industry to return.
The letter, which will arrive on doormats over the coming days, sets out that the steps the road haulage sector is taking to improve the industry, including increased wages, flexible working and fixed hours.
Alongside this, 5,000 HGV drivers will be able to come to the UK for 3 months in the run-up to Christmas, providing short-term relief for the haulage industry. A further 5,500 visas for poultry workers will also be made available for the same short period, to avoid any potential further pressures on the food industry during this exceptional period.
Recruitment for additional short-term HGV drivers and poultry workers will begin in October and these visas will be valid until 24 December 2021. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) are preparing to process the required visa applications, once made, in a timely manner.
However, we want to see employers make long term investments in the UK domestic workforce instead of relying on labour to build a high-wage, high-skill economy.
Visas will not be the long term solution, and reform within the industry is vital. That’s why the government continues to support the industry in solving this issue in the long term through improved testing and hiring, with better pay, working conditions and diversity.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: This package of measures builds on the important work we have already done to ease this global crisis in the UK, and this government continues to do everything we can to help the haulage and food industries contend with the HGV driver shortage.
“We are acting now but the industries must also play their part with working conditions continuing to improve and the deserved salary increases continuing to be maintained in order for companies to retain new drivers.
“After a very difficult 18 months, I know how important this Christmas is for all of us and that’s why we’re taking these steps at the earliest opportunity to ensure preparations remain on track.”
Separately, the government is also bringing in legislation to allow delegated driving examiners at the three emergency services and the MOD to be able to conduct driving tests for one another. This will give the emergency services greater flexibility and help increase the number of tests DVSA examiners can provide HGV examiners.
The government will also provide funding for both medical and HGV licences for any adult who completes an HGV driving qualification accessed through the Adult Education Budget in academic year 2021/22.
Previously, adults who took these qualifications had to pay for their own licences. This change will be backdated and applied to anyone who started one of these qualifications on or after August 1st 2021.
Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said: “HGV drivers keep this country running. We are taking action to tackle the shortage of drivers by removing barriers to help more people to launch new well-paid careers in the industry, supporting thousands to get the training they need to be road ready.
“As we build back from the pandemic we’re committed to supporting people, no matter their background, to get the skills and training they need to get good jobs at any stage of their lives, while creating the talent pipeline businesses need for the future.”
Environment Secretary George Eustice said: “It is a top priority to ensure that there are enough workers across the country’s supply chains to make sure they remain strong and resilient.
“We have listened to concerns from the sector and we are acting to alleviate what is a very tight labour market.”
The government has been able to bring forward these solutions in response to a global issue made worse by coronavirus thanks to our existing work in this area. We have already taken a range of steps to support the industry, including streamlining the process for new HGV drivers and increasing the number of driving tests. Our measures provided a rapid increase in capacity and allow for an extra 50,000 tests to take place per year.
Progress has already been made in testing and hiring, with improving pay, working conditions and diversity. We continue to closely monitor labour supply and work with sector leaders to understand how we can best ease particular pinch points. Through our Plan for Jobs we’re helping people across the UK retrain, build new skills and get back into work.
The Food and Drink Federation’s Chief Executive, Ian Wright CBE, said: “We welcome the government’s pragmatic decision to temporarily add HGV drivers and poultry workers to the existing visa scheme.
“This is something UK food and drink manufacturers have asked for over the last few months – including in industry’s Grant Thornton report – to alleviate some of the pressure labour shortages have placed on the food supply chain.
“This is a start but we need the government to continue to collaborate with industry and seek additional long term solutions.”
Elizabeth de Jong, Logistics UK’s Director of Policy, said: “Logistics UK welcomes the government package of measures aimed at improving the ongoing driver crisis. The government’s decision to grant 5,000 temporary visas for HGV drivers to help in the short term is a huge step forward; we are so pleased the government has listened to our calls and has made this bold decision to support the UK economy.
“We are also delighted that DfT have agreed to jointly send nearly 1 million letters to all drivers who currently hold an HGV driving licence. With fantastic HGV driving opportunities available in the logistics industry, now is the perfect time to consider returning to the occupation.”
The Road Haulage Association says there is a shortage of around 100,000 drivers across the UK, with this particularly impacting the food and drink supply chain.
The Road Haulage Association’s Rod McKenzie said: “This is a major win for @RHANews in our long campaign on #lorrydriver shortage – but temp visas won’t solve it. Much more needs to be done on training, apprenticeships, testing and welfare facilities for truckers.”
British Chamber of Commerce President, Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith CBE said: “Government has made clear its priority is to transition from a reliance on EU workers to a focus on the domestic workforce, and businesses have been ready to participate in this, but it is a long-term project.
“A managed transition, with a plan agreed between government and business, should have been in place from the outset. Instead, the supply of EU labour was turned off with no clear roadmap as to how this transition would be managed without disruption to services and supply chains.
“Now some action has been taken, but additional testing will take time and the low number of visas offered is insufficient. Even if these short-term opportunities attract the maximum amount of people allowed under the scheme, it will not be enough to address the scale of the problem that has now developed in our supply chains.
“This announcement is the equivalent of throwing a thimble of water on a bonfire.
“Government should be prepared to significantly expand the number of visas issued within this scheme and convene a summit that brings business and government together to find both immediate and longer-term solutions to the many challenges facing firms throughout the UK.
“Without further action, we now face the very real prospect of serious damage to our economic recovery, stifled growth as well as another less than happy Christmas for many businesses and their customers across the country.”
Hannah Essex, Co-Executive Director of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Chambers of Commerce have been warning Government about critical labour shortages for months now – not just in the food and haulage industries but in hospitality, construction, the care sector and elsewhere in the economy. Whilst businesses will welcome that government is finally taking action, this scheme does not go far enough.
“BCC data has shown that 76% of hospitality businesses, and 82% of construction firms have faced recruitment difficulties in recent months. At the same time, we found 3 out of 4 exporters reporting no growth in sales in Q2.
“Businesses are facing the most difficult environment for a generation. On top of labour shortages – border delays, increased debt and the rising cost of materials, shipping and energy are all putting huge pressure on firms struggling to recover from the pandemic. All of these issues are hitting smaller firms the hardest.
“Attempts to address the deficit of HGV drivers and poultry workers is a step forward, but these industries are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the huge impact of the current labour shortages. Without a comprehensive plan to tackle this issue across the board we are facing a winter of lost opportunities for our businesses, hampering the UK’s economic recovery.”
Police are appealing for information following a number of fires in West Pilton in the early hours of Saturday morning.
At around 1.40am on Saturday, 25 September, officers received reports of bins on fire on Jansch Place, Inchcolm Court and West Pilton Grove.
The fires are being treated as suspicious and no-one was injured.
Detective Sergeant Alan Sharp, of Costorphine CID, said: “Thankfully no-one was injured as a result of these fires.
“Enquiries into each of these incidents are ongoing and we are appealing for anyone with information, or who may have seen any suspicious activity on these streets, to please come forward.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting incident 0436 of 25 September. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.”
The latest fires follows similar incidents last weekend in Drylaw and Pilton on 18 September – these also took place in the early hours of the morning.
