AFTER some years of working as a tram conductor with London Transport buses took over from tram operation and the general working conditions were not so good.
I applied for a job with the London County Council, as Helen’s uncles and brother had joined LCC’s Schoolkeeping service after the war, and Helen’s stepfather Alf (who was himself working at LCC’s County Hall) suggested that I might try Schoolkeeping as a future occupation.
After discussion with Helen and consideration of the prospects of remaining with London Transport or trying something different, I applied to work for the London County Council and was appointed as an assistant Schoolkeeper at Catford Secondary School.
There I learnt the business of caring for and managing the upkeep of a large and busy school which also had annexes for infants – and a Foot Clinic!
Each had coal fires in every room and larger ones in the hall which had to be kept alight and attended to throughout the day. It was hard worked but rewarding and held the prospect of advancement.
QA Scotland has opened over 45 positions nationally.
Over 15 of those are in Edinburgh and the surrounding area.
The roll out of these new apprenticeship opportunities are to align with Scottish Apprenticeship Week (March 6-10, 2023).
Scotland’s largest provider of tech, digital and IT apprenticeships, QA Scotland places around 1,300 candidates every year with some of Scotland’s most exciting tech employers.
Ahead of Scottish Apprenticeship Week last week QA Scotland announced the opening of over 30 new apprenticeship positions across Edinburgh and the surrounding area, available for immediate start.
Working in partnership with numerous local businesses including George Watson’s College and Computershare Investor Services, QA is promoting a range of roles, with salaries of up to £19,000 a year and a wide choice of job opportunities. The openings range across the spectrum from digital marketing and project management to IT support and administration.
Scotland’s largest provider of tech, digital and IT apprenticeships, QA Scotland places around 1,300 candidates every year with some of Scotland’s most exciting tech employers.
Lawrie Fraser from Falkirk found his apprenticeship completely life changing. Struggling in the travel industry he decided to reskill and is now head of marketing in his new career.
Of his apprenticeship journey, the 20-year-old said: “I wasn’t in the right industry for me during my first apprenticeship and that lead me to contacting QA, where I felt more naturally in the correct industry for me.
“Work gets me flying around left, right and centre. It’s good to see the world and see different places of business and cultures.
“It does build your character, it does build your career and it does make you a stronger person.
“The advice I’d give to people that want to change their career pathway would be: don’t be scared, back yourself 100%.
“Even if it’s taking that leap to contact QA just to get the conversation and the ball rolling, I would do it a million times over.
“QA’s changed my life and I know a lot of ambassadors that have changed their lives as well.”
QA apprenticeship ambassador Lawrie Fraser
Marston Holdings have taken on apprentices through QA and have been delighted with the “fresh outlooks” brought to their business.
Michael Fraser-McGinness, Operations Manager at Marston Holdings, said:“It’s been great to have apprentices as part of our company, fresh outlooks and new experiences allow organisations to increase diversity and, in turn, creativity”
Of his apprenticeship journey with Marston Holdings, accountant apprentice Zak Bowker said: “Since the start of my apprenticeship, I’ve received constant support from both my managers, and other members of the business.
“Everyone has been eager to offer training sessions on other areas of finance which has given me invaluable knowledge and understanding.”
Lorne Blyth, founder of Flavours Holidays, has been delighted with her “fantastic asset”, apprentice Amy Canfield.
She said: “We would highly recommend hiring an apprentice, especially after the great experience we’ve had bringing Amy Canfield our digital marketing apprentice, who plays a major role in helping us to promote our holidays online, into the business.
“Whether it’s creating social media videos or helping with the website, she has a natural creative ability to curate exciting and engaging content which helps to showcase the Flavours adventures – she really is a fantastic asset to the team.”
Chris Shekleton, Director – Scotland QA, said: “If you left school at Christmas and have not yet decided on your future, or if you are in an interim job, waiting for the right opening, then it may be that an apprenticeship is the way forward. There are lots of opportunities out there.
“And if you think you don’t have any relevant qualifications or experience, that is not a barrier, with an apprenticeship you learn on the job and you earn while you learn.”
David Cunningham, QA Scotland Youth Engagement and Communications Manager, added: “No matter what your background or qualifications, we are confident we can match you with an apprenticeship scheme that will kick start your future.
“With vacancies available across over 50 employers throughout Scotland, it is aptitude and interests that count, and we will point you in the direction you need.”
To take a look at what is on offer, visit QA.com, pop in your postcode and get in touch.
School feeding charity is asking people to clock up miles this April to feed hungry children
Mary’s Meals is calling on people in Edinburgh to help feed hungry children in some of the world’s poorest countries by signing up to its new fundraising challenge, From Dalmally to Malawi.
The charity feeds more than 2.4 million children every school day in 18 countries including Malawi, Kenya and Syria. The promise of a nutritious meal encourages children into the classroom where they can gain an education and hope for a brighter future.
This April, people can join its virtual challenge from Dalmally, the village in the Highlands of Scotland where Mary’s Meals was founded, to Malawi, where the charity served its first life-changing school meals in 2002.
Participants can take part in From Dalmally To Malawi in any way they choose from walking, running to swimming. The money raised by sponsorship from friends and family will help to feed desperately hungry children in school.
Those signing up to the challenge will receive a free Mary’s Meals T-shirt and will be invited to join an exclusive From Dalmally To Malawi online community where they’ll receive inspirational video messages and stories from Mary’s Meals.
Dan McNally, head of grassroots engagement at Mary’s Meals, says: “With Spring around the corner, April is the perfect time for setting a personal active challenge.
“Whatever miles you pledge, taking part in From Dalmally to Malawi allows you to follow the Mary’s Meals journey while helping us to reach the next hungry child. I hope as many people as possible join our challenge this April to show the true generosity of people in Edinburgh!”
By signing up to the challenge, people in Edinburgh will be helping children like Prisca from Malawi. Thanks to Mary’s Meals, she eats a mug of vitamin-enriched porridge every day that fills her empty stomach and gives her energy to learn.
Prisca says: “Mary’s Meals porridge helps me to excel in my studies and realise my dream of becoming a teacher. I do not feel hungry when in class and I listen attentively during lessons.”
To sign up to the From Dalmally to Malawi challenge, please visit:
Back by popular demand, Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, has launched its 2023 Helping Your Community Grow campaign across Edinburgh and the Lothians. Designed to enhance communities local to its stores, this initiative will see community groups receive gardening product, support and expertise from the Dobbies’ team.
Helping Your Community Grow has sustainability at its core and encourages people across the country to care for, nurture and protect their green spaces and urban communities.
Both the Stockbridge little dobbies and Edinburgh Dobbies store are calling on local groups across Edinburgh and the Lothians that want to help their community space thrive in a sustainable way to get in touch.
Whether it’s a school allotment project that allows kids to learn about the health and environmental benefits of growing fruit and vegetables; a community garden or space, looking to bring the outside in; or a charity looking to create a sensory garden to encourage everyone outdoors, Dobbies wants to positively impact communities through its love of gardening.
This year, Dobbies will offer advice, gardening products and tools to a community group to help them transform their space.
Graeme Jenkins, CEO of Dobbies said: “Community is at the heart of what we do and we’re proud of our Helping Your Community Grow campaign. Entries are now open for this year and we’re especially interested in hearing from projects across Edinburgh and the Lothians with sustainability at their core.
“Riding for the Disabled Association in Glasgow is just one of the many projects we supported in 2022 and highlights the diversity of the projects we aim to collaborate with.”
Lynda McKeeman, Yard Manager at Riding for the Disabled Association Glasgow, was thankful for the support. She said: “Dobbies’ support and funding allowed us to create a bright and fragrant sensory trail through the woodland area and out into the pond circuit which has been great for stimulating the senses of the riders and horses.
“We support over 80 people with disabilities and give them the opportunity to learn to ride or spend time with a horse. Our youngest participant is just 2 years old, and our most senior is in their 70s. Many of our attendees have physical disabilities, psychological problems or just need a confidence boost, and horsemanship is a great way to help rehabilitate them.”
Taking part couldn’t be easier and applications are now open.
Eligible groups must be located within 20 miles of Dobbies’ Edinburgh or Livingston stores or five miles of little dobbies Stockbridge. A shortlist of community groups for each store will be made and Dobbies will call on members of the public to vote for their favourite project.
Based on the public vote, there will be one winner per store, with the project receiving the most votes securing the national winner title. They will receive additional funding and support.
In addition to Helping Your Community Grow, there will be further opportunities for community groups looking for support, with small grants available from their nearest Dobbies or little dobbies.
The report, which is thought to be the most comprehensive review of dog racing in Scotland for decades, concludes that the risks of poor welfare outweigh any likely positive aspects, and on average, a dog bred for racing in Scotland currently has poorer welfare than the average of other dogs in the population. It also states that its desirable outcome would be for no organised greyhound racing to take place in Scotland.
Most significantly, the report recommends a moratorium on any new dog tracks. It further recommends that greyhound racing should only continue at the last remaining track, Thornton, if a veterinarian is present when dogs are racing, and all injuries are reported. The continued operation of Thornton would be subsequently reviewed after a period of three to five years.
Christine A. Dorchak, President of GREY2K USA Worldwidesaid: “While we welcome the effort which has gone into to compiling such a comprehensive report, sadly it only serves to confirm what we already know – that greyhound racing is a cruel and inhumane industry which has precisely zero regard for the dogs bred into a life of racing misery.
“We are pleased the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission has underscored a number of significant problems within the industry including the risk of injury or death at the track; the over breeding of puppies; and that a significant part of a dog’s life may be spent in kennels with little or no social interaction along with the increased risk of neglect and poor veterinary care.
“The recommendation that no further tracks be opened in Scotland would be a significant development, and the requirement for a vet to be present, even at unregulated tracks, is something we welcome. This in our view could spell the end for dog racing at Thornton.”
The report also calls into question whether the Greyhound Board of Great Britain is fit for purpose as a regulator, citing serious concerns about its highly touted “Greyhound Welfare Strategy.” Finally, the report concluded that the Commission “did not find any evidence that the industry was prepared to make the radical changes that would be required to achieve improved dog welfare.”
Ms Dorchakadded: “We urge the government to follow these recommendations and pass legislation implementing a moratorium on greyhound racing, a new requirement that a veterinarian be present at Thornton and all injuries be reported, and a requirement that that continued operation of Thornton be dependent on a parliamentary review in 2026.
“That is a responsible policy that will help countless dogs.
“This is an industry which is inherently cruel, existing only on the exploitation of gentle dogs which are viewed as no more than collateral damage for the misguided entertainment of a very small minority.”
Research carried out by Panelbase on behalf of GREY2K USA Worldwide at the end of 2022 shows that six in ten Scottish people think the Scottish Parliament should vote to phase out greyhound racing, while 63% of respondents said they have an unfavourable view of the sport.
Welfare of racing dogs is among the biggest concerns for the Scottish public with 58% believing dogs bred for the tracks have a bad quality of life. Further to this, three quarters of the public think dog racing isn’t important to the Scottish economy.
Responding, Mark Bird, CEO of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), said: “Despite engaging fully and transparently with the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission’s (SAWC) research, we are disappointed by some of their conclusions, which depend on the unproven testimony of certain animal welfare charities and the lobbying campaign funded by American activists.
“We share a common goal with SAWC of protecting and promoting greyhound welfare in Scotland. But we are clear that strong and effective regulation is the only way to do this successfully and have therefore been working with Holyrood officials to support Scotland’s one unregulated track to be licensed.
“Under our remit, racing greyhounds receive far more protection than domestic dogs. We have over 200 Rules governing those within the sport, including the requirement that a veterinary surgeon is present before, during and after any racing, and setting strict standards on the care of greyhounds at tracks, during transportation and at home in their trainers’ residential kennels.
“SAWC has been bounced by the animal rights lobbyists to conclude that domestic dogs already have better welfare protection than this, but this is clearly untrue, and it is frustrating that they have fallen foul of the activists’ agenda.
“Those groups who have campaigned against the sport in Scotland have continued to propagate misleading, inaccurate and unevidenced facts about the regulated sector of the sport. This has been supported by significant funding from animal activists Grey2K USA – something which should concern everyone who believes policy and politics should be dictated by those who live here.
“We are disappointed that this activism has influenced SAWC’s ultimate report, in which anecdote has been prioritised over data, accuracy and transparency. We will, however, continue to engage with members and officials in Holyrood to support greater regulation, as what we know to be in the best interests of racing greyhounds.”
The true cost of loving: 21% of Scottish pet owners cutting back on weekly food shop to afford pet’s care
Figures from leading vet charity PDSA, which provides vital care for pets during the cost of living crisis, have revealed that 32% of owners in Scotland are having to make personal sacrifices to ensure they can continue to provide for their pets.
PDSA provides free and low-cost treatment to pets in need and has released the data to raise awareness of the lengths pet owners are having to resort to while navigating the cost of living crisis.
19% of Scottish pet owners are reducing how much fuel they use so they can pay for their pets care1. This comes as Google searches for ‘save money on heating’ spiked by a shocking 878% in 2022.
Having juggled expensive bills throughout winter, alongside the soaring cost of living, owners may face a further hit this April. While the energy price cap is being reduced, meaning the amount suppliers can charge goes down, government help – in the form of the energy price guarantee – is set to come to an end. This means a household’s energy bills could increase by around £3,000 per year.
The looming spring Budget announcement also isn’t expected to go a long way in easing the strain on UK pet owners’ pockets. The huge hike in everyday living costs means pet owners will continue to struggle with the cost of loving their companions.
Giving up personal luxuries (19%) and cancelling or not going on holidays (9%) are among the other sacrifices owners in Scotland are making to save as much as possible in order to continue caring for their pets.1
39%of Scottish owners are worried about affording the cost of treatment if their pet should fall ill or be injured – making PDSA’s support crucial. Nationally, a quarter of all pet owners (26%) said they’d go into debt3, either with family and friends or via credit and loans, to cover the cost of unexpected veterinary treatment1.
Yet, with 95% of people are determined to do whatever possible in order to avoid having to make the agonizing decision of rehoming them or having them put to sleep – primarily due to the ever-increasing costs to live1.
PDSA Veterinary Surgeon, Lynne James, said: “Everyone wants the best for their pets and hearing the lengths loving owners in Scotland are having to go to so they can continue providing for them is heart-breaking.
“In 2022 we provided veterinary care for over 390,000 pets, whose owners would otherwise have struggled to afford the cost. Now more than ever, the treatment we provide is a lifeline for families who face the horrible decision of eating regular meals or treating their furry family member.
“It’s PDSA’s mission to keep people and pets together. Last year we helped hundreds of thousands of families. With more than half of those who rely on our services aged 55 and over, and 37% disabled or living with a serious health condition, their pet often provides vital companionship. For lots of our clients, their pets are their only companion, and their lives would be unimaginable without them.
“I’d encourage anyone struggling to afford the cost of veterinary treatment to find out if they are entitled to access our services by visiting the eligibility checker on our website. We also have lots of free advice on how to reduce the cost of caring for pets, while ensuring they remain healthy and happy.”
PDSA relies on donations to deliver life-saving treatment to hundreds of thousands of pets across its 48 Pet Hospitals in the UK. To help keep pets and people together, the charity is urgently calling on the public’s support to prevent vulnerable people having to make a truly heart-breaking decision.
How the cost of living crisis is affecting pet owners in Scotland:
32% making personal sacrifices
21% are cutting back on their weekly food shop
2% going without necessities, such as skipping meals
19% are reducing how much fuel they use
19% giving up personal luxuries
9% cancelling or not going on holidays
39% worried about the cost of treatment should their pet fall ill or become injured
The charity has warned these unsettling findings reflect the stark reality for pet owners, many of whom are being forced to make drastic cutbacks as they desperately struggle to stay afloat.
A worrying 21% of owners in Scotland are cutting back on their weekly food shop, and 2% even admit to going without necessities, such as skipping meals to afford the costs associated with looking after their beloved companions1.
PDSA provides free and low-cost treatment to pets in need and has released the data to raise awareness of the lengths pet owners are having to resort to while navigating the cost of living crisis.
19%1 of Scottish pet owners are reducing how much fuel they use so they can pay for their pets care1. This comes as Google searches for ‘save money on heating’ spiked by a shocking 878% in 2022[ii].
Having juggled expensive bills throughout winter, alongside the soaring cost of living, owners may face a further hit this April. While the energy price cap is being reduced, meaning the amount suppliers can charge goes down, government help – in the form of the energy price guarantee – is set to come to an end. This means a household’s energy bills could increase by around £3,000 per year.
The looming spring Budget announcement also isn’t expected to go a long way in easing the strain on UK pet owners’ pockets. The huge hike in everyday living costs means pet owners will continue to struggle with the cost of loving their companions.
Giving up personal luxuries (19%) and cancelling or not going on holidays (9%) are among the other sacrifices owners in Scotland are making to save as much as possible in order to continue caring for their pets.1
39%1of Scottish owners are worried about affording the cost of treatment if their pet should fall ill or be injured – making PDSA’s support crucial1. Nationally, a quarter of all pet owners (26%) said they’d go into debt3, either with family and friends or via credit and loans, to cover the cost of unexpected veterinary treatment1.
Yet, with 95% of people are determined to do whatever possible in order to avoid having to make the agonizing decision of rehoming them or having them put to sleep – primarily due to the ever-increasing costs to live1.
Team GB and Persimmon Homes have launched Get Set to Build a Community, a cross-curricular challenge to support the development of employability, teamwork and decision making skills in students aged 11–14 in the run up to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Originally created as the official education programme for London 2012, Team GB and ParalympicsGB’s youth engagement programme Get Set now offers a broad programme of free, cross-curricular resources and activities for schools and community groups.
Get Set to Build a Community tasks students with planning, designing, building and marketing a community-focussed housing development with Team GB athletes at its heart. They will use knowledge of previous Olympic parks, and plans for future parks, as the basis for a development that upholds the Olympic Values of excellence, respect and friendship.
Selected schools participating in the challenge will receive a visit from a Team GB athlete in the build up to Paris 2024. Participating schools can also request a visit from a Persimmon Homes Ambassador to support the delivery of the programme and talk about the benefits of a career in the home building industry.
With a network of Ambassadors across the country, Persimmon is trying to encourage the next generation of construction workers by giving students the opportunity to learn about the range of career pathways available to them.
Tim Ellerton, Commercial Director at Team GB, said: “The support we receive from our partners is essential in enabling us to take the nation’s best athletes to an Olympic Games, and in turn inspiring households and communities across the UK with their stories.
“The Get Set program in particular supports young people to fulfil their potential, and this new challenge developed in partnership with Persimmon will give the next generation even more opportunities to engage with Team GB in the build up to Paris 2024.”
John Roocroft, Persimmon’s Regional Chairman in Scotland, said:“I am delighted to be launching the Get Set to Build a Community challenge with Team GB.
“At Persimmon we are always looking to see how we can encourage local youngsters to consider a rewarding career in construction, so using our relationship with Team GB in this way is a great initiative.
“I encourage all local schools to take up the challenge.”
++ Timeline shows two decades of failures on carbon capture technology
++ Instead of subsidising the Acorn project, campaigners argue public money would be better spent on public transport, home insulation and climate solutions that work today.
++ Technology labelled a ‘dangerous distraction’ that risks prolonging life of fossil fuel companies
Climate campaigners have highlighted a ‘legacy of failure’ on controversial carbon capture technology as the UK Government prepares to make a decision on investing more public money in the Acorn project in the North East of Scotland.
It has been almost 20 years since the Scottish Carbon Capture Society was formed but the industry has captured and stored zero tonnes of carbon in that time. In the intervening two decades, there have been failed proposals for carbon capture projects at Peterhead and Longannet fossil fuel power stations and at the Grangemouth industrial site.
The UK Government said they will make an announcement on support for further carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects in Spring 2023. Acorn failed to get ‘Track 1’ status and a share in £1 billion funding from the UK Government in October 2021.
Politicians and companies have been pleading for more public money for the Acorn project, despite Acorn partners Shell making $40 billion in profit in 2022, and Harbour Energy making $2 billion in profit before tax in the first half of 2022. The Acorn project appears to be totally reliant on further public subsidy to progress.
Carbon capture technology has been identified as a ‘dangerous distraction’ from the real, working climate solutions of rapidly reducing our use of fossil fuels through increased home insulation and the expansion of affordable and accessible public transport.
Campaigners say that both Governments should be investing in these measures that can improve people’s lives and cut emissions now rather than subsidising carbon capture which will only benefit hugely profitable fossil fuel companies.
The Scottish Government’s plan to meet their climate targets is dangerously over-reliant on carbon capture and storage. Ministers were warned by Holyrood committees, the UK Climate Change Committee and climate campaigners that they need a ‘plan B’ for when carbon capture fails to deliver. The Government has already admitted that carbon capture will not deliver in time to help meet 2030 targets but has neglected to act to address the shortfall in climate action.
Friends of the Earth Scotland climate campaigner Alex Lee said: “The story of carbon capture is a long and inglorious legacy of failure. The UK Government must not continue to throw public money at fossil fuel companies to try and prolong their climate-wrecking industry through the pipe dreams at Acorn or anywhere else.
“The only successful capture by this industry is public money, because it is certainly not capturing carbon. It’s long past time to stop subsidising some of the most profitable polluters on the planet.
“After nearly 20 years of industry promises and a complete failure to deliver, it is time to redirect that investment and energy to climate solutions that we know can deliver emissions cuts and improve peoples’ lives today, rather than falling for eternal promises of it just being around the corner.
“Scottish Ministers need to wake up and realise that carbon capture and these other so-called negative emissions technologies are a dangerous distraction from the urgent and necessary working of cutting emissions at source and delivering a just transition away from fossil fuels.”
Timeline of CCS failure
2005 – Scottish Carbon Capture Society founded 2007 – UK Government launch CCS industry demonstration project competition aiming to be operational by 2014. 2007 – BP pull out of Peterhead CCS project 2010 – Scottish Government CCS Road Map published. Existing coal stations would have to fit CCS no later than 2025 with a 100% capture rate required on new stations. 2010 – UK Government makes £1 billion available in capital investment for a CCS project. 2011 – UK Government pulls out of negotiations with Scottish Power & Shell because CCS project would cost over £1 billion. 2012 – UK Government launches second CCS development competition. 2015 – Peterhead CCS failure round 2. UK Government announced the £1 billion capital funding for the second competition was no longer available. 2017 – National Audit Office reveals £168million spent on failed CCS competitions including Peterhead. 2020 – Scottish Government Climate Change Plan update pledges approx 19% of efforts to meet 2030 climate targets will be achieved by Negative Emissions Technologies (e.g.CCS) and approx 25% of reductions by 2032. 2021 – Scottish Government’s Monitoring Report admits that NETs “ will not deliver at the pace assumed in the Climate Change Plan update” 2022 – Acorn cluster fails to meet its previously predicted timeline saying it would have drilled its first well in the North Sea by 2022. Feb 2023 – One year since SSE & Equinor application to Scottish Government for new gas power station at Peterhead, with the claim CCS will be added to plant. Application has not progressed. 2023 – Acorn cluster fails to meet its previously predicted injection of 200 kilotonnes of carbon into sea beds. Currently this project has limited funding and no planning permission.
Humza Yousaf will appoint a senior figure to head up Scottish Government strategy for re-joining the EU and is planning to stage a European summit in Scotland if he is elected SNP leader and First Minister.
In a letter to David Clarke, chair of the European Movement in Scotland, Mr Yousaf says: “If elected as First Minister I would seek to rebuild closer relationships with the EU as a matter of priority, bringing Scotland back to Europe, where we belong. I would envision having someone in place to lead this strategy.”
He adds: ” We want to re-join Europe because we want to re-join the scientific research community as well as build transparent trading standards and regulations that sit within the EU. It is also, vitally, about working on issues of climate change and biodiversity on land and sea at a European level to ensure best practice and shared responsibilities.”
Mr Yousaf tells Scotland’s leading pro-European campaign that the person leading the strategy of re-joining “as a small independent country” would be tasked with rebuilding the infrastructure “to help us transition back into Europe.” He does not rule out making this a cabinet-level role, he adds.
“I am confident we will return to Europe. We must. I must be very clear regarding my unwavering commitment to Europe, however. If elected as First Minister, I would work firmly with the belief that the only way Scotland can return to Europe is as an independent country. I will re-affirm the case to the people of Scotland, then, that our place in Europe is as a small independent country.”
The current health secretary says he intends hosting a European summit in Scotland is he wins the three-cornered contest.
“We would intend to engage in honest dialogue with not only our fellow EU partners the Greens/ European Free Alliance, but other EU groups that are open to democracy and furthering social justice across Europe,” he explains.
He also confirms that the SNP will set up its own permanent office in Brussels as a way of “establishing our presence as a small European nation at the heart of Europe and ensuring Scotland’s case for returning to Europe be heard by our European neighbours.”
David Clarke, chair of the European Movement in Scotland commented: “Europe should be centre stage of any political discussion in this country.
“Brexit has been the disaster we always knew it would be. There is but one way to overcome the chaos and economic deprivation of the last few years and that is to re-join the European Union as soon as possible. We applaud any politician from any party willing to tell this truth and to take steps to put this into action.”
As the ‘continuity candidate’, Yousaf has the backing of a raft of senior SNP politicians in his bid to become party leader and First Minister, but whether he will have the support of rank and file members who are looking for a radical change in direction in the fight for independence is another matter.
SNP members will have the opportunity to have their say when voting opens tomorrow.
Opposition parties have already made up their minds:
Plan expected to remove barriers to people getting into work and tackle Britain’s economic inactivity problem.
Support will focus on disabled people and those with long-term health conditions, over 50s, and low-earners and parents on Universal Credit.
Changes are expected to encourage benefit claimants to move into work or increase their hours with more Work Coach support, and childcare costs on Universal Credit to be paid up front.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is expected to set out the ambition to get hundreds of thousands more people into work in his Budget next week.
Benefit claimants are expected to be encouraged to move into work or increase their hours, through changes to the Universal Credit system and increased job support programmes. As a result of measures set to be announced at Budget, hundreds of thousands of claimants will be asked to attend more regular meetings with work coaches, skills bootcamps will be expanded and the Work Capability Assessment will be scrapped.
The government will also start paying childcare costs on Universal Credit up front, rather than in arrears. Currently many low-income working parents are unable to afford the up-front cost of childcare, making it harder for them to get into work. The maximum amount people can claim for childcare on Universal Credit will also be increased by several hundred pounds, making childcare more affordable for thousands of working parents.
These measures will help people get jobs, increase their hours and extend their working lives – all contributing to the government’s priority to grow the economy.
The Chancellor’s plans are expected to benefit disabled people and those with long-term health conditions, people on benefits and the over 50s. Currently there are more than a million vacancies in the economy, and one fifth of the working population is economically inactive – out of work and not looking for work.
Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said:“Those who can work, should work because independence is always better than dependence.
“Already we’re seeing near record levels of employment in Britain, but we need to go further to build a country that rewards work and gives everyone the chance of a better future.
“But for many people, there are barriers preventing them from moving into work – lack of skills, a disability or health condition, or having been out of the jobs market for an extended period of time. I want this back-to-work Budget to break down these barriers and help people find jobs that are right for them.
“We need to plug the skills gaps and give people the qualifications, support and incentives they need to get into work. Through this plan, we can address labour shortages, bring down inflation, and put Britain back on a path to growth.”
Changes to the Universal Credit system are anticipated to encourage claimants to move into work or increase their hours with additional support from their Work Coaches.
Changes to Universal Credit will include:
Paying parents on Universal Credit childcare support up-front when they are moving into work or increasing their hours, rather than in arrears meaning low-income families will find it easier to afford and it will help remove a barrier that many face when thinking about going back to work.
Increasing the maximum amount parents on Universal Credit can receive in childcare support by several hundred pounds, making childcare more affordable for thousands of parents.
Alongside these changes, strengthened work search requirements are expected to encourage over 700,000 lead carers of children on Universal Credit to look for work or increase their hours and will receive additional Work Coach support to do so. Previously they would have had only limited requirements, or no requirements at all.
The Administrative Earnings Threshold (AET), the minimum amount a person can earn without being asked to meet regularly with their Work Coach, will be increased from the equivalent of 15 to 18 hours of earnings at the National Living Wage for an individual claimant. The couples AET, where a second member of a household may not be asked to look for work if their partner is working, will be removed entirely. This is expected to ask over 100,000 additional claimants to meet more regularly with a Work Coach and take active steps to move into work or increase their earnings.
Strengthening the application of the Universal Credit sanctions regime. This includes additional training for Jobcentre Work Coaches to ensure they are applying sanctions effectively, including for claimants who do not look for or take up employment, and automating administrative elements of the sanctions process, including sending automated messages to claimants who fail to meet with their Work Coach, to reduce error rates and free up Work Coach time.
For disabled people and long-term sick:
A Health and Disability White Paper will be published on the day of the Budget outlining our plans to scrap the Work Capability Assessment. Under the current system disabled people need to have a health assessment and be found incapable of work to receive additional income support through the benefits system. Scrapping the Work Capability Assessment is the biggest reform to the welfare system in a decade, meaning that disabled people can try work without fear of losing their benefits, and reducing the number of assessments needed to qualify for health-related benefits.
For the over 50s:
Returnerships will offer skills training that focuses on flexibility and takes previous experience into account, shortening the length of time they have to be in training.
Skills bootcamps will be expanded by 8,000 places per year in 2024-25, up from 56,000 currently, reskilling people in important sectors such as construction and technology.
Latest figures show that employment is at 75.6% and unemployment is close to a record low of 3.7%.
Charities and business groups react to the Chancellor’s expected Budget announcement of getting hundreds of thousands more people into work.
Plan expected to remove barriers to people getting into work and tackle Britain’s economic inactivity problem.
Support will focus on disabled people and those with long-term health conditions, over 50s, and low-earners and parents on Universal Credit.
Changes are expected to encourage benefit claimants to move into work or increase their hours with more Work Coach support, and childcare costs on Universal Credit to be paid up front.
STAKEHOLDER REACTION: CHARITIES
Victoria Benson, Chief Executive, Gingerbread said:“Single parents are all too often locked out of work because they can’t afford the upfront childcare costs.
“We welcome this change and the increase in childcare support available to low income single parents. We know that single parents want to work and that those who are working want to work more hours and these changes will help many to do just this.”
Dan Paskins, Director of UK Impact, Save the Children said:“The UK Government has made the right decision in deciding to pay childcare fees for those on Universal Credit upfront rather than in arrears. This system was stopping people getting into work and putting people into debt.
“We’re delighted also for Save the Children’s parent campaigners who have spent years trying to get this system changed and given evidence many times in person about how this system has been negatively impacting their lives.
“This is good for families, good for our economy and most of all, good news for children. It is a simple and effective change which will help put money in families’ pockets and make life easier for parents juggling work and childcare.”
Laura Davis, Chief Executive, The British Association for Supported Employment said:“The British Association for Supported Employment (BASE) welcomes the Government’s announcements, which focus on empowering more disabled people to feel confident in entering or re-entering the labour market.
“We’re particularly pleased to hear about the plans to scrap the work capability assessment which will be a great step towards ensuring people can try employment without fear.
“We believe everyone who wants to work, can, with the right job and the right support, and should be provided every opportunity to dream big, without fear of being financially worse off.
“We look forward to hearing the detail in the Back to Work Budget on the 15th March and would welcome the opportunity to work with the government over the upcoming months to ensure that the right support into employment is available to all disabled people across the country.
“BASE is proud to represent the amazing Supported Employment Services and Employer-Partners, who are committed to embedding inclusive recruitment, using the evidenced-based model that works. Our place, train and maintain model supports Disabled, Neurodivergent and disadvantaged people across the UK, into well matched sustainable careers that meets their needs and those of the labour market.”
STAKEHOLDER REACTION: BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVE ORGANISATIONS & TRADE BODIES
Syma Cullasy-Aldridge, Chief Campaigns Director, CBI said:“As firms struggle to fill more than one million job vacancies in the economy, it’s good to see the Government finding ways to support people back into the workplace.
“Childcare costs are a barrier to many parents returning to work, especially those on lower incomes. It’s absolutely right that Government childcare support for those on Universal Credit is now paid upfront. The Government needs to announce the launch of a review into childcare to ensure it works for everyone.
“Helping the over 50s return to work requires flexible skills support from firms, so the Government should be listening to business-wide calls for a reform of the Apprenticeship Levy.
“Business will hope to hear more on how the Government can help support people back into the workplace at next week’s Budget – big gaps in our workforce require big solutions.”
Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive, UKHospitality said:“Despite having record numbers of people working in hospitality, labour shortages continue to hold back our sectors growth potential.
“The 150,000 vacancies in hospitality are forcing venues to reduce trading hours and days, significantly impacting businesses to the tune of £25 billion in lost sales and £7 billion in lost tax to the Treasury, which hamstrings our very real capability to deliver record sales when firing on all cylinders.
“The measures announced by the Government are positive and will help get more people into work. In particular, the introduction of more flexible, shortened skills training and breaking down some of the barriers to work that exists within Universal Credit will be beneficial.
“With hospitality so central to the everyday economy and a proven driver of economic growth, investment and jobs, it’s absolutely right that addressing these shortages are a priority for the Chancellor. Making this work for such a strategically important sector will allow hospitality to help the Government deliver its twin objectives of getting the economy growing and bringing down inflation.
“Through our work with Ministers on the over 50s working group and as a Disability Ambassador for the Cabinet Office, I look forward to continuing to work with the Government on labour, skills and training.”
Neil Carberry, Chief Executive, the Recruitment & Employment Confederation, said:“Our analysis shows that labour & skills shortages could cost the UK economy up to £39billion per year from 2024 – around the same as two Elizabeth lines.
“So it is important that action is taken, particularly in childcare which can be a significant barrier to work for many families. Helping those furthest away from the labour market into work is vital – and has been our focus through the Restart programme. Schemes like Restart prove the job is not one for government alone, businesses and recruitment experts can also play their part to great effect.”
Elizabeth Taylor, Chief Executive, Employment Related Services Association (ERSA) said:“At the Employment Related Services Association, we welcome the announcement that barriers to employment will be removed for some economically inactive groups.
“The employment support sector has the experience and knowledge to deliver this, and we know what works, so we sincerely hope that we will have a part to play. We know the differences between those who are voluntarily and involuntarily not currently seeking work, we recognise that employment support needs to be tailored to the individual, these are not homogenous groups.
“Providers in the sector will be required to work with those who will not engage with Jobcentre Plus. The employment support sector has a proven track record of community-based engagement, of delivering advice and support, and expertise in matching people with the right job that can be sustained. Returning to work must be an attractive proposition – let’s make it one.”
