Month: January 2024

National Pothole Day: Government to crack down on disruptive street works

New measures could generate up to £100 million extra over 10 years to resurface roads across England

  • new proposals from the UK Government’s Plan for Drivers to cut traffic caused by street works
  • utility companies that allow works to overrun face increased fines, which could generate up to £100 million extra to improve local roads
  • launch of consultation follows record £8.3 billion increase to resurface roads across England as government continues to back drivers

A crackdown on disruptive roadworks could cut congestion for millions of drivers and generate up to £100 million extra to resurface roads, as the first key measures from the UK government’s Plan for Drivers are delivered today (15 January 2024).

Roads Minister, Guy Opperman, has launched a street works consultation on a series of measures to prevent utility companies from letting roadworks overrun and clogging up traffic as a result.

The consultation seeks to extend the current £10,000 per day fine for overrunning street works into weekends and bank holidays as a deterrent for working on the busiest days for road travel.

Currently, utility companies are only fined for disruption on working days. The measures could double fines from £500 up to a maximum of £1,000 for companies that breach conditions of the job, such as working without a permit.

The plans would also direct at least 50% of money from lane rental schemes to be used to improve roads and repair potholes. Lane rental schemes allow local highway authorities to charge companies for the time that street and road works occupy the road.

As a result, the measures could generate up to £100 million extra over 10 years to resurface roads while helping tackle congestion, cutting down journey times and helping drivers get from A to B more easily.

Launching on National Pothole Day, the consultation is part of a series of measures from the government’s Plan for Drivers, a 30-point plan to support people’s freedoms to use their cars, curb over-zealous enforcement measures and back drivers.

Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, said: “After investing an extra £8.3 billion to resurface roads across England, the largest ever increase in funding for local road improvements, this government continues to back drivers with these new measures from our Plan for Drivers.

“Our new proposals seek to free up our roads from overrunning street works, cut down traffic jams and generate up to £100 million extra to resurface roads up and down the country.”

Roads Minister, Guy Opperman, said: “Being stuck in traffic is infuriating for drivers. Too often traffic jams are caused by overrunning street works.

“This government is backing drivers, with a robust approach to utility companies and others, who dig up our streets. We will seek to massively increase fines for companies that breach conditions and fine works that overrun into weekends and bank holidays while making the rental for such works help generate up to an extra £100 million to improve local roads.”

While it’s essential that gas, water and other utility companies carry out vital maintenance work to provide the services we all rely on, the 2 million street works carried out in England in 2022 to 2023 have cost the economy around £4 billion by causing severe road congestion and disrupting journeys. 

The consultation comes after the Westminster government introduced a performance-based street works regime to ensure utility companies resurface roads to the best possible standard, and new lane rental schemes where utility companies can be charged up to £2,500 per day for street works.

The measures can also help boost active travel by preventing street works from disrupting walking, wheeling and cycling while also providing opportunities to improve pavements and pedestrian crossings and make repairs to pavements and cycle lanes.

Edmund King, AA president, said: “Overrunning roadworks and poorly reinstated roads from utility companies frustrate drivers and cause unnecessary congestion, and trench defects can damage vehicles and injure those on 2 wheels.

“We are pleased that the government is looking to extend the fines for over-running street works, invest more of the surplus fines in roads and ensure that those who dig up the roads repair them to a high and timely standard.”

In addition, the government plans to make all temporary, experimental or permanent restrictions on traffic digital. These so-called traffic regulation orders (TROs) include things like the location of parking spaces, road closures and speed limits.

Making these digital means they must now be added to satnav systems, ensuring drivers have the most up-to-date information, making journeys easier and paving the way for more reliable autonomous vehicles.

RAC Head of Policy, Simon Williams, said: “Drivers shouldn’t have to put up with temporary roadworks for any longer than is necessary, so we’re pleased to see the government is looking to do more to guarantee that utility companies minimise disruption by carrying out roadworks as quickly and efficiently as possible.

“They should also leave roads in better condition than they found them, which unfortunately is hardly ever the case at the moment.”

The measures follow the biggest ever funding uplift for local road improvements, with £8.3 billion of redirected High Speed 2 (HS2) funding – enough to resurface over 5,000 miles of roads across England – as the government continues to be on the side of drivers and improve journeys for more people, in more places, more quickly. 

Kent County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, Neil Baker, said: “I welcome the launch of the government’s street works consultation to consider measures aimed at preventing utility roadworks overrunning.

“We have already piloted a pioneering lane rental scheme on some of our roads, which encourages utility companies to work in the most efficient way to minimise disruption for the traveling public in Kent.

“I will continue to work with government, the Department for Transport and other stakeholders to find ways we can reduce congestion in order to keep Kent moving.”

Clive Bairsto, Chief Executive of Street Works UK, said: “Utilities perform a vital role in connecting households, working to the highest standards, while complying with rigorous inspections to ensure works are high quality and lasting.

“We look forward to engaging constructively with government throughout this consultation, representing our members and the wider industry, to ensure both utilities and local authorities can deliver infrastructure works while giving customers and road users the speed of delivery, lack of congestion and transparency they expect.”

the-plan-for-driversDownload

POTHOLE PARTNERSHIP LAUNCHED

A new partnership has been launched by road users and industry to help tackle the scourge of potholes. It comes as shock new figures have been released by the AA which show that pothole damage to vehicles has hit a five year high.

The research, released on National Pothole Day, reveals that the motoring organisation dealt with 631,852 pothole related incidents in 2023, the highest for five years.

Now the newly-formed Pothole Partnership has unveiled a five-point pledge to help tackle the issue, and they are using it to lobby local and national government.

The coalition, which represents the interests of drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists, pedestrians, and road repairers, has been formed by the AA, the National Motorcyclists Council, British Cycling, IAM RoadSmart, the British Motorcyclists Federation and JCB, which manufacturers the award-winning Pothole Pro machine.

Last year pothole damage to vehicles cost a staggering £474,000,000, according to the new figures released by the Pothole Partnership. 

Pothole related incidents are at a five-year high.

AA President Edmund King said: “Last year AA patrols dealt with more than 600,000 pothole-related incidents which on a national scale will have cost drivers almost half a billion pounds.

“Currently, we often have a vicious circle of: pothole formed; damage caused; pothole patched; pothole reappears with more damage caused – when what we need are more permanent repairs.

“Potholes are the number one concern for 96% of drivers and can be fatal for those on two wheels so hopefully pressure from the Pothole Partnership will lead to permanent repairs.”

JCB General Manager Ben Rawding said: “Tackling the national backlog of potholes properly will involve investment in innovation and new technologies to ensure permanent fixes, not temporary repairs. Britain’s motorists, motorcyclists and cyclists deserve nothing less.”

The AA dealt with 632,000 incidents in 2023 of tyre, wheel, steering, and suspension damaged by potholes which, if rounded up on a national scale, represents 2 million vehicles affected by poor road maintenance.

This is an increase of 16.39% when compared to 2022 (543,000). As most new cars don’t come with a spare tyre as standard, pothole punctures are costing drivers more time and money.

Last month’s figure of 62,000 was an increase of 15.2% when compared to December 2022 (54,000).

PDSA: Arctic blast warning

COLD WEATHER ADVICE FOR PETS

Winter can be a fun time for pets, but with forecasts of an ‘arctic blast’ on the way, PDSA experts are warning owners to keep our four-legged friends safe and warm in the wintry conditions. Pets can be at risk of hypothermia if they get too cold, but it’s also important to ensure they stay active during freezing temperatures. 

PDSA, the vet charity for pets in need, asked their Vet Nurse Nina Downing to put together her top tips on keeping our pets cosy and safe through the big freeze:

Dogs

  • Giving dogs their daily walks is important for their physical and mental health, even during the colder months. Try to do this during daylight hours if possible, and consider getting a good dog coat.
  • LED collars or high-vis leads are a good investment, to help keep both you and your pooch visible if you’re braving the dark nights and mornings.
  • If your dog gets wet while out, dry them off as soon as possible. If you drive your dogs to walks, then keeping a towel in the car is a good idea.
  • Check their paws after walks too, as snow can build up and form clumps on the fur between dogs’ toes, which can be painful. Salt and grit can also irritate their pads, so when they return from winter walks it’s a good idea to wash their paws in warm water. Keep the fur between their toes trimmed short, and you can even use some paw butter or pet-friendly skin cream which may prevent their pads becoming dry and sore.
  • Don’t leave dogs in cars – the inside temperature can quickly become as cold as the outside, even if you’ve just been driving with the heating on.
  • Never leave dogs locked outdoors, ensure they can always access shelter and warmth.
  • Watch out for ice, this can be slippery for them as well as us, and if it’s broken it can even cut their paws. Keep dogs off icy surfaces, and definitely keep them away from any frozen lakes and ponds.
  • If your dog is very young, elderly, skinny or poorly then they are at higher risk of hypothermia. They can’t control their body temperature well so need extra care to keep them warm. High risk pets should only go outside for short times in cold weather, and should be closely supervised. Give them extra bedding and consider getting a pet-safe heat mat.

Nina added: “It’s worth considering whether your dog would benefit from a good winter coat to keep them warm and dry.

“Pets that are young, old, unwell, or that have very thin fur, can all benefit from this extra protection. Make sure coats fit well and don’t restrict your dog’s movement.”

Cats

  • Make sure your cat has a warm, comfy bed, in a draught free area of the house. If possible, make sure this is raised off the floor – cats are often more comfortable when higher up and it will keep them out of the coldest draughts.
  • Never leave cats locked outdoors, ensure they can always access shelter and warmth.
  • If your cat prefers to stay indoors during very bad weather, help them stay active by providing toys and enrichment activities. This will ensure they don’t miss out on vital exercise. Also make sure they have a litter tray that’s kept clean, so they don’t have to go outside if they don’t want to.
  • If your cat prefers to spend time outside, make sure they can always come inside when they want to. Providing an alternative option, in case cat flaps get frozen shut or blocked by snow, is also a good idea.

Nina continued: “It’s really important that our pets stay active during the winter – don’t let them become a coach potato! This can be challenging when the weather is uninviting, but many dogs and cats still enjoy exploring the great outdoors even during the cold and the wet.”

She also has some advice for keeping smaller pets like rabbits, guinea pigs and ferrets cosy in the cold weather:

Small pets

  • Bring hutches under shelter – a shed or car-free garage is ideal, to protect them from draughts, rain and snow. Pets that are used to living outdoors can find a centrally heated home a stark contrast, so a cooler room is better, if you bring them indoors. Make sure they have access to natural light and an exercise run.
  • Bulk up bedding – give small pets extra bedding during the winter, so they can snuggle right down to keep warm.
  • Provide protection – if there’s no option than to keep hutches outdoors, then drape a blanket or piece of carpet over the mesh door to keep out the worst of the weather. You could also use plastic sheeting, but make sure any covers don’t obstruct ventilation.
  • Don’t forget to check water bottles or bowls several times a day to make sure they’re not frozen.

For more advice from PDSA experts, go to PDSA’s website pdsa.org.uk/winterhealth

ROSPA: Drive with added caution amid looming cold weather

  • The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has issued urgent guidance to those travelling in cold and snowy weather
  • Disruptive conditions are set to hit many areas of the UK
  • Road experts warn of increased chance of collisions

With icy temperatures and ‘disruptive’ snow hitting large parts of Britain, and parts of the UK still grappling with flooding, leading road experts The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has issued some vital road safety advice.

Advising on winter driving, Rebecca Guy, RoSPA’s Road Safety Manager for England, said: “Snowy conditions can pose a real challenge for drivers so it’s worth knowing how to prepare yourself so your journey can be as smooth as possible.

“Before you set off, check the weather conditions to ensure you’re not caught out, and don’t forget to wipe off snow from the top and windows of your car. This will avoid snow falling onto your windscreen while driving and impacting your line of sight. In very bad conditions, avoid driving completely, unless you absolutely have to make the journey and driving is the only option.

“It’s also a good idea to leave more time than usual for your journey, and to check your tyres, fluid levels, lights and fuel or charge levels before you set off. If your journey is essential, packing some warm clothing, a fully charged mobile phone, some food and a drink can help you to be prepared if you do break down – and even a pair of sunglasses can stand you in good stead in case the sun comes out and reflects on the road ahead.

“If you can, try and move off in second gear and change to a higher gear as soon as possible once the car is moving. Ensure you accelerate gently and smoothly, using low revs. Ideally, stay in a steady gear and leave as much room in front of you as possible so you can maintain a constant speed – and don’t forget that stopping distance can be increased up to 10 times in snowy weather.”

Other factors to consider if driving in snow or ice:

  • Slow down in plenty of time before bends and corners
  • Braking on an icy or snow-covered bend is extremely dangerous. The centrifugal force will continue to pull you outwards and the wheels will not grip very well. This could cause your vehicle to spin
  • Increase the gap between you and the vehicle in front. You may need up to 10 times the distance for braking in good conditions
  • Visibility will probably be reduced, so use dipped headlights

If you get stuck in snow:

  • If you get stuck in snow, revving your engine to try to power out of the rut will just make the rut worse. Instead, move your vehicle slowly backwards and forwards out of the rut using the highest gear you can
  • If this doesn’t work, you may have to ask a friendly passerby for a push or get your shovel out.

Rebecca went on to advise those encountering flood water: “The past few weeks have seen a concerning level of flooding in many areas of the UK. It is essential to have the latest information at hand to avoid roads or pathways that are submerged in water.

“Not only can a flooded car be costly, it can lead to drowning so it is important to never attempt to drive through a waterlogged area, especially If the road has been closed off.

“Before leaving the house, consider whether your vehicle really is in a roadworthy condition for extreme weather, and check its tyres, brakes, lights and fluid levels.

“If your vehicle is not in tip-top condition, you are more likely to break down and get stranded. Therefore, keep an emergency kit in your car, especially if you’re going on a long journey. If this seems unnecessary, take a moment to imagine yourself stranded in your car overnight. ”

If you’re in a flooded area, it is also worth considering the following when nearing an affected road:

  • Avoid the deepest water – which is usually near the kerb
  • Don’t attempt to cross if the water seems too deep
  • If you are not sure of the water’s depth, look for an alternative route
  • If you decide to risk it, drive slowly in first gear but keep the engine speed high by slipping the clutch – this will stop you from stalling
  • Be aware of the bow wave from approaching vehicles – operate an informal ‘give way’ with approaching vehicles.

For more information, please visit our Winter Driving Tips page here.

winter-driving-factsheet-copy_1Download

New report finds cost of dying has reached a record high in Scotland

Following the release of the latest funeral cost figures, a Scottish charitable organisation is calling on the Scottish Government to re-visit their financial support.

The latest Sunlife Cost of Dying Report 2024 has found that the average cost of a basic funeral in Scotland – which doesn’t even include a wake or other send-off costs like funeral cars or flowers – has risen to £4,030*.

As a result, Caledonia Funeral Aid – a charity-run social enterprise which supports those facing funeral poverty – has urged the Scottish Government to reconsider the average payout to those who are eligible.

Co-founder and chair John Halliday, explained: “The Scottish Government has made real gains in increasing the take-up of the Funeral Support Payment – which contributes somewhat towards the main basic funeral costs.

“However, the average payout to eligible residents in Scotland is £1,949,**. If someone is organising even a basic funeral, they are over £2,000 short. But then if you want flowers, sandwiches, a venue for a wake, transport, orders of service or a headstone that would all be additional costs.

“The report also finds that the average cost of dying (a funeral plus professional fees and send-off costs) has reached a record high of £9,658*. So, the Funeral Support Payment has become a drop in the ocean for people when presented with the final bill.

“We would ask the Government to consider that those who qualify for the payment are in receipt of benefits like Child Tax Credit, Universal Credit, Income Support or Jobseekers’ Allowance.

“These people are also experiencing additional financial pressure due to the cost-of-living crisis. Indeed, nearly half of those surveyed in the report people say the cost-of-living crisis impacted on how they organised or paid for the funeral and worryingly 1 in 6 bereaved people said they had to cut back on essential items like food, bills or rent.

“Many of those in receipt of the Funeral Support Payment will still struggle to pay the final bill and may resort to desperate measures, like using a credit card, taking out a loan or even selling belongings.

“Our not-for-profit funeral director, Caledonia Cremation, does provide a direct cremation option which is fully covered by the benefit, with money left over for a follow-up event. However, that type of funeral isn’t what some people want, and we do our best to support everyone to make the choice that is right for them. It is becoming increasingly hard to do so when the cost keeps rising.”

One person who struggled despite receiving the payment is James, who lost his partner Rachelle in 2022. 

James was in receipt of Universal Credit, so was eligible for the Funeral Support Payment. However, he was still left with a massive bill, as he explains:

“Rochelle had contributed to a plan, so as a result I only received 99p from Social Security Scotland. The plan and that payment didn’t come close to covering the full cost of the funeral, and as a result I had to find £2,500.

“The payment doesn’t consider the true cost of a typical funeral, which is high by anyone’s standards.

“I also feel that the Government should consider the situation of those who are in receipt of the benefit. When you are on Universal Credit, £2,500 is a huge amount of money.”

As part of their campaign, Caledonia Funeral Aid are hosting a free online summit at the end of the month. 

John explained: “We are inviting those who work with recently bereaved people, or those who support people experiencing hardship, to an online discussion around the financial support available and what the long-term plan should be.

“We are hosting this event in partnership with The Poverty Alliance and Down to Earth. Those interested can sign up online at the funerals.scot website.”

*Sunlife Cost of Dying Report 2024 https://www.sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs/

** Funeral Support Payment: high level statistics to 30 September 2023 https://www.socialsecurity.gov.scot/asset-storage/production/downloads/Funeral-Support-Payment-publication-to-September-2023-867995435674.pdf

Samaritans: The Blue Monday Myth

The myth that the third Monday of January is the ‘most depressing day of the year’ seems to pop up every year and we’ve honestly had enough of it. It’s just a completely made up marketing gimmick – there’s no science to back it up!

Our bad days aren’t for the calendar to decide and people can feel low any time of the year, but checking in with our friends and having a proper chat can make a real difference. It’s a small but mighty way we can all look out for each other 💚

Get your cuppas at the ready, and help us kick the myth of ‘Blue Monday’ to the curb where it belongs by joining us for ✨Brew Monday ☕ instead.

Brew_Monday_2020_tips_leafletDownload

Missing man: Police reissue appeal to trace Daniel Fraser

POLICE UPDATE – 12 FEBRUARY

Around 10.55am on Sunday, 11 February, 2024, the body of a man was discovered in the water at Musselburgh Lagoons.

Formal identification is yet to take place, but the family of missing man Daniel Fraser are aware.

There do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

POLICE continue to appeal for information to help trace missing Drylaw man Daniel Fraser. The 35-year-old was last seen walking alone in the High Street area of Musselburgh on at around 1.30am on Sunday, 7 January.

Extensive enquiries are ongoing and the most recent confirmed sighting of Daniel is now in the Goose Green Place area of Musselburgh a short time later on Sunday, 7 January, 2024.

Daniel is described as white, around 5ft 8ins tall, of slim build with short, light-brown hair. When he was last seen, he was wearing a grey, long-sleeved jumper with a white t-shirt underneath, dark-coloured jeans and black trainers with blue detailing.

Daniel was reported missing on Thursday, 11 January, 2024 after concerns were raised that he had not been in touch with family or friends.

Inspector Craig Sandbach said: “It is unusual for Daniel not to be in touch with anyone and we are concerned about him.

“From our enquiries, we now know the last sighting of Daniel was on his own in the Goose Green Place area of Musselburgh at around 1.35am on Sunday, 7 January, 2024.

“We have significant resources dedicated to this enquiry and we are urging the public to come forward with any information relating to his whereabouts.

“If you were in the area at the time, please think back, did you notice anyone matching his description? I’m particularly keen to speak to any taxi drivers who may have been in the area at the time.

“If anyone has seen Daniel, or has any information as to his present whereabouts, please contact police. I would also urge people who live in the area to check outbuildings and sheds.”

Anyone who may have seen Daniel, or who has any information on his whereabouts, is urged to contact 101 quoting incident number 3723 of 11 January.

Health Board issues advice on Gastroenteritis, COVID-19 and flu to visitors


Members of the public are being reminded not to visit NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde hospitals if they have symptoms of Gastroenteritis, COVID-19 or flu.  

Anyone planning to visit a loved one in hospital should not do so if they are displaying any symptoms including sickness and diarrhoea.  

All visitors should also practice good hygiene by ensuring they regularly wash their hands to prevent the spread of viruses.  

Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea are common symptoms of Gastroenteritis, flu and COVID-19, along with headaches, fever and muscle or limb pain.  

Flu and COVID-19 symptoms also include coughs, chills, a sore throat and a blocked or runny nose.  
 
Symptoms of Gastroenteritis include:  

  • Suddenly feeling sick  
  • Projectile vomiting  
  • Watery diarrhoea  
  • Slight fever  
  • Headaches  
  • Painful stomach cramps and aching limbs 
     

Symptoms of COVID-19 include:  

  • Continuous cough  
  • High temperature, fever or chills  
  • Loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell  
  • Shortness of breath  
  • Unexplained tiredness, lack of energy  
  • Muscle aches or pains that are not due to exercise  
  • Not wanting to eat or not feeling hungry  
  • Headache that’s unusual or longer lasting than usual  
  • Sore throat, stuffy or runny nose  
  • Diarrhoea  
  • Feeling sick or being sick  

Symptoms of flu include:  

  • A sudden fever  
  • A dry, chesty cough  
  • A headache  
  • Tiredness and weakness  
  • Chills  
  • Aching muscles  
  • Limb or joint pain  
  • Diarrhoea or abdominal (tummy) pain  
  • Nausea and vomiting  
  • A sore throat  
  • A runny or blocked nose  
  • Sneezing  
  • Loss of appetite  
  • Difficulty sleeping.

In recent years, taking precautions against viral infections have become part of our daily life and we can all continue to help each other by following guidance around slowing the spread of viruses and practicing good hygiene. 

You can protect yourself and others by staying at home if you are unwell and by cleaning hands and surfaces regularly. 

Dr Aleksandra Marek, Consultant Microbiologist and Infection Control Doctor, said: “During the winter months, illnesses such as Gastroenteritis, COVID-19 and flu, can add to the pressures that staff face across our sites.  

“To help protect yourself, your loved ones and our services, we are asking members of the public not to visit our hospital sites if they are displaying symptoms of any of these viruses.   

“We are also asking anyone who does attend a site to follow infection control guidance, such as washing your hands regularly.  

“Our dedicated members of staff are working around the clock to continue to provide the highest standard of patient-centred care possible.” 


  
NHSGGC is urging people to only attend Emergency Departments (A&E) if their condition is very urgent or life-threatening.   
  
Any patient unsure of who to turn to has a range of options available to them: 
 
1. Visit the NHS Inform website: https://www.nhsinform.scot/  
2. Call NHS24 on 111  
3. Visit the NHSGGC website: https://www.nhsggc.scot/your-health/right-care-right-place/  
  
For very urgent or life-threatening emergencies, the public should continue to call 999 or attend A&E.  

Jet2holidays adds hundreds of thousands of Free Child Place holidays

  • With the schools back, the UK’s largest tour operator expects a busy weekend from families looking to book their well-deserved holidays
  • Hundreds of thousands of Free Child Place holidays added across the school holidays in response to this demand – on top of millions already available
  • This means Jet2holidays has more Free Child Place holidays available than ever!

AHEAD of what is expected to be a busy weekendfor customers booking family holidays, Jet2holidays, the UK’s largest tour operator, has added hundreds of thousands of Free Child Place holidays across the 2024 school holidays.

The additions are on top of millions of Free Child Place Holidays that are already available. As a result, this means Jet2holidays has more Free Child Place holidays available than ever.

With customers booking their well-deserved holidays into the diary during the ‘peak’ booking period, the package holiday specialist expects this weekend to see lots of family holiday bookings, with demand traditionally increasing over the first weekend after the schools have returned following the Christmas break.

As well as reporting demand for late bookings for this winter, Jet2holidays has said that Summer 24, the company’s biggest ever summer programme is currently selling well.

Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have over 17 million seats on sale to 60 destinations for Summer 24. As a result of this expanded programme, Jet2 will operate over 420 routes, including more than 50 that are brand-new, from across its 11 UK airports this coming summer – a huge expansion meaning unrivalled choice for holidaymakers.

Destinations enjoying popularity right now include the Canaries , Balearics, mainland Spain, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal, Italy, Malta and Bulgaria.

To help customers get the best deal, Jet2holidays launchedan offer from Boxing Day giving customers £50 per person off all holidays. The UK’s largest tour operator also announced that customers with a MyJet2 account can access exclusive savings – with a whopping £60 off per person on all holidays.

To book a place in the sunshine and enjoy an exclusive saving at the same time, customers can sign up for a MyJet2 account at https://www.jet2holidays.com/myjet2

The offer means that couples can save £100 if they book via the Jet2holidays website or contact centre (£120 off for MyJet2 members) and a family of four can enjoy £200 off a getaway (£240 off for MyJet2 members).

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays said: “With the schools going back this week, we are seeing demand for family holidays increase as people get planning and booking their holidays.

“We are expecting more of this over the weekend, which is why we have put hundreds of thousands of extra Free Child Place holidays on sale, meaning we have never had so many Free Child Place holidays available, with millions up for grabs.

“As the UK’s largest tour operator we are looking forward to taking millions of new and existing customers away. Contrary to popular belief, there is not an endless amount of capacity on sale and with so many people flocking to book their well-deserved holidays, our advice is to act now before the best deals and best holidays are gone.”

Visit www.jet2.com or www.jet2holidays.com

If you are an independent travel agent and are interested in learning more about how you could benefit from working in partnership with Jet2holidays, please visit the company’s dedicated trade site: trade.jet2holidays.com

Why is the gap in employment between disabled and non-disabled people in Scotland so large?

by FRASER of ALLANDER INSTITUTE’s Allison Cataleno and Chirsty McFadyen

Back in September, we published some initial findings on the disability employment gap in Scotland, in collaboration with the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe).  

This blog looked at the ways in which the gap in employment rates between disabled and non-disabled people has changed since 2014, finding that Scotland has lower rates of employment for disabled people compared to the rest of the UK. The gap has been closing more quickly, however. 

This initial research led us to a question: why has the gap been closing more quickly? And furthermore, what changes have happened for different groups of people with disabilities? 

Our full report, published today, models the reasons behind this change, and explores more detailed statistics on employment differences by type of disability.

Our work is based on a previous report by the DWP which looked at changes in the disability employment gap across the UK. 

Some of our key findings include: 

  • The employment rate for disabled people in Scotland has increased by 9 percentage points since 2014. Non-disabled employment rates also increased by 3 percentage points during this time period. This increase in the employment rate has been larger in Scotland compared to the rest of the UK, although the employment rate remains lower. 
  • The employment rate has largely increased due to an increase in disability prevalence (70% of the total change), meaning that this change is primarily due to working people becoming disabled. A small portion of the change (10%) was due to a change in working patterns among disabled people. 
  • On average, Scotland’s disabled working age population grew by about 4.6% each year between 2014 and 2022, while Scotland’s total working age population grew by less than 0.1% 
  • Over half of the change in disability prevalence is due to an increase in reporting mental health-related disabilities and learning difficulties. In 2014, over a third of disabled people in Scotland reported musculoskeletal conditions as their main issue, and around a quarter reported a mental health condition or learning difficulty. These proportions have now switched. 
  • Employment rates for all types of disability have increased since 2014. Musculoskeletal conditions – those affecting arms, legs, feet, neck, and back – had significant increases in employment rates, without significant increases in disability prevalence. By comparison, rates of reported mental illness grew substantially in both employment rates and in total prevalence, although the change in employment outpaced the change in population size. 
  • Disabled people are disproportionately less likely to work in manufacturing; professional, scientific, and technical activities; or construction, and are more likely to work in education, retail, and health and social work. 

Read the full report here.