Month: February 2024

Clear majority of zero-hours contracts workers “stuck” in insecure jobs

NEW ANALYSIS reveals 2 in 3 zero hours contract workers have been with their current employer for over a year

  • TUC says a ban on zero-hours contracts is “long overdue”  
  • Union body says “employers need to get on board with the New Deal”- following business calls to scale back the package. 

The overwhelming majority of zero-hours contract workers are “stuck” on zero hours contracts in the long-term, the TUC has warned. 

The union body warns hundreds of thousands of workers are being trapped in low-pay and insecurity, with bad employers “parking workers on zero-hours contracts for years on end”.   

The new analysis reveals: 

  • 2 in 3 (66%) zero-hours contract workers have been with their current employer for over a year. 
  • Almost half (46%) of zero-hours contract workers have been with their current employer for over 2 years. 
  • Astonishingly, 1 in 8 (12%) zero-hours contract workers have been with their current employer for over 10 years. 

Only a minority of zero hours contract workers are on the precarious contracts as a stop gap, temporary measure. Just 7% of zero-hours workers have been with their current employer less than 3 months. 

TUC polling in 2021 showed that by far the most important reason that people take zero-hours contract work is because that is the only work available. 

Almost half (45%) of respondents said that this was the most important reason for them being on zero-hours contracts while 16% said it was the typical contract in their line of work.  

Just 9% cited work-life balance as the most important reason – and the TUC says many in this group would prefer the opportunity to work flexibly within a secure job.  

Structural racism in action 

The latest available data show there are 1.15 million people on these contracts.  

Black and minority ethnic (BME) women are  nearly three times as likely to be on zero-hours contracts as white men (6.8% compared to 2.5%),   

TUC analysis published in August revealed the number of BME workers in insecure work more than doubled from 2011 to 2022 (from 360,200 to 836,300). 

The TUC says this increase in zero-hours contracts for BME workers reflects “structural racism in the jobs market”.  

Lack of control  

The TUC says zero-hours contracts hand the employer total control over workers’ hours and earning power, meaning workers never know how much they will earn each week, with their income subject to the whims of managers.   

The union body argues that this makes it hard for workers to plan their lives, budget and look after their children. 

And it makes it harder for workers to challenge unacceptable behaviour by bosses because of concerns about whether they will be penalised by not being allocated hours in future.   

Such insecurity can be particularly challenging for those who have caring responsibilities, who are overwhelmingly women, says the TUC. 

New deal  

The TUC says a ban on zero-hours contracts is “long overdue” – and is calling for all workers to have a right to a contract that reflects their regular hours.  

Recent TUC polling revealed 6 in 10 (63%) already support a ban zero-hours contracts – including 60% of Conservative 2019 voters.  

Labour is promising a ban on zero-hours contracts as part of its New Deal for Working People – which it says it will deliver with an employment bill in its first 100 days, if elected. 

The union body says “employers need to get on board with Labour’s New Deal”- following business calls to scale back the package. 

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said:  “Everyone should be treated fairly at work. But too many workers – especially Black and ethnic minority women – are trapped in low-paid jobs on zero-hours contracts, with few rights and protections and no guarantee of shifts. 

“Bad employers are parking workers on zero hours contracts for years on end. It’s not right.  

“These precarious contracts hand almost total control over workers’ hours and earning power to managers – making it nigh on impossible to plan budgets and childcare.  

“Insecure work has boomed on the Conservatives’ watch over the past 14 years – with the number of workers on zero hours contracts hitting the one million mark. 

“That’s why a ban on zero hours contracts is long overdue. Working people should have a right to a contract that reflects their regular hours of work.  

“It’s time for a New Deal for Working People, like Labour is proposing – which includes a ban on zero hours contracts, ensuring workers get reasonable notice of shifts and an end to fire and rehire.” 

Commenting on reports in The Times on business calls to scale back Labour’s New Deal for Working People, alongside a poll showing the plans are “extremely popular” with the public, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “Employers need to get on board with Labour’s New Deal for Working People – and good employers will.   

“The UK’s long experiment with a low-rights, low-wage economy is a complete failure. The Tories’ lack of an economic plan for jobs, growth and living standards has cost workers and industry dear.   

“Labour’s New Deal for Working People stands in stark contrast to the Conservative’s dire record.  

“And it would be good for our economy too. Decent, secure jobs are essential to building a motivated, healthy, innovative workforce – all vital for high productivity growth.” 

Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland set to share cyber security knowledge in capital during CyberScotland Week

 

Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland will host three free events as part of CyberScotland Week in Edinburgh on the 29th February, 7th March and 14th March for those in the public or third sector.  

Taking place at The Melting Pot on Calton Road from 9am to 12.30pm, cyber experts will be joined by trusted partner Consider IT to deliver the events for public and third sector organisations during CyberScotland Week.

The events will focus on key cyber security topics and issues that organisations should take into consideration in 2024 as well as provide practical tips on everything from data security to incident response. Attendees will also get a chance to take part in a practical Exercise in Box session to put their current cyber security response to the test.  

The sessions will outline resources available to organisations which they can utilise in house, as well as presenting an opportunity to network with like-minded people within the industry.  

CyberScotland Week brings together experts for a packed programme of events designed to build cyber resilience across the country. The week-long programme, which takes place between the 26th of February to the 3rd of March, will focus on three key themes of collaboration, diversity and resilience. 

Jude McCorry CEO of Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland said; “Bringing the best minds in cyber security together, CyberScotland Week is making its return to the capital. 

“With cybercrime increasing globally, it is essential that businesses know how to protect themselves, should they be in the unfortunate position of finding themselves the victim of a cyber or fraud crime.

“At the Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland we are committed to educating businesses, third sector organisations and individuals on cyber resilience and security should the unthinkable happen.” 

Stuart Gilbertson, Managing Director at Consider IT, said: “At Consider IT, we are proud to join forces with the Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland to contribute our expertise and insights to the upcoming roadshows during CyberScotland Week.

“As trusted partners, we are committed to enhancing and strengthening the cyber health of Scottish organisations. These events provide a valuable platform for public and third sector organisations to gain practical knowledge on key cyber security topics, ensuring they are well-prepared to navigate the growing and evolving cyber threats in 2024.

“By fostering collaboration and sharing resources, we aim to empower attendees with the skills needed to safeguard their businesses. We look forward to engaging with like-minded professionals and contributing to the collective effort in building a more secure cyber environment for Scotland.” 
 
Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland also runs a free Incident Response Helpline for any organisation concerned they have fallen victim to cybercrime which can be contacted on 0800 1670 623.

It is run by Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland in partnership with the Scottish Government and Police Scotland along it a network of trusted third parties that provide expertise and assistance.  

For further information on the public and third Sector cyber roadshow, visit the Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland website:

https://www.cyberscotland.com/event/public-and-third-sector-roadshow-edinburgh-29th-february/  

Police appeal following serious assault in Hunter Square

Officers are appealing for information following the serious assault of a man in Edinburgh’s city centre.

The incident happened around 3.40pm yesterday (Tuesday, 20 February) at Hunter Square. A 36-year-old man was assaulted. He was taken to hospital for treatment where he remains in a critical condition.

A 46-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with the incident.

Detective Inspector Steven Gray said: “Our enquiries into this incident are ongoing and I would urge anyone who may have information which could help to get in touch.

“I would ask that anyone who witnessed the incident or was in the area around that time to contact us.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 2335 of 20 February, 2024.

Help with funeral costs

Eligible people urged to apply for Funeral Support Payment

The cost of paying for a funeral can cause extra strain for many people at what is a difficult time.

Funeral Support Payment provides eligible people with financial support to help pay for a partner, child, parent or sibling’s funeral.

The payment is available to people who receive Universal Credit, tax credits and certain benefits and are responsible for paying for a funeral.

It can be paid either to parents and families, or the funeral director who is helping to plan the funeral.

People can apply any time after the person has died until six months after the date of the funeral, and are being urged to check if they are eligible and get the help they are entitled to.

The average payment in the 2023/24 financial year to date was £1,949, and the money can be used towards burial or cremation costs and other expenses such as funeral director’s fees, a coffin or flowers.

Since launching Funeral Support Payment in September 2019, Social Security Scotland has received over 34,000 applications, providing £41.7 million of support for people and families.

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “When families are struggling to deal with a bereavement, the last thing they need, particularly during this cost of living crisis, is to face the added worry of paying for the costs of a funeral. We also want to do all we can to prevent those who are dealing with grief getting into debt.

“Making sure that everyone gets the financial support they are entitled to is a basic step in putting dignity and respect at the heart of social security in Scotland.

“I would encourage anyone who thinks they might qualify for Funeral Support Payment to find out more and apply, and to remember that people can apply up to six months after the funeral of their family member, friend, or loved one.”

James Blackburn, Head of Funerals at Scotmid Funerals, said: “We encourage the bereaved families that we care for to apply if they think they are eligible for Funeral Support Payment.

“We are delighted to work with Social Security Scotland to make sure that more people are aware of this support and that they apply for it. Through our funeral teams, website and our literature we signpost people to find out more and support them to apply.”

  • Funeral Support Payment helps pay towards funeral costs if you live in Scotland. The payment can be used towards funeral costs for a baby, child or adult. This includes babies who were stillborn
  • People can apply for support up to six months after the date of their loved one’s funeral
  • Those eligible for the Funeral Support Payment must be living in Scotland, be financially responsible for the funeral and be on a qualifying benefit or tax credit
  • In Scotland, local authorities cover the burial or cremation costs for a baby, child or young person aged 17 or under
  • People can choose to apply online, via a paper application form or by calling Social Security Scotland’s specially trained bereavement team free on 0800 182 2222
  • More information can be found online at https://www.mygov.scot/funeral-support-payment/

Full agenda for tonight’s Drylaw Telford Community Council meeting

DRYLAW TELFORD COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING

Thursday 22 February at 7pm in Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre

Drylaw Telford Community Council is meeting tonight (Thursday) at 7pm in Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre. 

Items on the agenda include an update on Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust’s ongoing consultation on Drylaw’s green spaces, Telford Road parking issues and the proposed tramline extension. All welcome.

Prior to this meeting, a consultation will be taking place within the centre regarding the Easter Drylaw Park planned improvements with the Council (see above). This is between 4pm and 7pm should be of interest if anyone wants to come along earlier.

For further information contact DTCC Secretary Pam Higgins:

pamhigginsdtcc@gmail.com

Hundreds of care experienced learners supported as Hub celebrates five years of Success

The Hub for Success aims to help more people from care into further and higher education

The team behind an innovative service, which supports care experienced people along their journey in education, is marking its fifth anniversary – having already transformed hundreds of lives.

Since it was set up in February 2018, The Hub for Success (Support for University and College for Care Experienced in South-East Scotland) has provided one-to-one support to 628 care experienced learners and responded to 1,241 enquiries.

The project was established to address low rates of higher education admission and retention for people who have spent time in care, which were initially highlighted by Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) research.

It offers individual and impartial advice on topics such as courses, accommodation, and finance to help them get in, stay in, or return to education.

Among the students it has supported in the last five years, 43% got into further or higher education – significantly higher than the national average for care experienced learners.

The Hub has since evolved from being solely a one-stop support service, taking on a more strategic role of amplifying the voices of care experienced learners and tackling the barriers they face.

ENU hosts its team of staff members – which has grown to five – while working alongside fellow core partners Heriot-Watt University, the University of Edinburgh, Queen Margaret University, the Open University in Scotland, Edinburgh College, West Lothian College, Newbattle Abbey College, and City of Edinburgh Council.

A recent independent evaluation of the Hub for Success found it has already “implemented the vast majority of its intended work,” adding that it could act as a model to be replicated in other parts of Scotland. It was also praised by First Minister Humza Yousaf as “vital” to improving the lives of care experienced people during a visit earlier this month.

Staff, partners, and some of the learners who have benefited from the service were among those who marked the Hub’s first five years of work during an anniversary event yesterday (Tuesday 20 February).

Alistair Stewart is one of the Hub’s student ambassadors – and is now completing a degree at Edinburgh Napier University. He said: “Our colleges and universities are stronger if each and every learner has what they need to thrive and succeed.

“This applies even more so to those with care experience, who often don’t have the familial supports or scaffolding of support around them.

“The Hub helped with course planning, financial planning and giving me encouragement and courage to believe that I could do this. They then helped me with the ‘staying in’ part, with a range of practical, emotional and relationship-based support.

“Three years later I am about to graduate and have been offered a masters. I have also been promoted to senior student ambassador with the Hub for Success and now take a role in designing and delivering our work.”

Lorraine Moore, Hub for Success manager said: “What a journey the last five years have been. The time has been packed full of learning from the care experienced people we serve, and the student ambassadors I am privileged to have as colleagues.

“No journey is ever straightforward, no path even, but this is a journey I would gladly take again, as I know I would continue to learn. 

“From one care experienced character to all you others, thank you.”

Advisory board member, and Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University, Professor Andrea Nolan, said: “I’m in awe of the talent, tenacity, and motivation our care experienced students show.

“We are delighted to have them join the Edinburgh Napier community, and I take particular joy in hearing about their achievements.

“I hope the impact of the Hub will mean many more care experienced learners can join and continue their educational journey with us as a platform for building successful and fulfilling careers.”

Are you care experienced? Interested in getting back into learning? The Hub can be contacted here.

Gender pay gap means women work first two months of the year unpaid

New TUC analysis reveals Women’s Pay Day – the day when the average woman stops working for free compared to the average man – is today (Wednesday)

  • In some industries and in some parts of the country where the gender pay gap is wider, women effectively work for free for even longer 
  • Union body says Labour’s New Deal for Working People would be “huge boost” for working women, by introducing fair pay agreements in social care, banning zero-hours contracts and giving all workers a day one right to flexible work 

New TUC analysis published today (Wednesday) reveals that the average woman effectively works for free for nearly two months of the year compared to the average man. 

This is because the gender pay gap for all employees currently stands at 14.3%. 

This pay gap means that working women must wait 52 days – nearly two months – before they stop working for free on Women’s Pay Day today (Wednesday). 

And the analysis also shows that at current rates of progress, it will take 20 years – until 2044 – to close the gender pay gap. 

Industrial gender pay gaps 

Gender pay gap reporting was introduced back in 2017. However, the TUC analysis shows that – some seven years later – there are still big gender pay gaps in many industries. 

And this gap persists even in jobs dominated by female workers like in education and care. 

The union body says this is partly because women are more likely to work part-time, where working fewer hours means they earn less overall. And also, because women tend to be employed in lower-paid roles than men. 

  • In education the gender pay gap is 21.3%, so the average woman effectively works for free for nearly a fifth of the year (78 days) until St Patrick’s Day, 17 March 2024. 
  • In health care and social work, where the gender pay gap is 12.6%, the average woman works for free for 46 days until Valentine’s Day, 14 February 2024. 

The longest wait for Women’s Pay Day comes in finance and insurance. The gender pay gap (27.9%) is the equivalent of a whopping 102 days, meaning women work for free until Wednesday 10 April 2024. 

Gender pay gap by age 

The TUC analysis shows that the gender pay gap affects women throughout their careers, from their first step on the ladder until they take retirement. 

The gender pay gap is widest for middle aged and older women: 

  • Women aged 40 to 49 have a gender pay gap of 17%, so work 62 days for free until Tuesday 2 March 2024. 
  • Women aged between 50 and 59 have the highest pay gap (19.7%) and work the equivalent of 72 days for free, until Monday 11 March 2024. 
  • Women aged 60 and over have a gender pay gap of 18.1%. They work 66 days of the year for free before they stop working for free on Wednesday 6 March 2024. 

The TUC says the gender pay gap widens as women get older, due to women being more likely to take on caring responsibilities. And that older women take a bigger financial hit for balancing work alongside caring for children, older relatives and/or grandchildren. 

Regional gender pay gaps 

The analysis shows that in some parts of the country gender pay gaps are even bigger, so their Women’s Pay Day is later in the year. 

  • The gender pay gap is largest in the South East of England (18.9%). Women in this region work 69 days for free and they work for free until Friday 8 March 2024. 
  • Women in the East of England (17.7% pay gap) and the East Midlands (17.4%) also work for free until next month (Monday 4 March and Sunday 3 March 2024). 

The TUC explains that regional variations in the pay gap are likely to be caused by differences in the types of jobs and industries that are most common in that part of the country, and gender differences in who does these jobs. 

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “Everyone should be paid fairly for the job that they do. 

“It’s shameful that working women don’t have pay parity in 2024. And at current rates of progress, it will take another two decades to close the gender pay gap. 

“That’s not right. We can’t consign yet another generation of women to pay inequality. 

“It’s clear that just publishing gender pay gaps isn’t working. Companies must be required to publish and implement action plans to close their pay gaps. And bosses who don’t comply with the law should be fined. 

“Labour’s New Deal for Working People would be a huge boost to working women. 

“It would introduce a day one right to flexible working and fair pay agreements to boost pay and conditions in social care – which we know is a predominantly female workforce. 

“It would also see mandatory action plans to close the gender pay gap and extending reporting to disability and ethnicity pay gaps.” 

National Walk Your Dog Day: The top Edinburgh trails with puppy pit stops

February 22nd is National Walk Your Dog Day – the perfect chance to explore your local area, get out in the fresh air, and treat your dog to an adventure outdoors, and the Edinburgh countryside is perfect to do just that.  

Eat Drink Meet, experts in all thing’s pubs and restaurants, have delved into Edinburgh’s top dog walks and trails, which not only offer amazing views and stunning sights but also provide dog-friendly pubs for owners and pups alike to enjoy a tipple at the end of a long walk.  

Eat Drink Meet’s brand-new planning website allows users to filter the pubs in their area and search specifically for the ones that are dog friendly. Using AllTrails, they identified the best dog walking routes that start and/or end at one of those pubs in the area.  

A spokesperson at EDM comments: “National Walk Your Dog Day is the perfect chance to appreciate the companionship offered by our furry friends.

“Finding pubs that are dog-friendly can be tricky, but when it comes to making a day of it with your pup, particularly in a new location, it can sometimes feel like trial and error and can make an otherwise wholesome day quite stressful.  

“Our new planning website that allows users to filter the pubs in their area (or an area they’re looking to visit) based on what they’re looking for is designed to help exactly this problem.

“We want our dog-loving and dog-owning customers to relax and enjoy time with their pups, knowing they don’t have to worry about finding a spot for lunch at the end – with Eat Drink Meet, they’ve already planned their stops. Because, really, there’s no better way to finish a walk than resting in a relaxing pub with a hot drink or refreshing lager.” 

Top dog friendly walks in Edinburgh  

1.      Holyrood Park 

Holyrood Park is an iconic landmark in Edinburgh. Home to the famous Arthur’s Seat, it offers stunning views of the city. Arthur’s Seat is the remains of a volcano where stone and flint tools were located, revealing human activity dating back to 5000 BC.  

Within the area of Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat there are several walks to try out, perfect for walking furry friends. Occasionally certain routes and paths are closed but information is regularly updated online.  

Walks include:  

·         Arthur’s Seat: this 4.2km trail climbing 251m to the summit of Arthur’s Seat. Considered moderately difficult to complete this trail takes 1 hour 41 minutes to complete.  

·         Holyrood Park Circular: located beside the Holyrood Palace and Scottish parliament buildings, this walk circles round the park and passes Dunsapie Loch and St.Margaret’s Loch. 5.6km in distance it takes approximately 1 hour 32 minutes to complete. Located on the outer edge of the park is the Sheep Heid Inn – a dog friendly pub making a perfect end point.  

·         Arthur’s Seat and Saint Anthony’s Chapel: this walk avoids the steeper routes up the hill, perfect for dog walks. At 3.2km in distance, it takes 1 hour 21 minutes.  

·         Queen’s Drive around Holyrood Park: 5.3km in distance, it takes 1 hour 27 minutes. This walk loops round the park and can be shortened or lengthened thanks to the adjacent paths along the walk.  

Dog friendly pub near to Holyrood Park: the Sheep Heid Inn 

A map with green lines and dots Description automatically generated

Holyrood Park Circular 1 

2.                  The Meadows 

The Meadows are in the city centre of Edinburgh, bordered by the University of Edinburgh campus (George Square Campus). It offers plenty of open space lined with trees and an excellent view of Arthur’s Seat.  

Walks include: 

·         The Meadows Perimeter Walk: an easy 2.3km that takes only 29 minutes to complete making a perfect way to enjoy National Dog Walking Day. Less than a 10-minute walk away from the Meadows is Salisbury Arms, a great dog friendly pub.  

·         Jawbone, Coronation, Boys Brigade, Borough Loch Walks: this is a slightly longer version of the standard perimeter walk, taking 37 minutes to complete.  

Dog friendly pub near to Holyrood Park: Salisbury Arms  

The Meadows Perimeter Walk 1 

3.                  Princes Street Gardens and Edinburgh Castle  

Princes Street Gardens consists of over 37 acres of grassland and divides the Old and New Town. The gardens were first designed in 1770 but were established in 1820. Each Christmas, part of the gardens is transformed into Winter Wonderland and features the famous Edinburgh Christmas markets, ice rink and Ferris wheel.  

Recommended walks include:  

·         West Princes Street Gardens and Calton Hill: this 5.6km walk with an elevation gain of 152m takes approximately 1 hour 32 minutes to complete. The walk ascends Calton Hill which offers panoramic views of Arthur’s Seat, Holyrood Palace, Leith and the Royal Mile. A perfect pup-friendly pitstop is the Deacon Brodies Tavern, located on the Royal Mile.  

·         Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace: another walk is an out-and-back route, 3.2km which takes 53 minutes to complete.  

·         Edinburgh Walking Tour: this 7.4km walk takes 1 hour 51 minutes to complete, offering the perfect opportunity to see Edinburgh’s most famous attractions. Located on the route is The Last Drop, a perfect stopping point for a drink (and is dog friendly).  

Edinburgh Walking Tour 1  

4.      Water of Leith  

Edinburgh’s river, the Water of Leith, is approximately 24 miles in distance. Starting in Pentland Hills the river flows through the heart of Edinburgh and into Leith. The river is home to a diverse range of plants and animals.  

The Walkway (the route following the river), passes through several interesting locations: Saughton Gardens, Murrayfield Stadium, Dean Village and Stockbridge. It is suitable for walking, cycling and is in some parts used for horse-riding.  

Recommended walks include:  

·         Water of Leith Walkway: starting from Balerno, weaving through the city to the Firth of Forth at Leith, the walkway is a popular route for walking and cycling. This 19.6km walk takes 4 hours 43 minutes to complete. The trail winds through some of Edinburgh’s most famous areas – Leith, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Stockbridge and Dean Village. Located on the route, Hector’s pub is a fantastic option for a pit stop.  

·         Water of Leith: Currie to Balerno: for a shorter walk, this 4.7km out and back trail takes 1 hour 4 minutes to complete.  

Water of Leith Walkway 1  

5.                  Queensferry (South Queensferry) 

Queensferry is a town located to the west of Edinburgh, linked to the ancient Kingdom of Fife by three bridges that cross the River Forth.  

South Queensferry was ranked the second prettiest town in the UK in 2023. The town includes several popular landmarks and attractions such as Barnbougle Castle, Eagle Rock and Cramond Causeway.  

Recommended walks:  

·         Hound Point: at 5 km in distance and takes roughly 1 hour to complete. Starting at South Queensferry it follows the coast to Hounds Point and back. Forth Bridges offers fantastic views year-round. Located directly next to the Start/Finish point is The Hawes Inn, a dog friendly pub offering food all week.  

·         Forth Road Bridge: this 5.8km walk takes 1 hour 16 minutes to complete. The route starts in South Queensferry, advancing over the Forth Road Bridge to North Queensferry.  

·         Cramond Island via River Almond Walkway: this 8km out and back trail starts on land. If the tide is right, it offers the chance to walk to Cramond Island.  

·         Fife Coastal Path: North Queensferry to Aberdour: this 13.5km walk takes 3 hours 10 minutes to complete. The Fife Coastal Path links the Forth and Tay Estuaries.  

 Hound Point and The Hawes Inn 1 

For more information on dog-friendly pubs near your area, visit the Eat Drink Meet website: https://www.eatdrinkmeet.co.uk/#/