Month: April 2024

Social security payments rise

Support for more than 1.2 million people in Scotland

All Scottish social security benefits are increasing by 6.7% in April, providing more support for disabled people, unpaid carers and people on low incomes.

Scottish Child Payment, which helps the families of more than 327,000 children, is now worth £26.70 per child per week.

A person eligible for the highest rate of Adult Disability Payment will receive £184.30 per week.

Carer Support Payment, Scotland’s newest benefit, has gone up to £81.90 every four weeks. The benefit for unpaid carers launched in three local authorities last year and will be available across Scotland by Autumn 2024.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Our investment in social security helps low‑income families with their living costs, enables disabled people to live full and independent lives, and supports older people to heat their homes in winter.

“This financial year we are committing a record £6.3 billion for benefits expenditure – which is £1.1 billion more than the UK Government gives to the Scottish Government for social security.

“We are making a choice to increase direct support for people who need it the most and that is more important than ever during the current cost of living crisis.”

MSPs launch inquiry to investigate Scottish Government aid after transparency concerns raised

HOLYROOD’s Cross-Party Group on International Development, chaired by Sarah Boyack MSP, is launching an inquiry into the Scottish Government’s International Development, Climate Justice, and Humanitarian funds after transparency concerns.

This comes after the CPG was made aware of concerns from the sector regarding what funds are allocated, how they are prioritised and why.

Last May, concerns were raised about the significant delays to the awarding of the Climate Justice Fund.

There has also been a lack of transparency from the Scottish Government over recent years.

The Scottish Government’s regular International Development Contribution Report has not been published since the 2019-20 edition.

The inquiry aims to establish how and why decisions have been made and seek to make recommendations for a more transparent future approach.

The CPG’s inquiry will be a mix of evidence from stakeholders, alongside desk-based research.

Commenting on the inquiry launch, Chair Sarah Boyack said: “We know the great benefits that international aid can bring to communities in need.

“However, for too long there has not been transparency on how the Scottish Government’s aid programmes have been delivered.

“This inquiry aims to take a constructive approach to bring clarity into the Scottish Government’s Aid programme.

“If Scotland is going to make a substantial impact with its international aid, it is vital that the processes for awarding this aid are suitably transparent.

“I look forward to engaging with stakeholders and others to carry out this inquiry.

“Our aim will always be to ensure Scotland is world leading in international aid, but it is critical that humanitarian support is sent to the right places for the right reasons.”

Social Care Direct workers to strike

Senior Practitioners will take industrial action in a dispute over failure to deal with workers’ issues and imposition of changes

Unite members within Social Care Direct (Children’s Services) are set to strike from 16 to 18 April in a dispute about imposed changes at work, continued mistreatment from management and the failure to deal with issues raised by workers.

Read on to understand the impact and how you can help your colleagues in dispute:

Front door to social work

Social Care Direct is the ‘front door’ to social work for children and families in Edinburgh, therefore the strike will have a significant impact. However, the Council have chosen to ignore workers in this area, knowing that this would result in industrial action that creates risks.

The workers are long-standing council workers and senior professionals. They have dedicated their lives to protecting children’s welfare and are committed to safeguarding and helping families in Edinburgh. All along Unite members have been ready to engage with management to find a resolution. However, members have been forced to take action as a last resort as management refuse to take their concerns seriously or engage in a meaningful way.

How we got here

Unite members raised concerns in January 2023 and are still awaiting a response. All the while chances were impose on the service, without consulting with workers or including them in the process.

Unite members are welcoming of changes—in fact, have been calling for them for some time—but we are clear that all changes must be done with workers not to them.

All too familiar

The Council’s failures here come in the context of the Council having allegedly improved how they deal with employee concerns following the Tanner Inquiry and last year’s Stanyte vs Edinburgh Council employment tribunal, which ruled that the council failed to appropriately handle a grievance.

How you can support your colleagues

Donate to the strike fund to support striking Unite members.

Dazzling headlights: Government commits to independent research following RAC campaign

The RAC has today welcomed a commitment from the Government to commission an independent study into the issue of headlight glare, after research showed an overwhelming majority of drivers affected – as many as eight-in-10 – believe the problem is getting worse.

Responding to a petition set up by a member of the public following campaigning on the issue by the RAC, the College of Optometrists, Baroness Hayter and others, the Government said: “Recognising the need for further evidence [regarding headlight glare], we intend to commission independent research shortly.”

RAC road safety spokesperson Rod Dennis said: “The fact the Government has listened to drivers’ concerns and heeded our calls to examine the complex issue of headlight glare in more detail marks a real turning point.

“The topic has undoubtedly struck a chord with motorists up and down the country, with many people contacting us directly to call for something to be done.

“Brighter headlights, while giving drivers a better view of the road ahead, are clearly causing other road users significant problems. As many as nine-in-10 drivers tell us they believe at least some car headlights are too bright, while 14% of drivers aged 65+ say they have stopped driving altogether as a result of being dazzled.

“An independent study provides a golden opportunity for the Government and industry to get to the bottom of the problem, identify the factors involved and map out a way forward. We’re aware of regulatory changes being made at an international level that will hopefully make a difference in many years to come, but are concerned that these alone may not be enough to address headlight dazzle.

“There are also known shortcomings concerning the official road casualty data not accurately capturing the true number of incidents associated with headlight glare, so it’s absolutely right that the topic is investigated properly to understand what can be done to keep everyone safe.

“We look forward to working with the Department of Transport to help ensure the study is as robust as possible and drivers’ voices are heard.”

Baroness Hayter said: “This is a victory for all those drivers affected by glare who’ve complained to their MP, signed the parliamentary petition, or indeed sought help from an optometrist – only to discover the problem was with headlights, and not their eyes.

“ This is an issue the RAC has long campaigned on and I am delighted the Government has recognised there is a real problem. We look forward to discussing its research in due course.”

NAMED: Three British aid workers killed by Israel in Gaza air strike

The three British aid workers killed in an Israeli air strike in Gaza have been named. John Chapman, 57, James Henderson, 33, and James Kirby, 47, were among seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) workers killed in Monday’s strike.

The other victims were Australian, Polish, Palestinian and a US-Canadian citizen. The charity has paused its operations in Gaza, where there are growing concerns of mass starvation.

In a statement , World Central Kitchen CEO Erin Gore said: “These are the heroes of WCK. These 7 beautiful souls were killed by the IDF in a strike as they were returning from a full day’s mission. Their smiles, laughter, and voices are forever embedded in our memories.”

wck.org/news/honoring-gaza-team

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke to Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last night.

He said he was appalled by the killing of aid workers, including three British nationals, in an airstrike in Gaza yesterday and demanded a thorough and transparent independent investigation into what happened. 

The Prime Minister said far too many aid workers and ordinary civilians have lost their lives in Gaza and the situation is increasingly intolerable. The UK expects to see immediate action by Israel to end restrictions on humanitarian aid, deconflict with the UN and aid agencies, protect civilians and repair vital infrastructure like hospitals and water networks. 

The Prime Minister reiterated that Israel’s rightful aim of defeating Hamas would not be achieved by allowing a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

Mr Natanyahu’s response is not recorded, but he is yet to make a public apology for the killings. Meanwhile, the slaughter continues unabated and 1.7 million Palestinians face starvation.

“This is unconscionable – but it is an inevitable result of the way the war is being conducted.” – @antonioguterres on airstrike that killed aid workers in Gaza.

196 humanitarians, including 175 UN staff, have been killed since October.

https://un.org/sg/en/content/sg/statement/2024-04-02/secretary-generals-remarks-the-informal-plenary-meeting-of-the-general-assembly-human-security-delivered

Police seek witnesses to serious assault in park

Officers are appealing for information following a serious assault at the Inch Park last night.

The incident happened around 9.20pm on Monday, 1 April, 2024, when a 21-year-old man was assaulted. He was taken to hospital for treatment.

Detective Inspector Gavin Howat said: “Our enquiries are ongoing and we are appealing to anyone who may have seen anything to contact us.

“We also ask anyone driving in the area at the time who may have dash-cam footage to come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting incident 3625 of 1 April, 2024. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Drug overdose: How to save a life

PUBLIC Health Scotland have worked with @SimonCommScot to publish a new resource on what to do in an emergency response to a drug overdose.

First, know the signs of overdose.

Get your copy of ‘How to save a life’ here:

🔽

https://publichealthscotland.scot/publications/how-to-save-a-life-emergency-response-to-an-overdose/…

#HarmReduction

how-to-save-a-life-booklet_1323Download

Caroline is Scotland’s Midwife of the Year

A staff member with NHSGGC has been named Midwife of the Year 2024 at The Mariposa Trust Awards.

The Mariposa Trust exists to ensure that each baby who has died during pregnancy or early in life is recognised and that the parents, extended family, and friends receive the support they need for as long as they need it.

The awards recognise midwives, nurses, bereavement midwives, doctors and community members who have gone above and beyond in the care and support they have provided for people who have experienced baby loss. 

Caroline Judge is a Charge Midwife at the Royal Alexandra Maternity Unit in Paisley, and she was recognised by the charity for her important role in caring for women across Greater Glasgow and Clyde and their families when they experience loss in their pregnancy and birth journey.

In addition to her current charge midwife role Caroline has worked with women and families to provide resources for special memory making during this very emotional and difficult time in the labour ward.

She has introduced sibling boxes for brothers and sisters with the support of various charities, and she is passionate about progressing the service that provides follow-up care and support for women once they leave the hospital.

Caroline was honoured to receive a nomination for Midwife of the Year and in shock when they announced her name as the winner. She explained: “I was aware that the event had received a record number of nominations for this award, so I was very surprised when my name was called.

“I found the night inspirational being surrounded by so many incredible people who care for families with bereavement and do such an amazing job.

“I am forever grateful to the person who nominated me.”

Laura Flynn, Lead Midwife (Clyde) for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “Supporting families through their loss in pregnancy is a hugely important part of our work.

“Caroline leading the charge on many of our initiatives, to provide the level of care that our women and families need, is something that is worth recognising.

“Caroline has been a dedicated midwife in the RAH for many years and the team are so proud that she has been commended for the amazing work she does.”

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is among the second wave of health boards within Scotland to implement the National Bereavement Care Pathways (Scotland) which aim to improve bereavement care for parents after pregnancy or baby loss.

Mushroom-made clothes? Edinburgh Science Festival showcases the future of fashion

Edinburgh Science Festival – celebrating it’s 35th anniversary this year – kicked off on Saturday, 30 March with the theme of ‘Shaping the Future’.

One of the key exhibitions this year is Growing Home at the National Museum of Scotland, exploring the past and future of materials and how biomaterials – like fungi – can be used for fashion, engineering and more.

Part of this special exhibition is Symbio from Edinburgh-based artist Emily Raemaekers, featured in the picture. Her garment uses mycelium materials and leather made from vegetable processing waste in combination with cutting edge environmentally-friendly fabrics.

Adorned with elaborate laser cut designs inspired by mycelium structures, hand carved lino print patterns and featuring plant-derived biomaterial dyes. Her work highlights some of the key issues in the fashion industry nowadays such as textile dyeing being the second largest polluter of water globally.

Emily Raemaekers is an Edinburgh-based designer who specialises in garment design and construction, and hand printed fabrics.

She studied Performance Costume Design at Edinburgh College of Art before working as a freelance Costume Designer in the Scottish theatre and film industry. Emily ran a textile printing and fashion accessory business for 10 years in Scotland and Australia, and dabbled in upholstery, before moving back to her hometown of Edinburgh where she is now a events planner, blending creativity and the arts with science.

Symbio is a collection of biomaterial themed garments inspired by fungus structures. Many of the most exciting and talked-about biomaterials being developed today are made from mushrooms, and the designer has used this as the inspiration for these garments. The designer has explored the properties of a range of biomaterials using a variety of construction methods. Bracket fungus-like elements are attached using appliqué, an ornamental needlework technique. The elaborate cape structure is created using laser cutting.

The base dress is dyed with dried hibiscus flowers, a biomaterial dye that produces a rich palette of pinks and reds. Industrial textile dyes contain many harmful chemicals derived from fossil fuels, and textile dyeing is the second largest polluter of water globally.

Many designers are now exploring natural dyes derived from plants, invertebrates, and minerals traditionally used by many cultures around the world. Although it is more difficult to produce consistent tones from natural dyes, this variation can be embraced as an aesthetic choice as part of the Slow Fashion movement.

The dress is decorated with mycelium patterns using linocut, a printmaking technique where linoleum is carved into to create a relief surface. The designer has printed these using water-based textile inks which are more sustainable than commonly used plastic-based alternatives.

The dress itself is made from Tencel(TM), a type of lyocell — a fibre made from wood pulp. As the raw material is responsibly forested wood, the textile originates from a renewable source, and Tencel(TM) uses a closed loop manufacturing process.

The fibres are also certified as compostable and biodegradable, making Tencel(TM) one of the more sustainable options for the fashion industry which are currently available on an industrial scale. 

The designer has chosen a range of cutting-edge biomaterials to create the mushroom-like appliquéd elements that adorn the garments. Some are made from Uppeal(TM), a leather made from apple processing waste leftover from the juice and compote industry.

The apple fibres are made into a powder and mixed with polyurethane, then laminated onto cotton and polyester. Apple waste makes up 20% of the final textile and every meter contains 5 apples. By using waste, Uppeal(TM) helps to create a circular economy which supports the planting of fruit trees and provides a second income for farmers.

It also reduces the amount of plastic-based fibres required to make a leather textile and is an interesting alternative to traditional leathers made from animal skin, as animal farming uses 83% of global farmland and is responsible for 60% of agriculture’s greenhouse gas emissions.

MuSkin is also used for some appliquéd elements. This is an alternative to animal leather made from a large parasitic fungus that grows wild in subtropical forests. Every piece of MuSkin is unique, 100% natural and does not use any chemicals or plastics in the production process.

This fascinating material is designed to offer an innovative, low-carbon alternative to materials that use fossil fuels in their manufacturing process.

Animal leather has a significant carbon footprint, as livestock farming uses a lot of fossil fuels to power farm machinery the produce animal feed, and clearing land for livestock is responsible for much of the world’s deforestation. Animals also produce a lot of methane, a big contributor to greenhouse gases. 

Other appliquéd elements in these garments include SeaCell(TM), a new lyocell fabric that uses 19% algae in its fibres. Whilst a good example of a biodegradable fibre, the brand has faced some controversy for its claims that minerals and vitamins can be absorbed through skin contact with the fabric. As industrial interest in biomaterials increases, global scrutiny of any associated claims of green or health credentials also rises. 

Some more traditional biomaterials are featured in the garments, including:

  • Silk, a protein fibre made from the cocoons of certain insect larvae.
  • Cork, a biodegradable fibre made from tree bark. Cork is sustainable as the tree is not cut down in the harvesting process; the stripped bark regenerates and the tree continues to grow.
  • Linen, a natural textile made from the fibres of the flax plant. Linen is a sustainable choice for the garment industry because the entire flax plant can be woven into a fibre, making it a zero-waste crop. It also takes dye extremely well, and the linen used in this art piece has also been dyed using hibiscus flowers.

Parents in England to save thousands in childcare cost with new funding

First phase of the biggest ever expansion of childcare starts giving working parents of two-year-olds access to 15 hours a week

THOUSANDS of parents of two-year-olds across the country are getting help with their childcare costs as the first phase of the biggest ever expansion in childcare starts.

In this first stage, working parents of two-year-olds are now able to access 15 hours a week of government-funded childcare from 1 April.

The rollout of support is part of the government’s plan to help families – freeing thousands of couples from having to choose between having a family and a career, as over 150,000 children are on track to secure government-funded places from this week.

By September 2025 the full rollout will be completed, with working parents able to access 30 hours from the end of maternity leave to when their child starts school, saving parents an average of £6900 per year.

The government has supported the sector to deliver this expansion by increasing the number of staff and places, introducing measures to boost the recruitment and retention of childminders, launching a major national recruitment campaign and providing over £400 million of additional investment to uplift funding rates in 2024-25. On top of this, the government will increase rates over the next two years by an estimated £500 million, the Chancellor confirmed at the Spring Budget.

The UK Government is confident that the childcare sector is ready to deliver the offer and make sure parents have the childcare they need. The government is paying a higher rate per place than parents would pay at the market rate for the new entitlements – as independently reported by the Institute for Fiscal Studies.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “Last year we promised the biggest ever expansion in childcare provision this country has ever seen, and today we are delivering on our plan with 15 hours of free childcare for parents with 2-year-olds.

“We want to give working families the peace of mind that they will be supported and our full expansion will save parents £6900 a year – helping to build a brighter future for families and help to grow our economy.”

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said: “This is a landmark moment, and I am extremely proud to see we’re on track for more than 150,000 children to take up government-funded places under our new offer. This will be a lifeline for working parents, building up to this government’s plan for the most comprehensive childcare support in this country’s history by 2025.

“Support with childcare costs has an enormous ripple effect, freeing up parents to increase their hours at work and put more money in their pockets, or giving them the security to try out a new career or passion. It also contributes to economic growth and opens up new career opportunities in a hugely rewarding sector.”

The largest ever expansion in childcare is just one part of the government’s long-term plan to give working families a brighter future. Businesses across the country have welcomed the historic expansion which will support them to grow.

Jane Gratton, Deputy Director Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said:  “When parents struggle to find a childcare solution, employers lose talented people from the workplace.

“That’s damaging for people, business and the economy. The further rollout of free childcare in England is good news.  It will benefit parents and employers, as well as providing more great jobs and career opportunities in the childcare sector.    

“Helping more parents access high quality, affordable childcare will help firms recruit and retain skilled people and remove a significant barrier to work.  We need more capacity in the childcare system to help fill jobs in local economies and ensure individuals can progress in their careers.”  

Helen Dickinson OBE, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: “The cost of childcare remains one of the biggest challenges to many parents, preventing many who wish to re-enter the workforce.

“As the largest private sector employer, we welcome the expansion of childcare provision that is being rolled out, and the support it will offer to many of our colleagues and potential colleagues, now and in the future.”

Parents like Jennifer – who has been using two of the government childcare support schemes to help her family with the costs of childcare – will benefit. Jennifer is already using tax-free childcare, and will now also start using the 15 hours of government-funded childcare for her two-year-old.

She said: “If we didn’t have the support, we’d have to reduce our working hours. When I went back to work, I stepped up into a promotion and started working more hours. Having access to this support made it financially sustainable to increase my hours.

“Lots of family members and friends will also benefit, and we can see already how it will help people feel less anxious about finances.”

Applications for the first stage of the rollout from April are now closed, but parents who have already registered can continue to take up places from April.

The number of parents taking up places is expected to continue to grow by tens of thousands over the coming weeks, and the government is expected to provide a formal update on take-up in the middle of April.

Chris McCandless, CEO, Busy Bees Europe, said: “We welcome the Government’s continued commitment to expanding support for early years education. The increase in funded hours will help working families and give more children the best start in life, and we’re really pleased that the rollout has been accompanied by the clarity on future funding rates we needed to invest in creating the additional capacity required in our centres.

“We’ve already seen a significant increase in interest in our nursery places in recent months from parents looking to make use of the funded hours, and expect to welcome more children to our nurseries this year and in subsequent years as the scheme expands further.”

Jo Turley, Managing Director, Ashbourne Day Nurseries, said: “At Ashbourne Day Nurseries, we welcome the extension of government funding in early years childcare and education as a positive step forward.

“Quality early years education is foundational in shaping a child’s future, and we eagerly anticipate any benefits this extended funding will bring to families across our nurseries and the broader community.”

Justine Roberts, Founder and CEO of Mumsnet, said: “By closing the gap in support between the end of maternity leave and a child’s third birthday, the government will enable many women who would otherwise have been forced out of the workforce to choose to stay in work, benefitting not just them and their families but also the wider economy.“

All parents are being encouraged to check their eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk for the September phase of the rollout, and to act now to secure their place for September if they have a preferred provider.