Scotland is facing a huge public health crisis. In recent years, there has been a massive increase in non-healthcare professionals offering medical treatments, often using counterfeit medicines and operating from unlicensed premises.
In addition, two new threats have emerged as a result of new English regulation creating a “border hopping” phenomenon. Firstly, non-healthcare providers from England are travelling to Scotland to take advantage of the void in regulation.
And secondly, under 18s in England, where it is now illegal to have a procedure, are travelling to Scotland where it is still legal. The consequences of this public health crisis will be catastrophic if action is not taken immediately.
To that end, representatives from the Scottish Medical Aesthetics Safety Group (SMASG), British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM), and British Association of Cosmetic Nurses (BACN) met with a cross-party group of MSPs at the Scottish Parliament on Thursday to outline their concerns and call for change.
The meeting was a positive and proactive one, with those present expressing their agreement that urgent action is absolutely necessary.
Jenni Minto (SNP) Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health agreed that action was urgently required and that a decade had been lost since the government created the Scottish Cosmetic Intervention Expert Group to advise on regulation.
Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) expressed his concern that the lack of regulation was allowing criminal gangs to exploit the situation by selling unregulated and unsafe products that endangered the public.
Miles Briggs MSP (Con) voiced his worries that the lack of regulation would enable another blood borne disease scandal created by non-healthcare providers using unhygienic premises and sharing treatment consumables.
He stated: “The lack of regulation is deeply troubling and makes it easy for people to procure unsafe products from unlicensed sources and could be set to get worse in Scotland if it doesn’t follow the example of England, which is moving to correct some of these issues.”
Foysol Choudhury MSP (Lab) asked if there were accurate statistics showing the scale of the problem and was informed there were not, since non-healthcare professionals are not currently regulated and therefore this information was not held by Scottish or UK Governments.
Jenni Minto explained that codes to track NHS treatments for complications from such procedures did not exist – so statistics were unavailable, and the establishment of such codes was not a devolved matter. However, she agreed to engage with her UK counterparts after the general election to resolve the matter.
Finally, Katy Clark MSP (Lab) expressed her concern that further consultations and delays would result in regrettable public harm and that interim measures were urgently needed now.
Campaigners left the round-table event feeling hopeful, as Jenni Minto agreed to convene a cross-party group in September, after the Parliamentary recess, to fast track an effective solution.
Hamish Dobbie, organiser of the roundtable event said: “Scotland needs action now, even if that requires interim measures.
“I was delighted with Ms Minto’s suggestion for a cross-party group to get consensus and momentum behind new regulation. A quick win would be to bring Scottish Law into alignment with the rest of the UK and make it illegal to provide and target under 18s in aesthetic procedures.”
Campaigners are adamant that to avoid a major public health crisis, a comprehensive approach is required – including stricter regulations, improved public education, and enhanced enforcement of existing laws.
Both the UK and the Scottish Governments have had over a decade to formulate a strategy to combat the crisis which was identified in the 2013 Keogh Report.
Time is running out before unnecessary and wholly preventable loss of life occurs.
Over 1,000 people from across the UK have received honours in HM The King’s Birthday Honours List 2024, published today by the Cabinet Office.
Among the recipients is Pauline Bowie, founder of LIFT (Low Income Families Together) based at Muirhouse Millennium Centre. Pauline receives an MBE.
Pauline said: “I found out on the day of the Community Festival at West Pilton Park and the day went by in a bit of a daze. I was a wee bit overwhelmed and I was quiet for once!”
A LIFT team member posted on Facebook: ‘On behalf of all the LIFT staff would would like to say a massive congratulations and well done to Pauline! Who truly deserves this, she has put her heart and soul into this community, endlessly supporting families.
Thank you for being you Pauline – LIFT wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for you we are all so proud of you! Never stop being you.
Love, Your Team.
The focus of the Honours List is individuals who have had an immeasurable impact on the lives of people across the country – such as by creating innovative solutions or driving real change in public life.
Many are active community champions, innovative social entrepreneurs, pioneering scientists, passionate health workers and dedicated volunteers.
Alan Bates, founder of Justice for Subpostmasters Alliance, receives a Knighthood for services to justice. Tracey Emin receives an DBE for services to art, as does Imelda Staunton for services to drama and to charity.
The youngest recipient in the List is Shamza Butt, who is 20 years old and receives a BEM for her work as a Member of the National Citizens’ Service Trust Youth Voice Forum. Harold Jones is the oldest recipient, who at 100 years old receives a BEM for his fundraising for charities relating to Motor Neurone Disease and the community in Sutton Coldfield.
Innovators and change makers
Michael Palmer, Andrew Airey and Timothy Owen, who founded the 3 Dads Walking campaign after losing their young daughters to suicide, each receive an MBE for services to the prevention of young suicide. The three dads have walked all across the UK to raise awareness of suicide in young people and raise funds for charity Papyrus UK.
Eight people are recognised for their contributions to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), which celebrates its 200th anniversary this year. Angus Heddle from the Orkney Islands receives an MBE for 73 years of voluntary service to the RNLI, and David Nicoll from Cornwall receives a BEM for his 43 years of service, having started volunteering at the age of 18.
Clodagh Dunlop from Northern Ireland receives an MBE for services to stroke survivors and the reform of stroke services. In 2015 Clodagh suffered from a brain stem stroke, leaving her with locked in syndrome. She has made an incredible recovery over recent years and has returned to work as a serving detective. She is a Stroke Association ambassador and has educated and inspired many stroke survivors in the UK and worldwide.
Patrick and Karen McCourt from Larne, County Antrim, both receive BEMs for services to foster care in Northern Ireland. Both over 70 years old, together they have fostered more than 331 children in the last 45 years.
Rebecca Redfern from Droitwich receives an MBE for her services to young people and to the community in Worcestershire. She was diagnosed aged 7 with Retinitis Pigmentosa, and at the age of 14 was discovered as a para swimmer by British Swimming. She has since won medals at the 2016 and 2021 Olympics as a GB paralympic swimmer and has visited hundreds of schools throughout Worcestershire speaking to children about overcoming obstacles to achieve success.
Deborah Pezzani from Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, receives a BEM for services to teenagers and young adults with cancer. In 2007, she set up Teens Unite to bring together young people aged 13-24 who are living with cancer. The charity hosts over 100 beneficiary activities and events annually, has almost 100 volunteers and has raised just over £1 million.
Sally Bourton receives a BEM for services to the community in Cornwall. She is the Postmistress for Trewoon and has been at the heart of her community for 24 years. She runs her Post Office alongside local fundraising activities and, during the pandemic, she was instrumental in rallying local volunteers who were willing to help the community. For the Coronation of HM King Charles, she organised for every child in the village to receive a mint coin with The King’s head on it.
Dean Jackson from Derbyshire receives an MBE for services to business and innovation through setting up his own wetsuit company, HUUB. This first came about in 2011 when Dean noticed a gap in the market after seeing little advancement in wetsuit design and performance. HUUB has since expanded its products into cycling gear as well, and is now worn by many of the world’s top athletes, including the Brownlee brothers.
Alison Baverstock from Kingston upon Thames receives an MBE for charitable services to families in the British Armed Forces community. She created the charity Reading Force in 2011, developing a scheme that supports parents in the military read with their children while on deployment or during training.
The scope of the scheme has since expanded across the whole of the UK as well as UK Armed Forces overseas. To date, over 250,000 people have requested reading scrapbooks or received reading books, improving children’s reading ability.
Swinney congratulates Scottish recipients
First Minister John Swinney has paid tribute to Scotland’s recipients in The King’s Birthday Honours list.
In recognition of exceptional contributions to public life and in keeping with the theme of ‘change makers and innovators’, this year’s awards celebrate individuals that have contributed to driving forward positive and innovative change and who use creativity and collaboration to develop new ideas which bring impact and value.
Professor Moira Whyte OBE, the Sir John Crofton Professor of Respiratory Medicine at the University of Edinburgh receives a Damehood for services to medical research.
Former Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Gordon Brown has been appointed to the Order of the Companions of Honour for public and charitable service in the UK and abroad.
Those being awarded a CBE include Professor John Irvine, a professor of Chemistry at St Andrews University for services to the green economy; Dr Ann Moulds, Trustee and Founder of Action Against Stalking, for services to victims of stalking and Professor Terence Smith, the Director of the Biomedical Sciences Research Complex at the University of St Andrews for services to disease research.
Among those receiving an OBE is sports broadcaster and former footballer Ally McCoist MBE for services to association football and broadcasting and Sandy Lyle MBE for services to golf. Literary agent Dr Jenny Brown is receives an OBE for services to literature and Jane Spiers, Chair of National Theatre of Scotland, for services to culture in Scotland. Dr Rabinder Buttar is recognised for services to innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership in business and to life sciences.
Those receiving MBEs include Doreen Graham, for services to animal welfare. Puneet Dwivedi for services to the community in Scotland, and Syed Nasir Jaffri, for services to integration in Glasgow, also receive MBEs. Maureen Ferrie receives an MBE for services to people living with a disability in Glasgow.
Harry Brodie, for services to wheelchair curling, and Joan Cameron, for services to the Samaritans, are among those honoured with a BEM.
Catriona Paton, Chief Superintendent, and Alistair Cameron, Special Police Constable, Police Scotland, will receive The King’s Police Medal.
The King’s Fire Service Medal will be awarded to Ross Haggart, Chief Officer, Gary Carroll, Crew Commander and Lorraine Taylor, Firefighter, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Liam Coughlan, Head of Programmes & Enabling Technology Manager, Scottish Ambulance Service will receive The King’s Ambulance Service Medal.
The First Minister said: “Those receiving recognition in The King’s Birthday Honours have each made outstanding contributions to community and public life, through the arts, education and sport to business, charity, community life and science.I am very pleased to offer them my congratulations. Their dedication and commitment makes Scotland a better place for us all.
“The people who have been awarded The King’s Police, Fire or Ambulance Service Medals have shown exceptional dedication and resilience in serving our communities and keeping us safe. They deserve our sincere appreciation and thanks for the sterling work they do.”
Honours are announced twice annually, in June on the Monarch’s official birthday, and at New Year.
With the 2024 European Championships around the corner, a new report by leading online betting and gaming brand Betway has revealed that Scotland’s “Flower of Scotland” is the most popular national anthem of all time in Europe.
The Euros 2024 guide, produced by the bookmaker, scoured through every team’s national anthem to understand which national anthem takes the top spot in fan’s hearts as the most streamed on Spotify.
In first place, Scotland’s national anthem “Flower of Scotland” by The Corries had almost 5 million streams on Spotify. An estimated 200,000 Scottish fans are expected to be proudly singing their national anthem at the Euros this summer as they initially take on Germany, Switzerland and Hungary in their group matches.
In second place is the French’s “Marseillaise”, with 4.2 million streams, while Italy’s “Il Canto degli Italiani” came in third place with 3.4 million streams.
England’s traditional “God save the King” came in 4th place with just over 1.5 million streams, while the Euros host country Germany came in 5th place, with 1.3 million streams for “Deutsche Nationalhymme”.
At the other end, Poland and Spain ranked in 9th and 10th place, with 525,613 and 502,656 streams respectively.
The 10 most-streamed national anthems
Rank
Country
Title
Artist
Spotify streams
1
Scotland
Flower of Scotland
The Corries
4,823,383
2
France
Marseillaise
Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle
4,246,923
3
Italy
Il Canto degli Italiani
National Anthem Band
3,440,658
4
England
God save the king
Traditional
1,566,902
5
Germany
Deutsche Nationalhymne (Lied der Deutschen, nur dritte Strophe)
Nationalhymne Deutschland
1,353,505
6
Netherlands
Het Wilhelmus
Universal Band
1,034,824
7
Switzerland
Schweizerpsalm
Kpm National Anthems
687,498
8
Turkey
İstiklâl Marşı
Ossi Orkestrasi
680,498
9
Poland
Mazurek Dąbrowskiego
Krakowski Chor Kameralny/ Polish Chamber Choir
525,613
10
Spain
Marcha Real
Jose Angel Tello
502,656
Chad Yeomans, spokesperson at Betway, said:“The Scottish Government may not have officially adopted Flower of Scotland yet, but our research shows there’s no more popular national anthem in Europe!
“National anthems sung before a fixture kicks off have the power to unite travelling fans like nothing else can.
“One thing is for sure, when Scotland faces Germany in the opening match of the Euros the Tartan Army will be in full voice and are sure to produce a rousing and goosebump-inducing rendition of the famous song.”
Class A drugs with a potential street value of over £37,000 have been recovered in North Edinburgh.
Today – Friday, 14 June, 2024 – police searched a premises under warrant on Wester Drylaw Drive, after intelligence was recieved that the property was involved in the supply of Class A drugs.
A substantial quantity of cocaine was sezied and a six figure sum of cash was also recovered from the property.
A 27-year-oldman and a 28-year-old were arrested and charged in connection with drug offences. They were released on an undertaking to appear at court at a later date.
Police Scotland is committed to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy, and will continue to remove illegal substances from communities.
Anyone with concerns about drugs in their community can contact us via 101, or calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Run by leading creative engagement charity Impact Arts, the free Summer programme will take over space at Edinburgh’s City Arts Centre in July and August
Young participants will work with professional artists, musicians, filmmakers and actors before a celebratory showcase at the beginning of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Edinburgh young people aged 14 – 24 are being invited to explore their creativity and boost their confidence this summer break, as creative engagement charity Impact Arts gets set to bring its successful CashBack Summer programme to the city once again.
CashBack to the Future offers a completely free 5-week summer programme, giving young people the chance to work with professional artists, musicians, filmmakers and actors on invigorating creative projects. Young participants will have the chance to learn new skills, improve their physical and mental health, make friends, build their confidence, and have fun.
Designed to help increase creative confidence, as well as offering the chance to gain SQA qualifications or a dynamic youth award, CashBack to the Future has been run in the city by Impact Arts for the last six years.
Over the years hundreds of young people across Scotland have been supported by the project, which is designed to benefit participants who find school tricky; struggle with mental health; are care experienced; or are new to Scotland. It is funded by the Scottish Government’s CashBack for Communities initiative, which backs projects helping disadvantaged young people.
CashBack Summerwill take place at The City Art Centre from 8 July – 7 August, running Mondays to Wednesdays.
It will culminate in a showcase on 07 August, during the first week of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, celebrating the participants’ work and their achievements for friends, family, and the public to attend.
At the same time as the Edinburgh groups, Impact Arts will also run parallel CashBack groups in both Glasgow and North Ayrshire over the same five weeks this Summer.
More information on the CashBack Summer programme can be found at:
With an extra NINE MILLION older people, a population the size of London, set to populate the UK by 2050, Hourglass is calling on all Westminster hopefuls to underline their Safer Ageing plans – and take the OATH, a new campaign to increase awareness of the social care timebomb.
Hourglass, the only UK-wide charity dedicated to ending the abuse and neglect of older people, has launched its own manifesto entitled ‘A Safer Ageing Society by 2050’ and is urging the political elite and general public alike to sign up to support it HERE:
The campaign, OATH (Older Age Tomorrow’s Hope) is a pledge to support their 2050 target and to work alongside older people, the age sector and Hourglass itself in raising the profile of this often-unspoken issue.
The charity points to the creation of a London-sized city, full of over sixties by 2050. That’s 9.6 million more older people in the UK. And, they say, for the first time they’ll be more over 60s than under 16s. The charity underlines that this is a social care timebomb waiting to explode.
As the charity’s Policy Director and Deputy CEO, Veronica Gray, illustrates, Hourglass’s big ask isn’t quite as unreachable as it first appears: “Let’s think about it from the opposite perspective.
“If we knew there was to be nine million extra bouncing babies in the next twenty-five years, governments across the UK would be planning now. There would be a strategy to accommodate and ensure their safe arrival into the world.
“There would be new schools, nurseries, perhaps maternity hospitals and safeguarding teams. Early years planning, investment into midwives and ante-natal units would be on the horizon. Our parliamentary representatives would be falling over themselves to promise a safe future for the impending influx of babies. Not just kissing them for the cameras.
“This is unquestionably a population boom – just at the other end of the spectrum. This ageing population needs to be celebrated, safe, independent and free from abuse. This seems like a fairly obvious step and worthy of support and understanding. Hence the Hourglass target of creating a Safer Ageing Society by 2050.”
Therefore, Hourglass is also scrutinising what plans the political parties in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have outlined in their manifesto. And so far, in terms of protecting older people from abuse, harm, exploitation and neglect, the charity believes there has been precious little forward planning at all.
Richard Robinson, CEO of Hourglass, explains:“Hourglass believes, with the impending older population surge and 2.5 million people affected by the abuse of older people annually, we need as many active voices as possible to make the case. The political dial now needs to move to address this significant upsurge and the social care needs of this population shift.
“We are working to analyse, with a variety of indicators, how seriously each political party is taking the notion of a Safer Ageing future. We will be announcing the results next Friday (21st June) and this, Election Safer Ageing Index, will also be used to scrutinise performance as the new parliamentary term takes shape.”
Hourglass, which has been working to support older-victims of abuse and neglect since 1994, has a unique 24/7 helpline, instant messenger and Knowledge Bank service. These services are already under threat due to delayed decision-making on future funding mechanisms.
Richard Robinson continues: “Whoever comes to power after 4th July, has to urgently secure service provision and agree funding for charities like Hourglass. This will go some distance in paving the way for a Safer Ageing future – but this is the bare minimum.
“The Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) commitments, whilst inspirational and much-needed, need to be replicated for older victim-survivors. This is another key consideration for the next Downing Street resident.”
The charity was recently in the headlines for working to develop and script the story of Yolande Trueman, in BBCs EastEnders. This, along with many other factors has seen the charity’s calls hit over 700 a week and with a likely 50,000 contacts per year.
The Prime Minister will make the case for a world economy that is more peaceful, stable, and prosperous and for bold reforms to global governance to make it more inclusive and responsive to citizens as he attends the second day of the G7 Leaders Summit in Italy today (Friday 14 June).
PM to call for peaceful, stable, prosperous world economy at G7.
Millions of development funding to help tackle climate change in Africa.
New programme to fund safe and responsible AI projects across the globe.
During a global outreach session focused on Artificial Intelligence and Energy, and Africa and the Mediterranean, he will argue that this means reforming the international financial system to unlock the finance we need to accelerate progress against the Sustainable Development Goals, strengthening the voices of the most vulnerable at the top table of international politics.
He will outline the importance of supporting countries in delivering their own clean energy transitions, and in harnessing the opportunities presented by AI.
To support this he will announce multi-year ODA funding which could exceed £100m, including several high-impact African projects and a £20m expansion of the AI for Development programme into Asia – building on £38m the UK is already investing in Africa.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “The UK is committed to driving a more effective international system that improves lives for people across the globe and at home.
“The green transition and the development of AI are key components of this, and the funding announced today will help ensure that these seismic changes happen in a way that works for all.”
The AI for Development programme, was launched at the Bletchley Park AI Safety Summit in November 2023 to fund safe and responsible AI projects for development around the world, beginning in Africa.
The UK-Canada partnership, with support from the US, Australia, and other partners, will help ensure this ground-breaking technology is accessible to as many people as possible across the globe as well as deliver new AI labs to train the next generation of developers, policymakers and thought leaders, to drive responsible and inclusive AI policy.
The funding outlined today includes £57m of ODA to the Climate Compatible Growth Programme, which will accelerate the roll-out of improved, climate resilient infrastructure in developing countries. It will provide even more countries across sub-Saharan Africa and Asia with the UK expertise needed to support improved, climate resilient infrastructure.
The multi-year ODA funding will include up to £35 million into the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa will catalyse greater investment into sustainable infrastructure projects across the continent. The finance will help to bridge Africa’s infrastructure deficit, by accelerating investment at scale into new green infrastructure.
Partnering with the World Bank and the EU to support African regional electricity transmission and strengthen climate resilience, £15m will contribute to the Zambian side of the Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector as part of a $300m project that will link the Southern and East African Power Pools.
Leading with our development partners to invest in energy infrastructure in Zambia will aid the country to access clean energy. This is vital for poverty reduction and economic development.
This investment, alongside a £300,000 contribution for mapping by the British Geological Survey in Angola, will be crucial in supporting the economic development along the length of the Lobito Corridor.
The funding also includes £500,000 for an initiative to support planning, prioritisation and implementation of green infrastructure initiatives between the UK, the Government of Kenya and the wider G7.
Focusing on transport projects selected from the Africa Green Industrialisation Initiative (AGII), this innovative partnership will lead to closer cooperation with the Kenyan Government on strategic infrastructure and investment and is the first partnership between the G7’s Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment and AGII.
All very impressive – and lots of nice pictures for the family album – but is it enough to save the Tory government and Rishi Sunak’s job?
Mappin & Webb, renowned for their exquisite watches and jewellery, is pleased to announce the opening of their new showroom in the heart of the luxury retail quarter on Multrees Walk.
The double-storey showroom offers a truly luxurious experience for customers looking for the perfect timepiece or piece of jewellery.
On the ground floor, customers will find dedicated brand areas for Cartier, the renowned luxury Maison has a dedicated space to present its most iconic timepieces, where clients will be invited to explore collections including Tank, Santos de Cartier, and Ballon Bleu de Cartier. In addition to the latest iterations of Panthère de Cartier, Tank Normale, and Baignoire.
There are branded areas featuring TUDOR watches which showcases the brand’s iconic collections, including the Black Bay, Pelagos, and Royal. A Breitling branded area which is renowned for its casual, inclusive, and sustainable approach to luxury.
Plus, a Girard-Perregaux area, known for its impeccable craftsmanship and features the Watches of Switzerland centenary exclusive Laureato timepiece. Each brand area showcases the latest collections and offers a personalised shopping experience for customers looking for the perfect watch.
On the first floor of the showroom, customers can browse a stunning selection of jewellery and receive expert advice on choosing the perfect piece for any occasion, including jewellery offerings from Pasquale Bruni, and Mappin and Webb’s limited edition diamond jewellery. It also offers a dedicated area for the Watches of Switzerland pre-owned timepieces, and a dedicated after sales area.
In addition to the impressive selection of watches and jewellery, clients can also relax in the elegant surroundings of the bar/hospitality area. Whether they are shopping for a special occasion or simply treating themselves, customers can enjoy a drink whilst browsing the showroom’s offerings.
Craig Bolton, President of The Watches of Switzerland Group UK & Europe said; “We are delighted to be opening a double-storey Mappin & Webb showroom in the heart of the luxury retail quarter on Multrees Walk.
“This is our largest Mappin and Webb showroom in Scotland, with two-floors of the finest Swiss timepieces and luxury jewellery collections available to our clients. There is a large Cartier area on the ground floor with further watch brand areas from TUDOR, Breitling, Girard-Perregaux and a new Watches of Switzerland Pre-Owned area on the first floor.
“We are also delighted to be the first retailer in Edinburgh to offer our clients the latest collections for luxury jeweller Pasquale Bruni, alongside the Mappin & Webb own brand jewellery on the first floor. We look forward to welcoming new and existing clients to this fantastic new showroom.”
Commenting on the new store, Adam Stone, Head of Retail Asset Management UK at Nuveen said: “The arrival of Mappin & Webb is extremely exciting, and we are delighted that the retailer has chosen Multrees Walk Edinburgh for their latest and largest boutique in Scotland.
“With designated watch and jewellery areas, a private hospitality and VIP area, pre-owned watch gallery plus a large after-sales area, the new store will enrich the Multrees Walk luxury shopping experience even further.”
Do you love playing the piano and a good sing along? Our over 60s singing group, Vocal Vibes is looking for a fabulous volunteer to join them on piano.
The group brings together isolated older people to build confidence and connections through the shared love of singing!
As a volunteer you will accompany the song leader in the sessions and performances and collaborate with the group to select songs from throughout the decades. Fab piano and musical skills are needed and experience working with singing groups would be great but not essential.
This is an in-person volunteering role. Vocal Vibes meet on the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month from 11am -1pm in an accessible city centre venue close to several transport links.
Council and school workers in Scotland belonging to UNISON have voted overwhelmingly to reject a pay offer from local government employers, says the union today (Friday).
Thousands of staff employed by councils indicated they were unhappy with the pay proposal put forward by COSLA with 91% of those balloted choosing to reject, UNISON says.
The workers were made a two-stage offer which would operate over an 18-month period. It gives a 2.2% increase for the first six months and an additional 2% for a further 12 months of the deal, ending in September next year.
UNISON will now begin the process of formally balloting groups of workers about selective strike action over the coming weeks.
UNISON Scotland local government committee chair Colette Huntersaid: “This result must be a wake-up call for COSLA that council workers need to be fairly rewarded for the essential services they provide. Staff have experienced years of cuts to their pay levels and a reversal has to begin.
“The last thing anyone wants to do is go on strike, but local government workers deserve a fair increase to stop their pay lagging further behind inflation, and the wage increases being given to other sectors of the economy.
“Workers have seen the value of their pay fall over the past ten years, often while being asked to do even more. They provide vital services to their communities by caring for the most vulnerable, educating children, waste and recycling and keeping people safe. Council workers deserve better.”
we are all so proud of you! Never stop being you.
