Month: July 2024

Scotland’s nuclear secrets revealed in new exhibition

Cold War Scotland

13 July 2024 to 26 January 2025

National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh

Admission: Free 

nms.ac.uk/ColdWarScotland 

A new exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland explores Scotland’s critical position on the frontline of the Cold War. Cold War Scotland (13 Jul 2024 – 26 Jan 2025), features dozens of objects on display for the first time, including secret intelligence training documents and a map of central Scotland marked to highlight targets under threat of nuclear attack.

Scotland’s unique geography and topography provided a useful base for NATO military preparations and research during the Cold War, a 40-year nuclear stand-off between the USA and the Soviet Union following the end of the Second World War. Opening this Saturday, 13 June, the exhibition tells the stories of the Scots at the centre of this global conflict.

For the first time visitors will see an Ordnance Survey map of Scotland hand-painted to highlight areas that were expected to be affected in the event of a nuclear attack, particularly major cities, military bases and dockyards.

Created in the 1980s, it is colour coded to indicate the point of explosion and scale of the impact across the central belt and beyond. Atomic power brought jobs and investment to some of the country’s most remote areas, but as global tensions mounted this threat of attack or nuclear disaster became part of everyday life. Cold War Scotland explores both the visible and invisible legacies of the war in Scotland.

The impact of the war still lingers in Scottish politics, culture and memory. Scots played an active role in the global conflict as soldiers, for example, within intelligence services and as part of voluntary civil defences.

2HX4YA3 Britain’s Women Learn Atom Defence — Wearing anti-gas boots and headphones, Pamela Preston of the KVS probes and area with a Geiger monitor for supposed deadly radioactivity. A three-girl team drawn from the Red cross, the Women’s voluntary service and the red cross took part in a demonstration of atomic defence techniques at Winchester. England, Feb 18, The display was given by naval personnel from the Atomic defense school, HMS Phoenix, and was organized by the Hampshire civil defense corps. August 01, 1952. (Photo by Associated Press Photo).

The exhibition also draws on Scotland’s rich history of Cold War-era protest and activism. Firsthand accounts include a young mother who decorated her daughter’s pram with Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) badges.

A rattle made from an old laundry detergent bottle emblazoned with the CND logo was given to them during the Peace Marches of the early 1980s and is on display in the exhibition.

The exhibition also reveals the physical remains of the Cold War; the ruined bases, forgotten bunkers and decommissioned nuclear power stations still evident across the Scottish landscape.

This infrastructure became part of the fabric of local communities, none more so than the US-controlled listening and monitoring station at RAF Edzell in Angus, now commemorated with its own bespoke tartan.

Dr Meredith Greiling, Principal Curator of Technology at National Museums Scotland, said: “From nuclear submarines to lively peace protests and observation stations perpetually monitoring for devastating attack, the Cold War permeated every aspect of life in Scotland for decades.

“This conflict is so often remembered on a global scale, but this thought-provoking exhibition will offer a Scottish perspective of the period, allowing Scots from all walks of life to tell their remarkable stories for the first time.”

Further highlights of the exhibition include artwork from Glasgow’s 1951 Exhibition of Industrial Power and a toy nuclear power station, operated by steam and hot to the touch when played with.

Both these examples highlight the spirit of optimism, progress and modernity associated with atomic energy in postwar Britain. In contrast, a Geiger counter used by farmers in East Ayrshire to test for radiation in sheep following the Chernobyl Disaster illustrates the enduring but unseen impact of the Cold War on Scotland’s landscape.

The exhibition will be supported by a book and programme of events including curator tours and talks. Cold War Scotland is an output of Materialising the Cold War, a collaborative research project between National Museums Scotland and the University of Stirling.

The project explores how the Cold War heritage is represented and how museums can adapt to tell this story in future. Materialising the Cold War is funded by a major grant from the Arts and Humanities Research Council.

Cold War Scotland is part of Edinburgh Art Festival, taking place between 9 – 25 August 2024.

Cold War Scotland is part of Edinburgh Art Festival, taking place between 9-25 August 2024. 

edinburghartfestival.com 

@edartfest   
#EdArtFest 

Pubs to stay open late as England bid to ‘bring football home’

Pub and bar licensing hours extended tonight after England reach the final of the UEFA European Football Championship

TONIGHT (Sunday 14 July), pubs and bars across England and Wales can keep their doors open until 1am as England bid to become champions of Europe, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has confirmed.

Following the Three Lions’ emphatic (Eh? – Never a penalty! – Ed.) semi-final win on Wednesday night, the team is set to go head to head with Spain in the final of the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship.

The heavyweight clash will kick off at 8pm, with fans up and down the country coming together to show their support.

Pub licensing hours can be relaxed to mark occasions of “exceptional national significance”, meaning pubs and bars will be able to stay open for an extra 2 hours tonight.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “We’re so proud of Gareth Southgate and the England team. It’s right that we can all come together tomorrow to enjoy the match and—do we dare to dream?!—hopefully celebrate an England victory.

“I want to pay special thanks to the police officers and first responders who will be working across communities to keep us safe.

“I look forward to getting behind all our brilliant players, who bring so much pride to our country, and I want to wish the team the best of luck. Let’s bring it home.”

As well as bringing fans together for longer, tomorrow night’s extension is due to be a welcomed boost to the hospitality industry.

Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “As with the semi-finals, pubs will be licensed to stay open until 1am on Sunday night and thanks to the Home Office for making the changes to the licensing rules for allowing this to happen. 

“The changes give fans even more time to enjoy the game, support our pubs and hopefully celebrate football finally coming home. 

“Fans have shown us resoundingly this tournament that there is no better place to watch our teams and soak up the atmosphere than the great British pub. This Sunday the BBPA urges everyone to get down their local, support our pubs and get behind the boys. Come on England!”

UK Hospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said: “The Euros have provided a huge boost for hospitality businesses this summer, as fans pack pubs, bars and fan zones to come together and cheer on the home nations.

The extended licensing hours for the final will allow venues and fans to take advantage of the occasion, and hopefully celebrate an historic England win.”

IN THE INTEREST OF BALANCE IT’S ONLY FAIR TO SAY THAT NOT EVERYONE IN THE BRITISH ISLES IS LOOKING FORWARD TO ‘AN HISTORIC ENGLAND WIN’:

MAY the best – and not just the luckiest – team win tonight! – Ed.

Assassination attempt on Donald Trump at election rally

Former US President Donald Trump was rushed to hospital after multiple gunshots were fired during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania in an assassination attempt.

Mr Trump suffered a flesh wound to his ear but was not seriously injured. The ex-President but was taken to a medical facility as a precaution but has since been released.

One man in the crowd was killed and two others are in a critical condition following the shooting spree.

The gunman, who was shot dead by security staff, has been named as 20 year old Thomas Matthew Crooks from Bethel Park in Pennsylvania.

President Joe Biden said: “I have been briefed on the shooting at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania. 

“I’m grateful to hear that he’s safe and doing well. I’m praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally, as we await further information.

“Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for getting him to safety. There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it.”

Former President Barack Obama posted: “There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy.

“Although we don’t yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics.

“Michelle and I are wishing him a quick recovery.”

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “I am appalled by the shocking scenes at President Trump’s rally and we send him and his family our best wishes.

“Political violence in any form has no place in our societies and my thoughts are with all the victims of this attack.”

MORE NEWS TO FOLLOW

Scottish charity and committed polar cruise ship operator join forces to boost vital conservation efforts on the island of South Georgia

A new partnership between Dundee-based charity the South Georgia Heritage Trust and Poseidon Expeditions will enable those on a trip of a lifetime to Antarctica to help fund vital wildlife and cultural conservation on the island of South Georgia. 

Since its founding in 1999, Poseidon Expeditions has taken thousands of intrepid travellers to the most remote corners on earth. Now, Poseidon Expeditions will donate £100 to the South Georgia Heritage Trust every time a new passenger books a cruise featuring South Georgia, which will help fund SGHT’s ongoing conservation work on the island.

The sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia is famed for its iconic wildlife, with scenes of humpback whales, southern elephant seals, seabirds and vast colonies of king penguins often featuring in landmark series such as the BBC’s Frozen Planet, Blue Planet and Planet Earth. 

It is also synonymous with world-famous explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, who died on South Georgia in 1922 and is buried in Grytviken Cemetery.

The South Georgia Heritage Trust (SGHT) has been working to conserve South Georgia’s wildlife, landscape and cultural heritage since 2005. 

The charity delivered the world’s largest rodent eradication project, which against all odds successfully removed invasive rats and mice (accidentally introduced by whalers 200 years ago) which were predating the eggs and chicks of millions of native birds and had almost pushed one species, the South Georgia pipit, to extinction.

Since the island was declared rodent-free in May 2018, SGHT has been supporting ongoing efforts by the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands to make sure that South Georgia’s 10-15,000 annual visitors don’t inadvertently undo this amazing feat and that South Georgia remains an ecosystem in recovery.

Luke Smith, Director of Development at the South Georgia Heritage Trust said: “We’ve had unprecedented success in removing the invasive rodents that were decimating South Georgia’s native bird populations, but as a small charity we need as much support as possible for our work to continue and grow.

“Donations from Poseidon Expeditions will enable us to further protect and preserve the island’s special environment and wildlife for future generations through conservation work. 

“This support will also contribute towards scientific research, help run the South Georgia Museum, and deliver major cultural projects on or related to the island, such as saving Shackleton’s heritage at Stromness and a major art installation which will act as a whale memorial at Grytviken.

“We are extremely grateful for Poseidon Expeditions’generosity, and we are very much looking forward to working together for the benefit of South Georgia, and all its beauty.”

The company’s chief executive officer, Angelica Vorea, said: “Poseidon Expeditions has been committed to safe and environmentally responsible exploration of the polar regions since 1999.

“We are privileged to bring visitors from all over the world to encounter the wonders of South Georgia and the wider Antarctic region. We know how much our guests value the opportunities they have to experience such sights and we are delighted to have teamed up with SGHT in this way so that our company can contribute to their important mission.”

The small British Overseas Territory of South Georgia lies 1,500km east of the Falkland Islands, and is home to theSouth Georgia Museum which SGHT runs on behalf of the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands.

To find out more about the work of SGHT and its ongoing work to protect the wildlife, landscape and cultural heritage of South Georgia visit: www.sght.org, and to find out more about Poseidon Expeditions visit www.poseidonexpeditions.com

Appeal for witnesses after stabbing in Victoria Park

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a serious assault which occurred in Victoria Park last night (Friday, 12 July, 2024).

Around 6.50pm a 19-year-old man was with two friends in Victoria Park, off Newhaven Road, when they were approached by two men on Sur-Ron style motorbikes.

One of the men proceeded to stab the victim in the arm before they both made off on the bikes in the direction of Craighall Road.

Emergency services were called and the victim was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where medical staff describe his condition as stable.

The first suspect is described as being in his early 20’s, of slim build, 5ft9, and was wearing a balaclava, all black clothing and black trainers.

The second suspect is described as being in his early 20’s, of slim build, 5ft9 and wearing black clothing.

Detective Inspector Gavin Howat said: “This appears to have been a targeted attack on the victim and extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding this attack.

“Victoria Park would have been busy at the time of the incident and we would like to speak to anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious, or may have seen the two suspects on Sur-Ron style motorbikes.

“We would also appeal to anyone with private CCTV or dashcam footage of the surrounding area to check in case they have captured anything which could be of significance to our investigation.

“Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3052 of Friday, 12 July, 2024. You can also speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Graves of Royal Dublin Fusiliers located in Belgium

The graves of six soldiers who fought and died during World War 1 have finally been marked with their names over 100 years after they died.

Rededication ceremonies were held at each grave, with services taking place on 10 and 11 July 2024. 

The services took place at the Commonwealth War Grave Commission’s (CWGC) Dadizeele New British Cemetery, Stasegem Communal Cemetery and Hooge Crater Cemetery, all in Belgium. They were organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the ‘MOD War Detectives’. 

The services were also attended by serving soldiers of The Royal Irish Regiment, members of The Royal Dublin Fusiliers Association and the families of Sjt Connell, Pte McCann and Pte Reynolds. 

JCCC Caseworker, Rosie Barron, said: “It has been a privilege to have organised these rededication services and to have had so many people in attendance, both from the United Kingdom and Ireland.

“It is important that the sacrifices of these Royal Dublin Fusiliers are not forgotten as they paid the ultimate sacrifice for all our freedom in the face of tyranny.”

On 8 August 1918 the Allies launched the 100 Days Offensive near Amiens, France, ending the stalemate of the Western Front and forcing the German Army to retreat. All six of the men rededicated this week were killed during this phase of the war. 

Sjt Connell had arrived on the Western Front on 20 December 1915. He died on 5 October 1918 when 1st Battalion The Royal Dublin Fusiliers were moving into the front line near Ledegem. He was 21 years old.

His remains were recovered and buried in Dadizeele New British Cemetery as an unknown Serjeant of 1st Battalion The Royal Dublin Fusiliers. Because he was listed as missing, Sjt Connell was commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial.

He was posthumously awarded the Military Medal. 

Julie McInaly, the great granddaughter of Private William McCann, speaks with the Rev’d Jason Clarke MBE CF at the graveside in Stasegem Communal Cemetery (Crown Copyright)

Pte McCann enlisted into The Royal Dublin Fusiliers and joined 2nd Battalion on the Western Front on 10 June 1915. He died on 21 October as his battalion was in the process of withdrawing from the front line. 

Pte McCann’s remains were buried in Stasegem Communal Cemetery as an unknown soldier of 1st Battalion The Royal Dublin Fusiliers. As he was missing, he was commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial. 

Les Reynolds, the great nephew of Private Bertie George Reynolds MM, lays a wreath at the graveside in Hooge Crater Cemetery (Crown Copyright)

LCpl James Edward Freer, Cpl Edward Doyle, Pte Bertie George Reynolds MM and LCpl George Washington were all members of 1st Battalion The Royal Dublin Fusiliers when they died, on 28 and 29 September 1918 in the area around Gheluveld.

All four men were missing following the fighting and were commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial.

Their remains were recovered together after the war and buried side by side in Hooge Crater Cemetery as unknown soldiers of The Royal Dublin Fusiliers. 

More recently researchers have submitted evidence to CWGC to identify the final resting place of these men at Hooge Crater Cemetery. Further research by CWGC, the National Army Museum and JCCC confirmed their findings. 

The service was conducted by the Reverend Jason Clarke MBE CF, Chaplain to 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment. He said: “These men laid down their lives in the service of others.

“Each one a precious soul, each one loved and cherished by family and friends; and now each one known and honoured by name by us in that honoured rest they so deserve for the service they gave to others.”

The headstones over the graves were replaced by CWGC.  

CWGC said: ‘Caring for the graves of these courageous men is both an honour and a privilege for the CWGC.

‘Their stories, uncovered through meticulous research, serve as powerful reminders of their bravery and dedication. The CWGC remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving their memory in perpetuity.’

Music legend Lulu reveals she has moderate hearing loss as a result of 60 years of live performances

New poll finds nearly a quarter of gig goers in Scotland think loud music has damaged their hearing

  • The revelation comes just weeks after the showbiz icon, who is in her seventh decade of performing, appeared at Glastonbury Festival and announced the second part of her farewell tour.
  • Specsavers has partnered with the music legend, alongside DJ and tinnitus sufferer Woody Cook and the Night Time Industries Association, to encourage people to safeguard their hearing.

British legend Lulu has revealed she is living with moderate hearing loss – after a hearing check at Specsavers revealed the impact that 60 years in the music industry has had on her hearing.

The news that her career has damaged her hearing comes just weeks after the Scottish singing sensation – who is on her seventh decade of performing her debut single ‘Shout’ – wowed crowds at Glastonbury and announced dates in November as part of her farewell ‘Champagne for Lulu’ tour.

The music icon is now calling on music lovers to take steps to protect their own hearing, as a new poll reveals 23% of gig goers in Scotland think loud music has damaged their hearing.

The study, commissioned by Specsavers of 900 adults who attend concerts and festivals, found that, in Scotland, 40% have noticed a negative impact on their hearing immediately after a gig – with 47% experiencing ringing in their ears, 33% buzzing and 35% a muffled sensation. Just over a quarter (26%) said they had suffered temporary hearing loss, while just under a quarter, (21%) experienced pain in their ears.

Despite this, over half (55%) of those in Scotland planning to attend a live music event this summer are unlikely to wear hearing protection. Of these, 48% said they avoid it because they wouldn’t be able to enjoy the experience as much, and over a quarter (33%) thought it would alter the quality of the music, which is not the case.

Lulu said: ‘After being on stage nearly all of my life, I have always noticed ringing and muffled sounds, but never really thought much of it.

‘Music has always been a cornerstone of everything I do, so it’s incredibly important that I can still enjoy it. Wearing hearing aids will mean I can continue to hear every note.

‘But it’s more than just this – connecting with people is a huge part of my life and I want to be able to join the conversation and not be left out of it. The good news is it’s not too late for me to preserve the rest of my hearing.

‘Using hearing protection is such a simple and easy thing to do when around live music and I urge others to wear it.

‘Music is still my life, and I plan to carry on enjoying it for many years to come.’

The average volume at a live music event is between 115 and 120 decibels (dB) – which could damage hearing if exposed to it for long enough without hearing protection. The survey found a quarter (74%) of people in Scotland didn’t know that the average volume was that high.

Romaan Babar, audiologist at Specsavers, said: ‘With festival season well underway, it is crucial music lovers protect their hearing. Repeated exposure to high decibel levels at gigs and festivals has the potential to lead to permanent damage, such as sound-induced hearing loss and tinnitus.

‘In fact, hearing damage can start at around 85 dB if you are exposed to it for eight hours plus – such as at a festival – if you don’t wear ear plugs. Each additional 3 dB of volume cuts that exposure time in half, so by the time the volume reaches 100 dB, which is still less than the average gig, it could only take 15 minutes for your hearing to be damaged – which is quite scary.’

Specsavers has partnered with Lulu, DJ Woody Cook, who has tinnitus, and the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) to promote the need to wear hearing protection to live music lovers and people who work in the sector.

Woody says he wishes he’d taken steps to protect his hearing earlier. He says: ‘Without doubt, the tinnitus I suffer with today is a result of listening to loud music. Sometimes it makes me feel like I have a continual electric buzz or high-pitched noise in my head which makes me feel really disorientated.

‘I love music – and obviously, I work as a DJ – so my tinnitus has a massive impact on my personal and professional life. I wish I had known about the risks earlier. I’m now taking steps to protect my hearing from any further damage and recommend others to do the same.’

In another survey, among those working in venues with loud music in 91% have experienced a negative impact on their hearing, with reporting tinnitus (36%) or hearing loss (36%). 29%) rarely or never wear hearing protection at work – with a quarter (25%) saying that’s because their employer has not provided them with it.

The NTIA, which represents the UK’s clubs, bars and pubs, launched the Listen for Life campaign last October to raise awareness of the importance of hearing protection. It has partnered with Specsavers as part of a new industry report ‘It’s time to talk about hearing’ to launch a new Night Time Economy Charter, which will help businesses to better look after the hearing health of colleagues and customers.

Mike Kill, CEO of the NTIA, says it’s worrying how common hearing loss and tinnitus are for those working in the night time industries. He added: ‘We want those who enjoy going to festivals, gigs, pubs, bars and clubs to be able to enjoy them without damaging their hearing – and for those who work in loud environments to be given the knowledge and tools to take care of themselves.

“This charter can play a massive part in doing that.’

Romaan Babar adds: ‘What might start as a minor annoyance after a gig can lead to long-term consequences.

“It’s never too late to start protecting your ears. Wearing ear plugs, not standing too close to speakers, and taking breaks from loud environments can all help preserve your hearing.’

You can read about more about hearing protection in the ‘It’s time to talk about hearing’ report here: www.specsavers.co.uk/reports/hearing-health-2024, and more about ‘Listen for life’ and the NTIAs 10-point charter for businesses here: https://ntia.co.uk/listen-for-life-campaign/ 

Find out more about hearing protection at Specsavers at specsavers.co.uk/hearing. 

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New UK support for up to 150,000 vulnerable Sudanese refugees

  • UK to contribute £2 million support to refugees in Libya fleeing violence in Darfur, Sudan
  • Funding will support much-needed emergency health, water and sanitation services
  • Alongside international partners aid will deliver support to up to 150,000 refugees

International Development Minister Anneliese Dodds has pledged new UK aid funding to provide life-saving assistance to up to 150,000 Sudanese refugees who are fleeing escalating violence in Darfur. 

It’s estimated that more than 2 million people have fled Sudan due to the violence which erupted following a coup in April last year, including more than 1,200 people entering Libya daily.

This forms part of the Government’s commitment to work with international partners to address the humanitarian crises which lead people to flee their homes, and to strengthen support for refugees in their home region.

This £2 million package will go towards the humanitarian response in the hard-to-reach Alkufra region, where the UN estimate up to 45,000 refugees are currently in desperate need of support.

Health provision in Alkufra is minimal and was struggling even before the humanitarian crisis. Under the strain of thousands of refugees, in need of medical assistance, the system is now on the verge of collapse.

Alongside international partners, this funding will help deliver much-needed emergency health, water, sanitation, hygiene, and child protection services to an estimated 150,000 individuals taking refuge in Eastern Libya, as well as the communities hosting them.

The Minister of State for Development, Anneliese Dodds said: “The UK is committed to delivering life-saving aid to some of the world’s most vulnerable people, including children, as they flee violence in war-torn Sudan.

“Alongside our international partners, this support in Libya will deliver much-needed water and emergency health, sanitation and hygiene services to these displaced refugees.”

Action begins at Sprint World Orienteering Championships in Edinburgh 

YESTERDAY saw the start of the Sprint World Orienteering Championships in Edinburgh. Under blue skies the GB team took on the individual sprint in a race involving over 45 competitors and finishing in Princes St Gardens

Linlithgow’s Grace Molloy competed in the women’s race – results here.

Often thought of as a countryside sport, the Sprint World Orienteering Championships (www.woc2024.org), is being staged in the intricate urban terrain Edinburgh has to offer, with the capital’s iconic landmarks providing the perfect backdrop for the elite courses.

They run from 12th to 16th July 2024. 

The event is yet another opportunity for the public to watch elite sport in the capital – but this time for free.

Fans will be able to watch the world’s best orienteering athletes tackle challenging routes which weave through the city’s historical and cultural attractions while enjoying a fun day out with the family.

There are free family activities are on offer throughout the week, including orienteering mazes, fun races and all the action on live screens.

The orienteering maze and big screen featured in Princes Street Gardens yesterday (Friday 12 July), followed by fun races for kids and adults alike at The Meadows, as well as another orienteering maze, from today (Saturday 13 July) until Monday 15 July.

The five-day orienteering festival also features amateur races for all ages and levels, with competitors as young as 10 and some in their 80s. The ‘WOC Tour’ will allow competitors, from those relatively new to the sport up to experienced recreational athletes, to experience the best of urban orienteering.

The first elite races were the Individual Sprint taking place in Leith on the morning of Friday 12th July, with finals in the afternoon finishing in Princes Street Gardens.

The action continues on Sunday 14th July at Heriot Watt University with the Team Sprint Relay. On Tuesday 16th July the Knockout Sprint qualifications take place at Wester Hailes with the finals finishing on St John Street in Central Edinburgh.

Find out more about WOC 2024 and the WOC Tour.

WOC 2024 will be broadcast on Eurovision Sport (www.eurovisionsport.com), the European Broadcasting Union (IBU)’s new free streaming platform and on the IOF YouTube channel.

STUC Youth Conference 2024: Usdaw seeks support for parents and carers

Union highlights need to address the challenges of automation and skills

Retail trade union Usdaw has a delegation of young reps attending the annual Scottish Trade Union Congress (STUC) Youth Conference, taking place in Glasgow this weekend (13 and 14 July).

Usdaw is calling for action to support young working parents and carers, along with addressing the reskilling challenges for workers whose jobs are changing because of automation.

Paddy Lillis, Usdaw general secretary, says: “We are deeply concerned by the vast developments in workplace technology and automation in Scotland, which disproportionately impact young workers. 

“The acceleration in automation means that an estimated nine in ten employees need to retrain by 2030. 

“The Flexible Workforce Development Fund offered an opportunity to deliver the skills necessary to adapt to these changes, but it is regrettable that the Scottish Government withdrew funding. We are concerned that the delivery of quality apprenticeships and training programmes for young workers will suffer as a result.”

Usdaw is calling on the STUC to urgently campaign for the immediate implementation of the following provisions, to ensure young workers are adequately trained to take advantage of the future world of work:

  • Significant and long-term investment in skills funding, including coordination of skills and education budgets across Scotland.
  • Review retail modern apprenticeships to ensure more accessible and transparent access to training and skills.
  • Promote positive action to tackle under-representation, including calling on employers to report on actions they are taking to promote inclusive training and skills provisions.
  • The development of robust sectoral plans to support skills development across the whole of Scotland.
  • Deliver a legal right to paid time off for retraining, to encourage not just specialised skills such as data science, but greater overall digital literacy as well as broader skills development across the workforce.
  • Support a requirement under UK legislation for employers to consult on new technology, including the use of equality impact assessments, which employers must act upon. 

Paddy Lillis continues: “The pressures young parents and carers experience balancing their work life and caring responsibilities need to be addressed.

“We are concerned that young mothers are more likely to experience discrimination in the workplace related to their pregnancy or childcare.

“More worryingly, Usdaw’s own research shows 16 to 24-year-olds were least likely to know of their legal right to request flexible working, which could relieve some of the pressures young parents and carers face.

“Furthermore, many young people may not be aware of their rights to financial support such as the Young Carer Grant, which could provide some relief during the cost of living crisis.”

Usdaw is calling on trade unions and the STUC to:

  • Give a voice to young parents and carers so that their experience informs our work to win them a better deal at work and in society.
  • Develop campaign materials for young parents and carers about their legal rights and the financial support available to them.
  • Ensure campaigning, political and bargaining agendas reflect the distinct concerns of young parents and carers.
  • Continue to promote the value and importance of distinct young workers’ structures in encouraging young workers’ involvement in the trade union movement.