Claire is from Glasgow and has been a Senior Charge Nurse at NHS 24’s Cardonald contact centre for a year. She is working both Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Claire says: “It has been lovely to take part in the school festive traditions with the kids throughout December. I’m really looking forward to attendingthe panto on Christmas Eve as well getting involved in some carol singing.
“It’s such a magical time of the year to spend time with the family, and we have lots of quality time planned in between my shifts.
“My top tip for over festive is if you have kids, ensure you have child-friendly remedies available at home.
“Pop into your local pharmacy where they can give you advice on the most appropriate medicines for your family.”
Festive workers, including those on short-term contracts, are being urged to check their pay to make sure they aren’t missing out on the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage.
Seasonal staff and students employed over the Christmas period are legally entitled to receive at least the same minimum rates as other workers.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding all workers to check their hourly rate of pay, and to look out for unpaid working time – such as time spent cleaning and closing premises, training, or picking up extra hours.
Deductions, for things like uniforms or tools, can also reduce pay rates.
“No matter how long you’ve been employed for, you are legally entitled to be paid at least the National Minimum Wage. This includes temporary seasonal staff working in shops, hotels, garden centres, Christmas markets, restaurants and warehouses.
“Always make sure that you check your pay and look out for any deductions, or unpaid working time that could take you below the minimum wage.
“If you think you’ve been short changed, even if you no longer work for that employer, we’re here to help. Visit GOV.UK and search ‘check your pay’ to find all the information you need about wage rates, and how to report your employer if they’re not paying you correctly.”
The National Minimum Wage hourly rates are currently:
£11.44 – Age 21 and over (National Living Wage)
£8.60 – Age 18 to 20
£6.40 – Age under 18
£6.40 – Apprentice
Anyone not being paid what they are entitled to, or people concerned that someone they know may not be getting paid correctly, can report it online at https://www.gov.uk/minimum-wage-complaint. It takes around 10 minutes and reports can be made after the employment has ended.
To speak with someone, raise a concern or get further information, phone the Acas Pay and Work Rights helpline on 0300 123 1100 for confidential, free advice (Monday to Friday*, 8am to 6pm).– *Except Bank Holidays.
Employers can also access support at any time to ensure they are paying their workers correctly:
view the online employers’ guide on calculating the minimum wage
Police Scotland has released an image of three men who may be able to assist their enquiries into an assault and robbery which occurred around 7.20pm on Sunday, 17 November 2024. The incident occurred at Old Fishmarket Close, Edinburgh.
The first man is described as being Asian, around 6ft tall, stocky build with black hair. He was wearing a glasses and a padded jacket.
The second man is described as being black, around 6ft tall, stocky build with a short beard. He was wearing a grey tracksuit, light blue gilet and white trainers.
The third man is described as being black, around 6ft tall, stocky build with short black hair. He was wearing a black padded jacket, grey trousers and white trainers.
Detective Constable Gary Lipscombe said: “I would urge the men pictured or anyone who may recognise them to contact us. If you have any information about this incident, please get in touch as soon as possible.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 2986 of Sunday, 17 November 2024. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.
Additional £1.1 million for people impacted by crime
More victims of crime are to receive support through a fund financed by penalties imposed on offenders.
More than £1.1 million from the Victim Surcharge Fund (VSF) will be shared among 12 organisations that support those impacted by crime.
Child victims, rape survivors and those who have suffered domestic abuse are among those who will receive support. This can include help with essentials like food and clothing, repairs for property damaged as a result of crime, and emotional support.
More than 5,000 people have already benefitted from the VSF since it was set up in 2019 and this fifth round of payments will mean hundreds more will receive support.
Under the scheme, offenders who receive a court fine after being convicted of a crime are charged an additional penalty – the victim surcharge. This is transferred to the VSF and distributed to organisations who support victims. Including this payment round, a total of £2,446,787has been paid to 18 victim support organisations.
Victims Minister Siobhian Brown said: “The impact of crime on victims can be devastating – it can cause financial hardship, damage to property and ongoing trauma, and it is absolutely right that offenders should pay to support victims to recover.
“The Victim Surcharge Fund has already benefitted more than 5,000 victims and hundreds more will be supported with the distribution of more than £1.1 million in this latest round of payments.
“The Victim Surcharge Fund builds on the Scottish Government’s wider support for victims. We have invested £93 million to support victims in the past five years, while taking a series of other actions to ensure victims are placed at the heart of the justice system.
“This includes a significant package of reform proposed in the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform Bill to ensure victims are treated with compassion and their voices are heard.”
Kate Wallace, Chief Executive of Victim Support Scotland, said: “This funding will be instrumental in expanding access to our Emergency Assistance Fund (EAF) to as many people impacted by crime as possible, helping them to rebuild their lives.
“So far, we have supported thousands of people through the EAF, providing critical help to people who are in urgent need of financial aid – providing funding for things like emergency housing, security equipment, clothing and groceries.
“With this new funding, we have the chance to reach even more people who have been affected by crime and explore options to develop our offering, including supporting access to mental health services. This funding will also benefit those supported by many of our specialist partner organisations, like Action Against Stalking and ASSIST.”
Dot Horne, Director of 6VT Edinburgh City Youth Café, which supports young victims of crime through their Cairn service, said: “We are delighted to be successful recipients from this round of the Victim Surcharge Fund. This funding will allow us to respond quickly to the immediate, practical needs of children and young people affected by crime.
“Additionally, it provides an opportunity to offer financial support for victims to access positive activities that can help ease the difficult times that young people may be facing.”
The following organisations will benefit from the Victim Surcharge Fund in this round:
Victim Support Scotland £850,000
Women’s Aid South Lanarkshire and East Renfrewshire £31,800
Migrant Help £73,985
Dunbarton District Women’s Aid £13,500
The Moira Fund £14,500
Survivors of Human Trafficking in Scotland) £27,465
Jubilee House £10,000
Dundee Women’s Hub (Women’s Rape And Sexual Abuse Centre) £10,000
