Month: April 2025

Young Edinburgh filmmakers nominated for 2025 Into Film awards

Leading film education charity, Into Film, has today announced this year’s Into Film Awards nominees including three nominations for filmmakers and filmmaking teams based in Scotland. 

Nominated for the Time for Action Award (Sponsored by Swatch) are 8 young people aged 16-19 from CITADEL YOUTH CENTRE, Leith for the film Can we talk about Mental Health.

The filmmakers are Holly Watson (18), Nyah Sallan (16), Sophie Hunter Little (16), Brian Hainey (17), Levi Bennet (18), Ellie Pullar (18), Joshua Moohan (19), Jack Fyffe (18).

This call to action film utilises many different kinds of animation to highlight not only the mental health struggles that many young people face, but to also address the systemic difficulties that exist in trying to access support. In the young people’s own voices this is a direct plea asking all of us, from teachers to government ministers, to do better.

Nominated for the Best Film – 16-19 (Sponsored by Warner Bros. Discovery) are 9 filmmakers aged 17-19 from West Pilton’s SCREEN EDUCATION EDINBURGH for the film Come Inside.

The filmmakers are Aaron McCrossan (19), Allair Ayeni (18), Ben Emmel (18) CJ Reeder (17), Emma White (18), Jasmine Mooney (17), Kirk Kerrane (18), Lili Quigley (19) and Albie Kerlaff (17).

In this deeply affecting drama, a young woman named Mia tries her best to take her of ailing father, who is suffering from early-onset dementia, his memory and mental faculties diminishing by the day.

Nominated for Best Story (Sponsored by Amazon MGM Studios) is 14 year old Edward Ryan from Sanquhar, Dumfries and Galloway for the film More Than One Way to Go Home.

Inspired by the filmmaker’s own personal experiences, this film follows a young autistic girl, who has to find her own way home when her brother leaves her to fend for herself. A well shot film that conveys some of the difficulties that autistic people might experience. Nominees in this category were selected from among all of the films submitted to this year’s Into Film Awards, across all categories

The Awards, sponsored by the UK film industry, celebrate young people’s creativity in film, showcasing and highlighting the wealth of tomorrow’s creative talent. 

Young people from across the UK whose short films have been nominated across the Awards categories will be recognised at a glitzy afternoon ceremony, which has previously been attended by some of the biggest stars in the industry including Daniel Craig, Lashana Lynch, Eddie Redmayne, Lily James, Luke Evans, Gemma Arterton, Charles Dance, Ruth Wilson, Bill Nighy, Simon Pegg, Martin Freeman and Naomie Harris.    

This year’s nominated films cover a wide range of compelling and timely subjects for young people including mental health, the war in Ukraine, gender identity, neurodivergence, multiculturism, the potential harms of AI, feeling disconnected and isolated in modern society, nature conservation, immigration and identity, looking after an unwell parent, the need to stop scrolling on social media, and much more.

The nominees have been recognised across 11 awards categories in different age groups and the winners will be announced and presented with their awards by stars of the film and entertainment industry at the afternoon ceremony at Odeon Luxe, Leicester Square, on June 24 in London.

The award ceremony will be hosted by BAFTA Breakthrough Brit, BAFTA TV winner, actor, presenter and author Rose Ayling-Ellis MBE.

This year’s Into Film Awards received an unprecedented number of film entries from children and young people across the UK.  Into Film believes that every child should be given the chance to learn hands-on filmmaking skills and be able to tell their own stories in film, which is the central aim of its Young Creatives programme, supported by the BFI awarding National Lottery Good Cause funding. 

14 year old Edward Ryan has said: “I’m over the moon to have been nominated, I feel very happy that my film has been chosen for the Best Story category.

“It makes it feel like all the hard work has been worth it. Filmmaking is important to me because I enjoy it and it allows me to express myself in ways I was unable to before.”

17 year old Albie Kerlaff, part of the Screen Education Edinburgh filmmaking team, said: “I’m extremely excited that Come Inside has been selected — there aren’t enough opportunities like the Into Film Awards, so being part of this feels very special.

“I felt like Scorsese for a minute… then spilled my drink on my T-shirt, which brought me back down a bit! Films, to me, are a little like sandboxes where I can explore and play with emotions. Both watching and making films have been a constant way for me to process my feelings since I was small, and I hope they always will be.”

Lesley Williamson of Citadel Youth Centre has said: “We are thrilled to be nominated for this award. This is a great achievement for the young people involved.

“This film speaks from the young people’s hearts and is very open, honest and raw. All the young people involved have never had the opportunity to create a film before, and the fact they chose this outlet to discuss their mental health and the (lack of) support offered to them regarding their mental health says a lot about the film making process and how it can bring people together.

“This film discusses the mental health crisis, support available for young people and how they are made to feel regarding government funding allocation. At a time where third sector organisations are facing substantial cuts to their funding (we personally have faced a 72% funding cut from Edinburgh Council), this film was organically created by the young people expressing their views and how this impacts them.

“This topic is important to the young filmmakers as it speaks about issues that are close to them and is an honest representation of how they have been made to feel.

“All the young film makers involved are from homes that face low income, poverty, areas of deprivation and struggles with their mental health so this is a true representation of how young people are impacted by socio-economic differences.”

Actor, Presenter, author and host of this year’s awards Rose Ayling-Ellis MBE has said: “I am really honoured to be the 2025 Into Film Awards host and I am so impressed with the creativity and brilliance of all the young people involved.

“The standard of the nominated films is extraordinarily high and just shows how important it is to give young people a voice through filmmaking.”

Rose is a BAFTA Breakthrough Brit and a BAFTA TV winner, and she recently won an RTS and a Broadcast award for her work as the first deaf presenter of live sport hosted at the 2024 Paralympics; her stage debut in As You Like it was has been nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award and won the Stage Debut Award and she is the recipient of the Visionary Honours for Inspirational Person of the Year. 

This year alone has already seen her front her second documentary for the BBC, release her first children’s book Marvellous Messages and appear in critically acclaimed BBC drama Reunion. Next, she will next guest star in an episode of Dr Who and lead ITV drama Code of Silence on 18th May.

THE NOMINEES ARE:

Best Animation – 5-11 (Sponsored by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, UK)

Cae yr Arth (Cae the Bear)

Made by a class of 30 young people aged 9-10 from Caedraw Primary School – Merthyr Tydfil, Wales

Feeling disillusioned by life in a bustling city, a kindly bear stumbles upon a rare piece of nature, and decides to try and help it flourish. But despite his best efforts, the big city may not be the right environment…

Offline Virus

Made by Dulcie-Bella, aged 11 – Banbury, England

Animated in a striking Japanese-influenced manga style, this vibrant music video shows a social media-obsessed girl losing all of her colour and vitality as she spends too much time online.

The Wellington Cobbler and Wrekin Giant

Made by 23 young people aged 8-11 from the film club at Meadows Primary School and Nursery – Ketley, England

Visible from their own film club window, this stop motion animation depicts the myth of how The Wrekin, a famous hill in Shropshire, was supposedly formed, by way of a clever shoe repairman and a fiendish giant…

Best Animation – 12-19 (Sponsored by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, UK)

And Then What?

Made by Evie, aged 18 – Croydon, England

Created with animation software Blender, this short 3D animation is a cautionary tale about pervasive social media and the risk of jumping to conclusions, as two friends discuss a classic case of crossed wires.

Animated Voices 

Made by 10 young people aged 13-14 working with Gritty Realism Productions – Cardiff, Wales

Made by young people living in Cardiff that hail from ethnic minority backgrounds, this animation sees them exploring their personal experiences of life in the UK, in their own words, and using their own animation.

Mouse House

Made by Katie, aged 16, from Pate’s Grammar School – Cheltenham, England

In this charming stop motion animation for all ages, a family of mice set out for a local allotment in search of food, only to return home and find that one of their number has been left behind to fend for himself. Will he ever make it back home to the Mouse House?

Best Documentary (Sponsored by IMDb)

The Freedom of the Sea

Made by Rosie, age 17, from Varndean College – Brighton, England

Having emigrated in the wake of the Iranian revolution in the 1970s, one family – now long-settled in Brighton – discuss the difficult decision to leave their home, and the way being able to swim in the sea together is a perfect encapsulation of the freedom they found in the UK.

Kicking through Transition

Made by Indy, aged 15 – Woking, England

A teenager named Indy reminisces about his decision to come out as trans, and how that decision went on to affect his passion for playing football and his love of the beautiful game.

Mariupol

Made by Daria Savchenko, aged 18, from Gower College – Swansea, Wales

This affecting documentary sees one woman recounting her harrowing experiences in Mariupol, Ukraine, as the Russian invasion unexpectedly turned her life upside down. And though she’s now settled in Swansea, Wales, her testimony demonstrates the extreme and enduring trauma that many survivors continue to face.

Time for Action (Sponsored by Swatch)

Can we talk about Mental Health

Made by 8 young people aged 16-19 from Citadel Youth Centre – Edinburgh, Scotland

This call to action utilises many different kinds of animation to highlight not only the mental health struggles that many young people face, but to also address the systemic difficulties that exist in trying to access support. In the young people’s own voices this is a direct plea asking all of us, from teachers to government ministers, to do better.

Severn Wild 

Made by 18 young people aged 16-19 working with MediaActive Projects and BFI Film Academy – Wem, England

This lyrical film is an impassioned plea to protect our country’s rivers, using beautiful animation, historical materials, and a poetic script to detail the far-reaching and catastrophic effects that humanity and civilisation have had on the River Severn, but also highlighting hopeful plans to restore the river and return it to a more natural state.

Tipping Point 

Made by Araminta, aged 16 – Conwy, Wales

A short film that nevertheless packs a mighty punch, this is a stark wake-up call for anyone who’s ever found themselves spending hours mindlessly scrolling on their phone; a film with a vital message, urging and reminding us all to live our lives to the fullest.

Best Film – 5-11 (Sponsored by Working Title Films)

Ballet d’Or

Made by Fletcher, aged 11, and Jude, aged 9 – Newcastle, England

Eight year old Frankie finds himself caught between two passions when he contemplates quitting ballet to focus on football, until he makes a surprising discovery about his football coach that changes everything.

S.I. – Superficial Intelligence

Made by 20 young people aged 10-11 from Burnham Market Primary School – Burnham Market, England

Worried by the amount of homework they’ve been given, two children build their own deep thinking artificial intelligence robot named S.I. to complete all their homework for them. However, the more S.I. learns, the more out of control it seems to become…

Ynyr yr Ysbryd (Ynyr the Ghost)

Made by Briall (aged 10), Celt (10), Elai (9) and Fflur (10), from Clwb Ffilm Dyffryn Nantlle – Penygroes, Wales

When a young boy named Ynyr wakes up as a ghost, he finds that the experience isn’t as fun as he might have imagined. And when he’s interviewed for the local news channel about his lonely new existence, he draws the attention of the Council of Ghosts… can they help him find his place?

Best Film – 12-15 (Sponsored by Paramount Pictures)

Daydreaming

Made by 24 young people aged 11-14 from Sawston Village College – Cambridge, England

Seemingly caught daydreaming in their classes, we see the inner thoughts of three pupils. Between a meeting with artist Frida Kahlo, an encounter with Isaac Newton, and even a trip back in time to the Battle of Hastings, it’s clear that vacant looks and blank faces in the classroom may not always be telling the whole story!

Superhero School

Made by 11 young people aged 12-13 from Park School – Belfast, Northern Ireland

In a school for superheroes, the rivalry between Speedy and Quicklight usually ends with Speedy in front. However, that all changes when Quicklight steals Speedy’s superpowered trainers. Can the class of colourful heroes band together to help Speedy regain his powers?

Vacation 

Made by Indi, aged 15 – Waterlooville, England

Bored out of his mind, a teenage boy finds himself captivated by a mysterious new video game. As he becomes increasingly hooked, he finds that eating, hygiene, and all other aspects of life simply fade away, until a concerned neighbour finally comes to check on him. But not all is as it seems…

Best Film – 16-19 (Sponsored by Warner Bros. Discovery)

Beware the Zoomies: An Unsolved Mystery

Made by Araminta, Cole, Micah, and Ethan – Conwy, Wales

In this pitch-perfect and very funny documentary pastiche, one poor girl’s unfortunate case of ‘the zoomies’ is explored by a doctor, her two long-suffering friends, and the uncontrollably energetic victim herself.

Come Inside

Made by 9 filmmakers aged 17-19 from Screen Education Edinburgh – Edinburgh, Scotland

In this deeply affecting drama, a young woman named Mia tries her best to take her of ailing father, who is suffering from early-onset dementia, his memory and mental faculties diminishing by the day.

No Dice

Made by Grace Holt, aged 19, from Wales High School – Sheffield, England

Four people of a certain age embark on an epic fantasy adventure by virtue of a role playing board game in this hilarious comedy that makes great use of special effects, and shows that there’s no age limit on having fun.

Best Story (Sponsored by Amazon MGM Studios)

Nominees in this category were selected from among all of the films submitted to this year’s Into Film Awards, across all categories

Deadlines

Made by Ben Melocha, aged 19 – Leicester, England

As the work piles up, a put-upon office worker lashes out and discovers something sinister and unsettling about her office computer. This smart, David Cronenberg-inspired horror taps into modern insecurities around AI and the replaceability of humans in the face of ever-advancing machines, as well as commenting on the faceless, sterile nature of some corporate jobs, and the mental health struggles that can arise when the pressures of work become overwhelming.

More Than One Way to Go Home 

Made by Edward, aged 14 – Sanquhar, Scotland

Inspired by the filmmaker’s own personal experiences, this film follows a young autistic girl, who has to find her own way home when her brother leaves her to fend for herself. A well shot film that conveys some of the difficulties that autistic people can face, and demonstrates how the right support can be key to overcoming those challenges.

Tragicake

Made by a group of 10 young people aged 18-19 from the BFI Film Academy – Holywood, Northern Ireland

On her 18th birthday, a girl sets out to bake the perfect birthday cake. However, a past baking misadventure hangs heavy on her shoulders and comes back to haunt her in unexpected ways. Can she overcome her baking demons? It is a funny, smartly made film with a lovely story about perseverance and putting past mistakes behind us.

Ones To Watch (Sponsored by EON Productions)

The following are our chosen 2025 Ones to Watch

Dinah Naitamu, aged 18 – London, England

Dinah is a director, writer and actor who is currently attending the London Screen Academy. Her biggest goal is to increase opportunities for underrepresented groups, both in front of and behind the camera, and tell stories that are often excluded from the mainstream.

In 20 years, she wants to be halfway to EGOT status (winning an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony award), and working with the likes of Zendaya, Quinta Brunson and Ayo Edebiri.

Indi, aged 15 – Waterlooville, England

Indi is one of only two people to receive multiple nominations at this year’s Into Film Awards. He was also nominated at last year’s Into Film Awards for his film film Saving Yourself (and the World), which went on to be nominated for several other film festival awards, including the Horsham Film Festival.

Indi is a prolific filmmaker who has already created two horror films and a short production for his Film Studies GCSE this year, as well helping a local drama group create and edit a series of short films.

This year he plans to enter more film festivals, including Brighton Rocks, and aspires to one day have a film shortlisted by the Sundance Film Festival.

Michael Smith, aged 18 – Newton Aycliffe, England

Michael started making films at just 8-years-old, and by 16 his first feature film, documentary Streets of Steel: The History Of Witton Park, was screened at Witton Park Village Hall in January 2024.

The positive response he received from the local community underlined how important and successful his commitment to unearthing hidden histories has proved. Continuing in this vein, Michael has recently been commissioned by Teescraft Engineering and councillors from Durham County Council to create a documentary on the Stockton and Darlington Railway to celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2025.

This dedication to working with and in his local community is also apparent in Michael’s work with Kynren (an outdoor theatre event) and the Hardwick Live music festival. Michael has also volunteered as a videographer for Bishop Auckland FC for the past 5 years, filming matches and conducting post-match interviews.

Filmmaking Champions (Sponsored by Lucasfilm Ltd.)

The following are all Into Film Awards 2025 Filmmaking Champions 

Dale Forder from St Luke’s CE Primary School – Northampton, England
Dale has been supporting young people’s filmmaking since 2021. He started working on film projects during the COVID lockdown, when working with youth theatre groups and needing to find alternate ways for them to be creative without directly working in large groups, as well as a way to demonstrate their progress to parents.

Dale now runs an extra-curricular film club at St Luke’s CE Primary School in Northampton. The club is available to children across years 1-6, with the older children often helping the younger ones, helping them learn responsibilities and the importance of helping others.

Dale strives to give the young people as much creative freedom as possible and encourages them to only create films that help tackle topical issues of importance to young people. Previous films include You Are Enough, a film about exam stress and secondary school anxiety; Dyslexia & Me, a documentary/drama hybrid exploring children’s understanding of dyslexia (which won Best Film – 11 and Under at the 2024 Into Film Awards); and their most recent project, Navigating The Net, which is about internet and computer safety.

Steve Swindon from TAPE Community Music and Film – Llandudno, Wales
Steve runs TAPE Community Music and Film, a community arts charity in North Wales that he started 17 years ago, where filmmaking is a cornerstone of their work.

A lot of TAPE’s recent work has been with young people at Ysgol Y Gogarth, an additional learning needs school in Llandudno. Working with 16-19 year olds with a wide range of additional needs, Steve strives to be a creative advocate for the ideas and ambitions of the young people he works with.

He is committed to creative inclusion and encouraging new ways of working, giving as many people as possible the opportunity to have their ambitions and ideas heard and explored through film.

Pupils there have been supported to set up their own production company, Hope Productions, and their film Battery – a perfect example of Steve’s work in action – was nominated for Best Film – 16-19 at the Into Film Awards 2024.

St. Colmcille’s Primary School – Crossgar, Northern Ireland
Based in a small, rural community, where young people face a number of challenges, and limited access to opportunities and the arts, St. Colmcille’s has gone above and beyond in using film to broaden the horizons of its pupils and open up a world of possibilities.

In February 2022 the school began a cross-circular project focused on the use of film. Departments across the school worked together to provide pupils with a range of transferable film-based skills, weaving filmmaking into normal lessons, and ultimately seeing each class create their own films.

Now, each year they host a glitzy premiere evening, complete with red carpet, a limousine, photo booth, ‘paparazzi’ and popcorn, giving the young filmmakers and the wider community – a unique and unforgettable experience.

In 2024, their film Cereal Killers was nominated for Best Film 12-15, and ultimately won the Audience Choice Award.

Edinburgh International Mural Festival to debut at Hidden Door 2025

Edinburgh International Mural Festival (EIMF) will make its debut at The Paper Factory this June, in collaboration with Hidden Door.  

EIMF is set to revolutionise the city’s public spaces, harnessing the power of street art to inspire, connect, and transform communities. The organisations bold mission is to turn Edinburgh into a global hub for street art, driving urban renewal, sparking vital conversations, and boosting the city’s international reputation.  

EIMF brings together local and international artists to create vibrant, community-driven murals that reflect the unique identity of each neighbourhood. These large-scale artworks don’t just beautify the city—they foster pride, stimulate economic growth, and revitalise local businesses.  

Committed to inclusivity, EIMF ensures all projects are accessible to people of all abilities, backgrounds, and experiences. By breaking down barriers and challenging preconceptions, the festival empowers everyone to be an artist and a storyteller.  

EIMF is more than art on walls – it’s a platform for social commentary, environmental responsibility and sustainable urban development. 

EIMF founder and director Ross Blair tells us: “We are super excited to be able to launch EIMF alongside our friends at Hidden Door.  

“Hidden Door have been at the grass roots of the arts in Edinburgh for over a decade, establishing meaningful creative networks across the sector. We Hope EIMF can establish itself with the Edinburgh festival landscape over coming years.  

“Edinburgh International Mural Festival is not just a festival, it’s a year-round programme on a mission to elevate muralism and street art culture. Offering a platform for artists to showcase their talents and inspire the next generation of muralists.  

“Join us in celebrating a bold new chapter for mural art in Scotland.”  

For more information, partnership opportunities, or to get involved, visit the website at www.eimf.co.uk or contact the EIMF team on info@eimf.co.uk. 

More about EIMF  

Edinburgh International Mural Festival will launch in June 2025.

The organisation, established by local Edinburgh artist Ross Blair, has been set up as a transformative cultural initiative dedicated to revitalising local urban spaces through high-quality public street art.

The project hopes to engage with local communities and international artists to create meaningful works, on-going engagement and long-term positive impact. 

The Paper Factory is located at 1 Turnhouse Road, Edinburgh EH12 8NP

Hidden Door 2025 will take place from Wednesday 11th – Sunday 15th June 2025.

Tickets are now available at hiddendoorarts.org/tickets

Scottish Parliamentarians visit Mayfield and Easthouses

The Presiding Officer visited Mayfield and Easthouses in Lothian yesterday to meet local people to talk about their Scottish Parliament.

The Lothian visit is the last in a series of eight events across Scotland to mark the Scottish Parliament’s 25th anniversary.

The aim of event is to hear people’s reflections on the Parliament and to understand more about what they want from their Parliament in the future. It was also an opportunity to reflect on 25 years of devolution and the impact of the Parliament on local communities.

Yesterday’s event began with a visit to the Mayfield and Easthouses Development Trust. The Presiding Officer, joined by constituency and regional MSPs from the Lothian Region, met with service users, volunteers and staff in their pavilion and café in Mayfield Public Park before visiting their Hub and Pantry.

Following this there was an event at Mayfield and Easthouses Church Hall where the politicians met representatives from local groups and projects.

The visit ended in Mayfield Community Club where Nourish Scotland hosted a public diner lunch.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Presiding Officer, the Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP said: “I’m looking forward to meeting local residents and listening to their thoughts on the Parliament and their hopes for its future.

“We have met people across the entire country to commemorate the Parliament’s 25th anniversary, and visited inspirational community projects, from Shetland to Hawick.

“I’m pleased we’ve partnered with local groups on this visit to Mayfield and Easthouses, and I’m sure we’ll have great discussions about how the Parliament can best represent people in Lothian. I’m also excited to hear more about the various community projects that are taking place here.

“Scotland’s Parliament belongs to its people and it’s vital their voices are heard, to help shape the Parliament’s future.”

Sharon Hill from Mayfield and Easthouses Development Trust said: “We are delighted to be facilitating the visit today. 

“Being chosen for the final visit has been lovely for us.  We are proud of the community and people we serve in Mayfield and Easthouses and are keen to engage with the Parliament to show them what is being done here and how we are fostering a sense of community pride through that work. 

“This is a fantastic opportunity for our community and all the groups and organisations that are active within it to show what they do and how they can be best supported to be even better.”   

Abigail McCall, Policy Officer at Nourish Scotland said: “We’re excited to host and join a lunch in Lothian. Food is always a good way to get people talking about the things that matter most to our everyday lives.

“For the past year, we’ve been travelling around Scotland talking with different communities about creating infrastructure for food – public diners – that mean our right to food can be protected and that people can have a hand in shaping their food environment.

“This public diner lunch is a great way to facilitate discussion around issues, but also potential solutions in the local area.” 

STUC 2025: Usdaw highlights issues around automation and skills, sexual harassment and help for high streets

Retail trade union Usdaw has a delegation of members, reps and officials attending the annual Scottish Trade Union Congress in Dundee, 28 – 30 April. Usdaw is calling for:

  • safeguards for workers when new technology is introduced
  • action to prevent sexual harassment
  • improved funding for Scottish local authorities so they can invest in their local economy, transport networks and high streets.

Tony Doonan – Usdaw regional secretary for Scotland says: “Prior to the pandemic, it was predicted that automation could result in 230,000 job losses across Scotland during this decade. More recent figures highlight the acceleration in automation, with an estimated nine in ten employees needing to retrain by 2030. 

“The Flexible Workforce Development Fund offered an opportunity to deliver the skills necessary to adapt to these changes. Regrettably, the Scottish Government’s withdrawal of funding to this programme will result in reduced delivery of quality apprenticeships and training programmes for workers.”

Usdaw is calling for the immediate implementation of the following provisions, to ensure 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.

·         A review of the Retail Modern Apprenticeship to ensure more accessible and transparent access to training and skills.

·         Positive action to tackle under-representation of disadvantaged groups, including calling on employers to report on what 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. 

·         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.

Tony Doonan continues: “We welcome the new legal duty requiring employers to prevent sexual harassment arising in the workplace. Recent research into the scale and extent of sexual harassment in workplaces in Scotland demonstrates the necessity of the new legislation.

“We also welcome the inclusion by the Westminster Labour Government in the Employment Rights Bill of the requirement for employers to take ‘all reasonable steps’ to prevent sexual harassment, and the reintroduction of specific protection from third-party harassment.

“These are measures trade unions and women’s rights organisations have long campaigned for. Standalone protection from third-party harassment is vital as studies show that where the perpetrator is a third party, workers, predominantly women, are even more reluctant to report incidents.

“The EHRC have a crucial role in monitoring and enforcing the new preventative duty. Without their scrutiny and intervention, the new duty could be limited in scope and success, as currently a worker cannot bring a standalone claim for either third-party harassment or for a failure to take preventative steps.

“Trade unions together with other key stakeholders also have a key role in establishing what preventative steps employers are taking now that the duty has come into effect, and monitoring their effectiveness.”

Usdaw is asking Congress delegates to call on the STUC to:

·         Continue to give the issue of sexual harassment in the workplace a high priority, recognising that sexual harassment is a form of violence against women and girls, and to share best practice.

·         Work with affiliates and employers to build a broad understanding of what sexual harassment is, the traumatic impact it has on those who experience it, and on society more generally, the scale of the problem, and its causes – so that we can reduce and prevent the harms together.

Tony Doonan concluded: “We are deeply concerned about the challenges facing retail and high streets in Scotland.

“Last year, several major national retailers permanently closed stores and cut jobs. The retail sector is the largest private sector employer in Scotland, providing 241,000 jobs and 9.5% of employment.

“We are calling for consistent and sustainable funding for Scottish local authorities, so they can invest in their local economy, transport networks and high streets.

“This includes supporting the high street as a key element of town centres.”

Pay day boost for thousands of Scottish workers

National Minimum Wage rise hits payslips

 ·                National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage increase puts more money in the pockets of 220,000 of the lowest paid workers in Scotland. 

·                Real terms pay rise will boost wages by £1,400 per year for an eligible full-time worker, boosting living standards and kickstarting growth as part of the Plan for Change.  

·                Visit Check Your Pay to make sure you don’t miss out.  

Up to 220,000 workers in Scotland have started to receive boosted payslips as workers begin to see the benefits of the new National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage rates taking effect.  

The changes will help provide families with better financial stability and living standards, delivering real terms pay increase of £1,400 per year for eligible full-time workers, supporting the Government’s plan to kickstart growth as part of the Plan for Change.  

This uplift delivers better financial security for working people and allows for further workers to potentially benefit from positive spill-over impacts including possible wage increases for those already earning more than the legal minimum. 

Employment Rights Minister Justin Madders said: “Workers across the country are beginning to receive the much-needed boost to their pay slips, as our Plan for Change is putting more money into their pockets.  

“By ensuring a hard day’s work is rewarded with a fair day’s pay, we’re raising living standards millions of families and ensuring that everyone is a part of this government’s mission to deliver economic growth to every part of the UK.  

“If you haven’t already, check your pay to ensure you aren’t missing out on a well-deserved pay rise for work done from 1st April.”    

To ensure workers were fairly compensated, for the first time this Government instructed the Low Pay Commission, the body which recommends the wage rates, to include the cost of living and inflation in its assessment.   

On top of this, the Employment Rights Bill, a key pillar in the Plan to Make Work Pay, will release an additional £600 a year to some of the lowest paid workers. This will ensure that these workers get receive an uplift to wages that delivers better quality of life.   

Workers in Scotland have earned this pay rise and they need to make sure they get it. Visit gov.uk/checkyourpay to check if you are eligible.  

The full increases from 1 April this year were:  

o        National Living Wage (21+) has increased 6.7%, from £11.44 to £12.21 per hour  

o        National Minimum Wage (18-20) has a record increase of 16.2%, from £8.60 to £10 per hour  

o        National Minimum Wage (under 18) has increased 18%, to £7.55 per hour  

o        Apprentice Rate has the largest increase of 18%, from £6.40 to £7.55 per hour  

o        Accommodation Offset of £10.66 per day  

·       The Accommodation Offset is the maximum daily amount which an employer can charge without it amounting to a reduction of pay for National Minimum Wage purposes.  

·       If someone is concerned that they’re not being paid the correct wage, they should speak to their employer. If the problem is not resolved, they can contact Acas (the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) by phoning 0300 123 1122, or complain to HMRC in confidence using the link www.gov.uk/minimum-wage-complaint. HMRC looks into every single complaint.  

·       You can find out more about the minimum wage, and whether you’re receiving what you’re entitled to:  

o        Check your pay – Check your pay  

·       You can report possible underpayment of the National Minimum Wage to the ACAS Helpline and also online to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC):  

o        https://www.gov.uk/pay-and-work-rights  

o        https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pay-and-work-rights-complaints  

Have you seen Kelvin?

POLICE are appealing to the public to help trace Kelvin Boamah (16) who is reported missing from the Craigmillar area.

Kelvin was last seen around 2pm on Tuesday, 15/04/25 in Greendykes.

He is described as 6ft tall (1.82cm). When last seen, he was wearing a black puffer style jacket, black trousers and white/black shoes.

Kelvin has access to public transport, and it is believed that he remains in Northeast Edinburgh.

Inspector Stewart Massie said: “We are growing increasingly concerned for Kelvin and would ask anyone with information to make contact with us“.

If you can assist, please contact police on 101 quoting reference 0882 of 25/04/25.

Making housing accessible in Edinburgh

COUNCIL HOSTS ACCESSIBLE HOUSING SUMMIT

An event held last week (Tuesday 22 April) at the City Chambers brought together the Council and partners to take steps toward building, adapting, and finding accessible homes across the Capital.

Hosted by the City of Edinburgh Council, the Accessible Housing Summit convened representatives from the third sector, housing associations and the private sector.

Through a series of roundtable discussions, participants explored three key areas: delivering new accessible homes, improving access to existing housing, and ensuring the best use of homes already available.

The event builds on insights from the 2022 Accessible Housing Study and feedback gathered from tenants, residents and partners gathered during consultations on the Council’s draft Local Housing Strategy.

In a tangible step forward, the Council recently began construction on a new residential development in Newington. Once complete, the site will provide 19 modern, fully wheelchair accessible homes available for social rent.

Attendees will now consider what actions can be taken forward to address improving access to information, advice on accessible housing and planning for new accessible homes in Edinburgh.

Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Lezley Marion Cameron said: “As Edinburgh’s population grows and changes, so do the housing needs of our residents. We must therefore strive to ensure that everyone – irrespective of their health circumstances and accessibility requirements – has a home they can live in with dignity and comfort.

“Whilst this is a national issue, the City of Edinburgh Council faces unique challenges, including being landlord of a high number of older, flatted properties which can often be harder and costly to adapt.  

“It is vital for us to understand the nature, context, and complexity of the barriers to providing fully accessible housing and to work closely and collaboratively with our partners and organisations leading this crucial work to deliver the accessible housing our citizens need now and in the future.”

BBC to take immediate action as it publishes independent review into culture

The review heard from around 2,500 employees and freelancers through one-to-one meetings, group discussions, a survey and written submissions

The BBC has said it will take immediate action to improve workplace culture, after publishing a comprehensive independent report. 

The report from Change Associates, led by Executive Chairman and Founder Grahame Russell, found no evidence of a toxic culture, but in a series of detailed findings and recommendations it highlighted key areas for improvement. 

The review heard from around 2,500 employees and freelancers; through one-to-one meetings, group discussions, a survey and written submissions. The review was commissioned by the BBC Board in August 2024, with work beginning in October. 

The report – published today – found the majority of people who work for the BBC are proud to do so and describe loving their jobs.  

Some staff, however, thought there were a minority of people at the BBC – both on and off-air – who were able to behave unacceptably without it being addressed. 

“Even though they are small in number, their behaviour creates large ripples which negatively impact the BBC’s culture and external reputation,” the report concludes. 

The BBC Board has fully accepted the report and its findings, as has BBC management. Both view it as a catalyst for meaningful change – to reinforce expectations around behaviour and act more decisively when standards are not met. 

BBC Chair Dr Shah told staff today: “There is a minority of people whose behaviour is simply not acceptable. And there are still places where powerful individuals – on and off screen – can abuse that power to make life for their colleagues unbearable.  

“The report makes several recommendations that prioritise action over procedural change – which is exactly right. It also addresses some deep-seated issues: for example, the need to make sure everyone can feel confident and not cowed about speaking up. 

“I support the idea that we need to reinforce the behavioural expectations and standards we have for everyone who works with or for the BBC.” 

He added: “In the end, it’s quite simple: if you are a person who is prepared to abuse power or punch down or behave badly, there is no place for you at the BBC.” 

Director-General Tim Davie said: “This report represents an important moment for the BBC and the wider industry. It provides clear, practical recommendations that we are committed to implementing at pace. I’m grateful to everyone who took part and contributed. 

“The action we are taking today is designed to change the experience of what it is to be at the BBC for everyone and to ensure the values we all sign up to when we arrive here – the values that, for most of us, are what made us want to come to the BBC in the first place – are lived and championed by the whole organisation each and every day.” 

The BBC is taking immediate action from today, including: 

  • Launching a refreshed and strengthened Code of Conduct, with specific guidance for on-air presenters. 
  • Implementing a more robust Disciplinary Policy, with updated examples of misconduct and clear consequences. 
  • Requiring all TV production partners to meet Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) industry standards. 
  • Rolling out a new ‘Call It Out’ campaign to promote positive behaviour, empower informal resolution where appropriate, and challenge poor conduct. 
  • Introducing clear Pledges for anyone raising concerns, setting out what they can expect from the BBC.  

The BBC will build on this over the coming months to embed long-term change by:  

  • Updating all future employment and freelance contracts to set out clear expectations around behaviour.  
  • Transforming how we manage concerns and cases, launching a new Resolving Concerns Helpline to help address issues earlier; providing a single point of contact for each case when concerns are raise, along with improved communication and support. To ensure cases are managed with rigour, consistency, and urgency, there will be investment in new resources to support those handling complex cases.  
  • Training all managers on our updated Code of Conduct and values and require them to lead regular team discussions on culture and behaviour.  
  • Introducing in-person inductions for all new joiners, with a strong emphasis on values and expected behaviours.  
  • Conducting regular, targeted culture checks within divisions to monitor sentiment, identify issues, and intervene swiftly where needed.  
  • Implementing succession planning for our most senior on-air roles.  
  • Expanding HR support with additional resources and capacity  

The Executive has agreed to update the Board on progress against its plan at regular intervals. 

Pilton Youth & Children’s Project: Back TODAY!

❗ New Term Programme ❗

We’re back! All clubs and groups back on starting today!

If you’re new and want to join in the PY fun, pop along to the project and pick up a consent form – we’d love to see you 🤩

Sugarier than Coke: Dentists press for government action on baby food

The British Dental Association has urged Government to step up and confront the baby food industry, after the most wide-ranging analysis of the UK baby food pouch market every undertaken has found no improvement in the sugar content. 

The professional body has noted that market leader Ella’s Kitchen, Piccolo and Aldi appear to have pre-empted the launch of this damning research on BBC’s Panorama tonight by confirming cosmetic changes to their labelling, to bring them in line with NHS guidance on not marketing products to infants under 6 months. While technically a ‘win,’ dentists’ leaders stress these changes do nothing to reduce grotesque levels of sugar or reign in ‘halo labelling’ claims. 

The BDA contacted Annabel Karmel, the worst offender from its last review in 2022, and was informed they have withdrawn from the UK market. 

Market analysis of 209 products aimed at children aged under 12 months – the largest such exercise ever attempted, and nearly double the BDA’s pioneering 2022 study – found: 

  • Top brands are actively undermining government guidance on weaning from around 6 months. At the time this research was undertaken market leader Ella’s Kitchen and Piccolo were pushing products to 4-month olds contrary to Government guidelines, simply stating that “every baby is different”.
  • It’s straightforward to offer lower sugar levels. While ‘natural’ levels of sugar are described by manufacturers as inevitable with fruit-based pouches, some brands offer products based on similar ingredients that contain a fraction of the sugar levels of the worst offenders. Aldi Mamia Organic’s Apple & banana porridge contains just 5.5g per 100g, a third of the levels of similar recipes at the very top of the table. Given there is no evidence of widespread systemic change, it underlines the need for government intervention.
  • Over a quarter contained more sugar by volume than Coca Cola, with parents of infants as young as four months marketed pouches that contain the equivalent of up to 184% of the sugar levels of the soft drink, dizzying heights not seen in the 2022 research. Those pouches are without exception fruit-based mixes.
  • ‘Boutique’ brands still appear to have higher levels of sugar than traditional baby food brands or own-brand alternatives. Market leader Ella’s Kitchen is now the worst offender, its Banana puree taking the sugar crown with 19.5g per 100g from Annabel Karmel’s now discontinued Apple, Blueberry and Banana, at 17.3g.
  • Nearly a quarter of products examined contained up to two thirds of an adult’s recommended maximum daily of free sugars. Neither the World Health Organization (WHO) nor the UK’s Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) cite a guideline limit for babies, simply stressing that as little should be consumed as possible.
  • The sector remains wedded to disingenuous language highlighting the presence of only “naturally occurring sugars” or the absence of “added sugars”, with others making opaque claims of products being “nutritionist approved”. All high-sugar products adopt ‘halo labelling’ principles, focusing on status as ‘organic’, ‘high in fibre’ or ‘containing 1 of your 5 a day’, misleading parents into thinking they are making healthy choices for their children. Kiddylicious offer a “bedtime blend” suggesting a product with 13g sugar per portion is appropriate before sleep.
  • Nearly 3/4  of the products examined exceeded the 5g of sugar per 100ml threshold set for the sugar levy applied to drinks. Dentists stress expansion of fiscal measures would likely have favourable outcomes in terms of encouraging reformulation.
  • Eating straight from the pouch. Since the withdrawal of Annabel Karmel from the UK market, the BDA has not been able to identify any manufacturers still recommending babies feed straight from the pouch. However, only two brands – Sainsbury’s and Lidl – rule out this out this approach, which adds to the risk of dental disease.  Asda specifically state that ‘eating straight from the pouch can contribute to tooth decay.’ 

The BDA are launching a petition to the Department of Health to double down in the fight on sugar, with mandatory regulation, and to build on tried and tested policies from both home and abroad.

BDA Chair Eddie Crouch said: “Parents of infants are still being marketed products sugarier than Coke. 

“It shouldn’t take dentists naming and shaming the worst offenders to bring about needed change. Voluntary action has failed. We need government to step up and force industry to do the right thing.”

Full data is available to download here…

THE WORST OFFENDERS:

Ella’s Kitchen – Banana Puree https://www.ellaskitchen.co.uk/shop/bananas-baby-puree

With the highest sugar by volume, Ella’s Kitchen takes the sugar crown from past holders Annabel Karmel, who have now discontinued their line of pouches.

Ella’s Kitchen appear to have raced changes to packaging to pre-empt Panorama airing, removing messages that targeted the 4-month year old market, undermining official guidance by citing government advice on weaning from 6 months, but noting that “every baby is different!”

They look set to maintain all the ‘halo labelling’ cliches on ‘no added sugar’, being ‘organic’. The one redeeming feature is pouches offer guidance not to consume the puree straight from the pouch.

For Aisha: Pear & pomegranate https://www.foraisha.com/product/pear-pomegranate-pouch-100g/

A brand that prides itself on exotic flavours – the only pouch on the market featuring pomegranate – takes silver for sugar levels, at 16.4g/100g targeting infants aged 4 months+

Aldi Mamia Organic: Bananas & Apples https://www.aldi.co.uk/product/mamia-apple-bananas-pouch-000000000346206001

The highest amount of sugar in any pouch identified – with a portion size so large for its target 4- month plus market it represents nearly 2/3 of an adult’s RDA of sugar, and the same amount of sugar as half a can of coke.

Piccolo: Pure mango https://www.mylittlepiccolo.com/products/babies/pouches/pure-mango/?srsltid=AfmBOoq0ChT7IjUfbtLJnmyHtdHDhQDwJ2ReiNAKYMdiLaN2PsU8-NNr

Pure mango does exactly what is says on the tin, delivering 15g/100g of sugar to the 4-month+ market, also claiming that ‘every baby is different.