Grangemouth workers made redundant following the refinery closure will be prioritised for roles created through the Scottish Government’s £25 million Grangemouth Just Transition Fund, thanks to a new clause in grant funding awarded.
In partnership with Unite the Union, the Grangemouth Jobs Prioritisation Scheme will ensure that all Scottish Enterprise grant awards from the Fund to businesses will give priority to eligible Grangemouth workers during recruitment. Crucially, it will be conditional for any business receiving investment through the Grangemouth Just Transition Fund to participate in this scheme.
Scottish Enterprise has been working with businesses and the Scottish and UK Governments to secure new investment at Grangemouth. The First Minister has committed £25 million to establish the Grangemouth Just Transition Fund to support businesses to bring forward new propositions to secure Grangemouth’s future.
First Minister John Swinney said: “Supporting the just transition to a low carbon economy is one of our highest priorities for government, but we understand the risk this transition brings to businesses and skilled workers in the oil and gas sector.
“We’re taking meaningful steps to ensure that our workers and communities are not left behind in the journey to net zero and that fairness and equality are at the heart of our actions. The Grangemouth Jobs Prioritisation Scheme – developed in partnership with Unite – is a concrete example of this, helping workers secure new opportunities and ensuring that their vital experience, skills and knowledge are not lost to Grangemouth and to Scotland. This is a just transition in action.
“By ensuring workers who were made redundant following the cessation of refining at Grangemouth are prioritised for these new jobs, we are making sure that public funds directly support people and livelihoods – rightly bringing the workforce with us as we move towards the clean energies of the future.”
Susan Fitzgerald, Unite Secretary, said: “Unite has fought every day for the replacement of the highly-skilled jobs lost as a result of the Grangemouth oil refinery closing.
“We continue to demand concrete action for workers during the energy transition, and that far more needs to be done to support new jobs in greener industries.”
“The Grangemouth pilot scheme will apply conditionalities to companies in receipt of public sector funding, which will include a job interview guarantee for eligible workers. We understand this approach is a first across the UK.
“The scheme has involved the active participation of our Grangemouth members and it is one which Unite welcomes.
“It is now time to deliver with urgency the promised new jobs and investment for the workers and people of Grangemouth if we are to achieve any resemblance of a genuine Just Transition.”
Disabled people will be at the heart of the first ever full review of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) following the appointment of two co-chairs, and the launch of a recruitment process for its wider steering group, says DWP
First ever full review of Personal Independence Payment to be led by disabled people with appointment of two co-chairs.
Recruitment for steering group launched to lead co-production and provide strategic direction.
UK Government to partner with disabled people to make sure their views and voices are at the heart of policy making.
Disabled people will be at the heart of the first ever full review of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) following the appointment of two co-chairs, and the launch of a recruitment process for its wider steering group.
Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE and Sharon Brennan have been appointed as co-chairs of the Timms Review, alongside the Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms.
Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE brings more than 25 years’ experience as a national advocate for disability rights, co-production and social justice. He is Associate Director at Think Local Act Personal, a Trustee of Disability Rights UK, and National Development Team for Inclusion.
Sharon Brennan brings expertise from previous roles including as Director of Policy and External Affairs at National Voices, a coalition of health and care charities, and advising the Department for Transport on accessibility as a member of the Disabled Person’s Transport Advisory Committee.
Since PIP was introduced over a decade ago, there have been shifting trends in long-term health conditions and disability, plus changes in wider society and the workplace.
Close to 10 million working age people are disabled, and this number has grown by nearly 3 million since 2013/14. There have been greater increases in the prevalence of disability among young people and a rise in mental health conditions.
However, despite these shifts, PIP has never been fully reviewed until now.
The aim of this review is to make sure PIP fairly reflects the reality of the impact of people’s conditions in the modern world, as well as considering the needs of disabled people more widely. It will look at the role of PIP in enabling disabled people to live independently and fully participate in society, as well as the role of the assessment in unlocking wider support.
Minister for Social Security and Disability, Stephen Timms said: “We’re ensuring disabled people and those with long-term health conditions can access the same opportunities, choices, and chances as everyone else.
“That’s why we’re putting them at the heart of the first ever full review of PIP – making sure it is fair and fit for the future.
“I’m delighted to welcome Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE and Sharon Brennan as the Review’s co-chairs and encourage people with lived experience to apply to be part of this important work.”
The Review will be co-produced with disabled people, the organisations that represent them and other experts, and will explore how PIP helps people manage and adapt to their long-term condition or disability in ways that expand their functioning and improve their independence.
An Expression of Interest has launched today to recruit 12 members for the Review’s steering group – the majority of whom will be disabled people or representatives of Disabled People’s Organisations – and will lead the co-production and strategic direction of the Review.
The steering group will not work alone: it will oversee a programme of participation that brings together the full range of views and voices. It will also draw on a broad range of evidence, sources and co-production methodologies to develop its recommendations.
Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE said: “We have an opportunity to ensure PIP reflects the everyday realities of disabled people’s lives.
“I’m committed to working with my fellow co-chairs and the steering group so this benefit becomes something that empowers rather than frustrates: a system built on dignity, fairness, and trust.”
Sharon Brennan said: “As a disabled person myself, I know from experience that disabled people are often disregarded on issues that affect them, so I am delighted that with this Review we will see them leading the conversation.
“The Government’s commitment to co-production of the Review will put the expertise and experience of disabled people at the heart of the important change we’re determined deliver.”
The Review’s Terms of Reference have also been updated following changes made to the Universal Credit Act, and to provide further clarity on the Review’s scope.
The Review is expected to report to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions by Autumn 2026, with an interim update expected ahead of that.
Today’s announcement follows extensive engagement that the Minister for Social Security and Disability undertook over the summer, meeting with representatives from over 50 organisations across the disability, welfare and co-production sectors, to discuss how co-production should be approached.
Alongside today’s announcement, as previously outlined in the Pathways to Work Green Paper, we will also continue to consider ways of using evidence from eligibility for other services to reduce the need for some people with very severe health conditions and disabilities to undergo a full PIP functional assessment.
We have also begun to explore how the process of transferring supporting medical evidence from the NHS to the department could be digitalised, where people have already consented to the NHS sharing that with us. This could reduce the administrative burden on both PIP applicants and the NHS as well as speed up the overall claim journey.
The Expression of Interest is available on GOV.UK and will run for four weeks. Alternative formats (including BSL, Easy Read and audio) are available on request via GOV.UK.
The Timms Review will report to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions by autumn 2026.
New figures show NHS waiting lists in Scotland have fallen and waits of more than a year have reduced for the fourth month in a row.
When compared with August 2025, September saw a 7.3% decrease in new outpatient waits longer than a year – this number has now fallen for four consecutive months. The total waiting list for outpatients has decreased by 2.0% on the same month last year, and the inpatient and daycase waiting list has fallen by 0.2% over the same period.
Treatment Time Guarantee waits of over a year have decreased by 5.9% when compared to last month. These waits have been dropping since February 2025 and are now lower than at the same point last year. Reductions are seen under both 2012 and 2023 waiting times guidance.
The latest figures show that activity has increased, with the number of new outpatient attendances for September increasing by 10,136 (9.5%) to 116,776 attendances when compared with August. There has also been an increase of more than 31,000 appointments and procedures from April to September compared to same period in 2024.
Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “These new figures show our plan is working and delivering for the people of Scotland – we have provided more than £110 million of additional targeted funding this year to tackle the longest waits and we are now seeing the tangible impact of our significant investment.
“We are not only seeing the total list size and longest waits come down, but we are also treating more people with activity increasing significantly compared to last month and last year. My thanks to all teams across the country who are working so hard to drive these improvements.
“Despite this progress, we know that many people are still facing unacceptable waits and we are determined to build on these improvements and ensure people receive the treatment they need as soon as possible.”
Work has begun at the Waterfront location in Granton for the Edinburgh Social Bite Village move
Leading homelessness charity Social Bite is today celebrating the first diggers starting construction work on the Granton Waterfront site where it will relocate its pioneering Edinburgh village.
Residents of the Village joined Executive Director and co-founder of the charity, Josh Littlejohn MBE, on a visit to the site which will soon become home for up to 16 people who have experienced homelessness.
The new location will bring with it a refresh of the Hub, the communal area for villagers to cook, gather and relax, and the introduction of seven new one-bedroom ‘Nest Houses’ which have been re-designed and improved, following resident feedback.
In March this year, Edinburgh Councillors voted unanimously in favour of the relocation of the Social Bite Village. As well as reviewing proposed plans, councillors were shown illustrations of the new community growing space from design company HOKO, and heard from Josh Littlejohn, Ewan Aitken and former resident Mary about the benefits of the village.
The new location is less than a mile from the old site and boasts extensive views of The Forth Bridges – a sight many former and current villagers have grown fond of during walks along the coastline.
The bespoke supported accommodation model has had proven success since the Edinburgh Village first opened in 2018. Charity partner and fellow homelessness prevention organisation, Cyrenians, will continue to deliver round-the-clock support. Cyrenians has been a key part of Social Bite’s work in supporting the reintegration of 100 people into the community by helping residents to develop skills and confidence.
Social Bite has worked closely with Cyrneians to secure West Shore Recreation Ground on the Granton Waterfront. The new site is suited not just to residents’ needs, such as proximity to transport links for going to work, college or shopping, but also offers what they want, including greenspace and walkability to the Granton seaside.
Residential volunteer Amber joined Josh Littlejohn on the visit to the new site. She said:“It’s going to be really good for wellbeing, being this close to the ocean. The site is really accessible for a walk with my dog, Leo. We often take him along the coast.
“I have lived at the Village since end of May 2025, which I’m very grateful for. I was interested in the opportunity to help others and see how such a village runs and supports people. It’s a very unique set up that I had not seen before.”
Josh Littlejohn MBE, founder of Social Bite, said:“We always knew the village was originally built on a ‘meanwhile use’ site, so it’s great to see this relocation of the project taking shape on such a stunning seafront location. With diggers arriving and work beginning, it’s a really exciting time.
“As well as moving location, we are taking the opportunity to expand and improve the village by introducing seven of our newly designed Nest Houses, a new community hub and a community growing space.
“With many cities all over the UK declaring housing emergencies and becoming overly reliant on expensive, substandard temporary accommodation, we are really proud of the village project in demonstrating a better alternative that can also make use of innovative construction methods and ‘meanwhile’ land options.”
Amy Hutton, Director of Services at Cyrenians, said:“It is exciting to see this new chapter of the Social Bite Village begin in earnest.
“The community that Cyrenians and Social Bite have established in this area has made a profound difference to many people, and we are pleased that we will be able to continue this work just down the hill from the original location.
“We know from our projects which span the Southeast of Scotland, that stability, privacy, and community is a lifeline for those who have not been afforded that right, and I am pleased that we will be able to offer that support to more people as this project continues.”
The success of the Edinburgh Village serves as a blueprint for other similar projects planned by the charity. Its design offers people affected by homelessness living in unsupported temporary accommodation or other insecure housing a safe and supportive community in which to find a fresh start.
At the end of their time at the village, residents are supported in transitioning to permanent accommodation. So far, the Edinburgh Village has helped over 100 residents, many of whom have gone on to secure employment, reconnect with family, and move into their own permanent homes.
Work has begun thanks to the generous support of Social Bite’s industry partners, including Advance, GSS Developments. Detailed digital assets of the site have provided by HOKO Design – the Glasgow-based architecture practice founded by celebrity architect Danny Campbell – can be viewed here: Village relocation – planning drawings.
For more information on the Edinburgh Village, visit:
Deaf people will be able to access essential services more easily from today onwards with the launch of a free mobile app.
SignPort will enable Deaf people to book British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters in just a few steps, see who their interpreter will be and communicate with them securely.
It was developed by Deaf Action and Burrotech through the Scottish Government’s CivTech programme after a review found that the existing booking system is fragmented and time-consuming, with back-and-forth email exchanges leading to missed appointments and educational barriers.
CivTech invites companies to work with government departments, public bodies and charities to develop innovations which improve people’s lives and drive business growth.
Through the scheme, the Scottish Government has supported SignPort’s development with £350,000. Six public bodies have currently included the app in their BSL plans with the Scottish Government encouraging more organisations to use the platform.
Launching SignPort at Deaf Action’s headquarters in Edinburgh, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “This app builds on our commitment to make Scotland a more inclusive place for Deaf people.
“It also represents exactly the kind of innovation we want to see through our CivTech programme – technology that transforms lives and removes barriers.
“By putting Deaf people and interpreters at the heart of its design, this app addresses challenges that have persisted for too long.
As a social enterprise, SignPort will reinvest in the very communities it serves, creating lasting change beyond improving bookings.
SCOTTISH WATER – ‘DRAINING THE RAIN’ ON CORSTORPHINE ROAD
A £3million project to help prevent wet wipes and other sewer related debris from entering the Water of Leith at Murrayfield in Edinburgh is nearly complete.
Since June, Corstorphine Road has been reduced to one lane while Scottish Water upgrades a key storm overflow, constructing a new spill chamber and screens.
Earlier this month a giant 20 tonne concrete ‘lid’ was lowered into place, marking a major milestone for the project.
Scottish Water Senior Project Manager Ethan Gillies Denning said: “Work has progressed well, despite challenging ground conditions and we are aiming to finish by early December.
“We are extremely grateful to road users and residents who have been patient throughout and have coped well with the disruption on their doorstep.
“We have worked closely with Murrayfield Stadium and Edinburgh City Council to make sure hundreds of thousands of fans have been able to get safely to major events such as the Oasis concerts.
“Similar arrangements are being made so that supporters should have no problems at the autumn rugby internationals that kick off this weekend.
“These projects can be difficult to deliver but once completed, the benefits will ensure the environment is protected for many years to come.”
The project is part of Scottish Water’s Improving Urban Waters programme, an additional £500million package of investment to improve the environment and make it more enjoyable for customers to explore their local area.
Working closely with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) Scottish Water has identified 108 high-priority storm overflows for improvement or replacement for water quality or aesthetic – sewer related debris – reasons.
Under the banner ‘Draining the Rain, Enhancing the Environment’ the investment helps prevent sewage related debris such as wet wipes from entering the environment during periods of rainfall.
The project is being delivered by Scottish Water’s alliance partner Caledonia Water Alliance (CWA).
Customer Manager Jennifer Renton said: “Work has progressed well despite some challenges along the way, and we sincerely appreciate the public’s understanding and patience throughout the process.
“We are proud and grateful to be part of Scottish Water’s Improving Urban Waters programme, an important investment in enhancing our environment for future generations.”
Tracy Gilbert MP’s Absent Voting (Scotland and Wales) Bill, the first Private Member’s Bill of the new Parliament, has now received Royal Assent, officially becoming law.
The new legislation will make it easier for voters in Scotland and Wales to apply for a postal or proxy vote in devolved elections, allowing them to do so online.
Currently, voters must apply for postal or proxy votes using physical forms, a process that can be particularly challenging for people with disabilities or those living overseas. The new law will remove those barriers and modernise the voting system ahead of next year’s Scottish and Welsh elections.
1/2 My Absent Voting Bill has now received Royal Assent and become law, the first Private Member’s Bill of this Parliament! It means it can be used in the Scottish and Welsh elections next year, which feels like a such an achievement. pic.twitter.com/rOKtu53RNR
Tracy Gilbert MP said:“I’m incredibly proud that my Bill has now become law, and as the first Private Member’s Bill of this Parliament to do so.
“It now gives both the Scottish and Welsh Governments the time they need to implement these changes ahead of next year’s Holyrood and Senedd elections, ensuring voters can benefit from this new, more accessible system.”
Twelve households have celebrated becoming council tenants after the future of their homes was secured.
A community event was held by local residents on Friday (24 October), marking the final phase of the City of Edinburgh Council’s purchase of 78 homes over three phases on the Dreghorn Estate from the Ministry of Defence (MOD).
Local resident Mandy Burgen said: “It has been an extremely worrying time for residents and their families since we heard the news back in February that the MOD planned to serve notice to vacate their properties to sell.
“We took our concerns to local councillors and our local MP to ask for help, and they have responded with speed and integrity at every level. Estate officers along with the Finance and Resources Committee and residents worked to find solutions in preventing 12 families from being made homeless at a time when our city is in the midst of a housing crisis.
“We’ve seen a clear demonstration of strategically finding solutions and implementing changes to provide a positive outcome for families within the estate. Increasing the council’s housing stock has come at such a much-needed time.
“For the community who faced being made homeless it has been such a relief to now call their houses of many years, their homes. We cannot thank the council enough for their diligence over the past year.”
Finance and Resources Convener, Mandy Watt, said: “I’m delighted that we’ve been able secure Dreghorn’s future. It is a joy to see existing residents celebrate becoming council tenants, safe in the knowledge they can remain in their homes.
“We’ve also purchased homes from the MOD which are empty, significantly boosting the amount of safe, affordable, council housing available in Colinton. This is particularly good news when our housing need has never been greater, while the cost of building homes has increased.
“I’m grateful to the local community and all councillors and council officers who have helped us reach this milestone.”
Phil Riley, Director of Accommodation at Defence Infrastructure Organisation, said: “Working closely with colleagues at the City of Edinburgh Council we have been able find a solution that suits all parties.
“The purchase of these properties by the council not only secures the long-term future of residents but allows us to reinvest the proceeds and target funds where they are most needed across the Defence estate.”
Red Hot Chilli Pipers announced to headline the community programme
Excitement mounts as Edinburgh’s Christmas opening is less than 3 weeks away
Traditional Norwegian Christmas Tree & Advent Concert to light-up The Mound and herald beginning of Edinburgh’s winter celebrations
Plus, Scottish bagpiping icons, silent discos, ceilidhs, carol concerts and more top the bill for the beloved Ross Bandstand
With just under three weeks until Edinburgh’s Christmas events and attractions open to Edinburgh residents and visitors, the full Ross Bandstand programme has been unveiled, promising a lively hub of family-friendly and community events, taking place across four weekends leading up to Christmas.
From a showstopping performance from the world-famous Red Hot Chilli Pipers to St. Andrew’s Day ceilidhs, carol concerts, Santa Runs and more, the much-loved Ross Bandstand stage will be at the centre of Edinburgh’s seasonal celebrations for 2025.
A full list of highlights includes:
Norwegian Christmas Tree Light-Up – Tuesday 18 November, 6pm (Public switch on at 6.15pm):
A beloved annual tradition which recognises the help given to the Nordic country by Scots during World War II, this special event stands as a powerful symbol of friendship between the two nations. Each year, the must-see light-up of the gorgeous Norwegian Spruce Christmas Tree on the Mound marks a cherished moment in the city’s festive calendar, heralding the beginning of Edinburgh’s winter celebrations.
The ceremony is followed by Scottish-Norwegian advent concert at St Giles’ Cathedral at 7pm, where locals and visitors alike are invited to join in for a night of musical reflection. This event is free to attend, with St Giles’ providing an atmospheric, accessible venue for elves of all ages to enjoy!
Light Night Concert at West Princes Street Gardens – Sunday 23 November, 2pm until 6pm:
Edinburgh’s Christmas team is busy decking the halls – and the stage! – for an afternoon of Christmas magic, featuring an appearance from the Big Man himself.
Between 2pm and 4pm, the warm-up features local community groups, choirs and dancers taking over the stage with roaming entertainment, from juggling elves and face painting to dazzling Snow Queens.
From 4pm until 6pm, the main event includes enchanting magical acts, big choir singalongs and a special visit from Santa, with a lantern parade and collaborations with Edinburgh’s cultural venues adding extra festive sparkle.
This is a must-attend for families – giggles and jingles guaranteed! Free entry and no tickets required, just turn up on the day and get ready to sing!
A Taste of Scotland – Saturday 29 November, 12pm until 6pm (free to attend):
The Red Hot Chilli Pipers take centre stage at the Ross Bandstand to headline a free day of fun celebrating Scotland’s culture, craft and community spirit. Renowned across the world for their signature “bagrock” sound, the group’s high-energy performances fuse traditional pipes with rock anthems, promising to round off the day in unforgettable style.
Earlier in the day, explore stalls from Scottish makers in recognition of Fair Saturday – the global movement that celebrates artists, cultural organisations, and social projects the day after Black Friday. With live music from local performers, Highland dancers, hearty stovies and more, it’s the perfect way to celebrate Scotland’s creativity and charm!
St Andrew’s Day Ceilidh & Market – Sunday, 30 November, 12pm until 6pm (free to attend):
Celebrating St. Andrew’s Day, Ross Bandstand comes alive on 30 November with a special free Family Ceilidh. This year, The Sensational Jimi Shandrix Experience will take to the stage – a band renowned as one of the top ceilidh acts in the world.
With a caller to teach the steps, it doesn’t matter whether you are a dab hand at the Dashing White Sergeant or a first time Highland Flinger, everyone’s in for a lively whirl. These traditional Scottish dances are as fun and joyful to watch as they are to join, with local Highland Dancers on hand to show how it’s done.
This event also brings back the local makers’ market and delicious food stalls from A Taste of Scotland on Saturday, offering another chance to browse unique crafts and enjoy a taste of Scotland’s finest fare.
Nativity Scene Carols on The Mound – Sunday 30 November, 5pm until 6pm, Mound Place:
Once again, the beautiful Nativity Scene, crafted by Munich sculptor Thomas Hildenbrand, returns to The Mound as a central part of Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations. Since 2023, the stunning display has become a much-loved seasonal landmark, offering a quiet space for reflection amid the bustle of the festive period.
This year, the scene will be blessed by Reverend Leo Cushley, Archbishop of St Andrews & Edinburgh, marking the beginning of the city’s Christmas celebrations and inviting residents and visitors alike to pause and share in the message of peace and hope that lies at the heart of Christmas.
After the blessing, visitors are invited to join the annual Nativity Carol Concert held in collaboration with Edinburgh Churches Together in Assembly Hall’s beautiful Courtyard, featuring performances from local school and church choirs. This event is free to attend, with everyone welcome!
Edinburgh Sings – Saturday 6 December, 2pm until 5pm:
Enjoy a wholesome afternoon of free festive music with performances from community and performance choirs. Audiences can expect performances of their favourite carols and Christmas classics at the Ross Bandstand, with plenty of opportunity to join in!
Santa Run and Santa Paws – Sunday 7 December, 11am (registration 9.30am to 10.30am – starts 11am):
Edinburgh’s Christmas is delighted to welcome the beloved When You Wish Upon a Star Edinburgh Santa Fun Run & Walk, celebrating 21 years this winter.
The event sees Santas, Elves, Olafs and other festive creatures run, jog or walk around the 2.5km circuit in West Princes Street Gardens to fundraise money for a very deserving cause.
When You Wish Upon a Star is a Scottish charity that makes the dreams of children with life-threatening diseases come true. Those who would like to take part, can register and purchase tickets here.
If you are worried about your furry friends feeling left behind, worry no more: Santa Paws is here! A Santa Run but for animals, Santa Paws sees our canine friends throw on their best festive outfits and make a run for it.
With photo opportunities, activities throughout the afternoon and a dog show of best dressed pups on the Bandstand stage, West Princes Street Gardens is paw-sitively the place to be this festive season!
Silent Disco Christmas Cracker – Saturday 13 December, 6.30pm-8pm:
Get ready to dance the night away beneath the spectacular backdrop of Edinburgh Castle as the Christmas Cracker returns to the Ross Bandstand.
Partygoers can choose from three music channels packed with festive favourites, with both a static DJ and a roving DJ going head-to-head to deliver the ultimate Christmas playlist.
A lively, feel-good celebration, this event promises an unforgettable night of music, lights and festive cheer right in the heart of the city.
Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “Christmas is beginning to arrive in Edinburgh, and there’s so much to look forward to across this year’s celebrations. From festive performances and community celebrations to special moments for families, most of the events on offer are free so there truly is something for everyone to enjoy.
“I’m especially delighted to welcome the ever popular Red Hot Chilli Pipers to the Ross Bandstand for what promises to be a showstopping performance. I’m sure it will be a real highlight of the season and a fantastic way for people to get in the holiday spirit.”
A Unique Assembly spokesperson said: “West Princes Street Gardens will be bursting with festive cheer this winter, with a packed programme of free and ticketed community events spreading Christmas cheer and a warm Scottish welcome to locals and visitors alike.
“Whether singing loud for all to hear at the Light Night Concert and Silent Disco Christmas Cracker, birling beneath Edinburgh Castle to live ceilidh bands, watching the world-famous Red Hot Chilli Pipers sleighing the stage on St. Andrews Day weekend, or joining hundreds of Santas for a run around West Gardens, there is festive fun for everyone!’
Ambulance staff subjected to violence and harassment on alcohol-related callouts, study finds
Stronger regulation of late-night alcohol sales and marketing likely to help
Scottish ambulance staff are frequently being subjected to violence, aggression and sexual harassment when they attend alcohol-related callouts, according to new research.
The first-of-its-kind study by the University of Stirlingreveals anxiety and frustration among ambulance staff and warns that alcohol-related ambulance callouts have knock-on effects on responses to other patients.
The authors of the study highlight the need for improved support options for patients with chronic alcohol problems, as well as stronger government regulation. Limiting the sale of alcohol after midnight to fewer premises, and introducing restrictions on alcohol marketing, would help reduce this demand for ambulances over time, they say.
The qualitative study, funded by the Chief Scientist Office, part of Scottish Government, is believed to be the first to give voice to ambulance staff on the challenges of dealing with emergency callouts linked to alcohol consumption.
Researchers interviewed 27 frontline ambulance clinicians across Scotland, including paramedics and paramedic technicians, as well as four senior Scottish Ambulance Service staff.
Interviewees reported unpredictable behaviour from intoxicated patients, with callouts taking place in difficult environments – bars, clubs and streets – where ambulance staff regularly experienced violence and harassment from patients and bystanders.
One male paramedic technician who took part in the study said: “The only times I’ve been physically threatened, if not assaulted, have always been drunk patients.
“I’ve been punched, I’ve been kicked, I’ve been bit(ten). I’ve been chased with knives due to drunk people.”
Sexual harassment was more commonly reported by female staff. One female paramedic technician said: “The thing is that you don’t know how [intoxicated patients] are going to turn, ‘cause one minute they can be nice and the next minute they can be…It’s almost like the flick of a switch and they can just turn so nasty.”
The frequency and repetitive nature of callouts – with the same patient often needing to be attended to multiple times – were seen as having a huge impact on the ambulance service, adding significantly to an already very heavy workload. This was the case all year round but exacerbated by certain events.
One female paramedic technician said: “I think when we are stretched to the limit, resources-wise, we are getting these calls through.
“We feel that they are having a massive impact on our staffing, our resources…sometimes we can go to two and three and four alcohol-related call-outs in a row. It gets to the stage where you’re thinking, oh no, not another one.”
She added: “We kind of dread the football matches and we think, oh no, where are they playing? Are they playing at home this day?
“Or we dread New Year, or we dread the Christmas season, where we’re having the office parties and you’re thinking, oh, here we go.”
Calls to patients with alcohol dependence were particularly time-consuming due to the complexities of these patients’ needs, commonly including mental ill-health – with ambulance staff reporting that they take a lot longer than other jobs.
One male paramedic explained: “You go to someone who’s got chest pain and is an alcoholic [sic] that could potentially go up to two hours, two and a half hours because it’s really hard to do the assessment, it just slows everything down.
“And you’ve got the ones that don’t want to travel, and they have to travel or they’re being awkward, or you end up with the police there as well.”
Dr Isabelle Uny, Research Fellow at the University of Stirling’s Institute for Social Marketing and Health (ISMH) and lead author of the paper, said: “Our findings show the extent to which alcohol consumption, both on social occasions and by people with alcohol dependence, adds to the pressure on ambulance services and staff.
“We found that ambulance staff displayed a deep duty of care to these patients, despite the frustrations, challenges and aggression, and often treated experience of violence or harassment as routine.”
One in six ambulance callouts in Scotland are alcohol-related, according to previous research by the University of Stirling.
The findings come as the Scottish Government considers further action to restrict alcohol marketing, which, if implemented, is likely to be helpful over time.
The UK government is currently seeking evidence on reforms to the alcohol licensing system in England and Wales that Stirling researchers say would have the opposite effect – further increasing the numbers of premises selling alcohol from an already record high and making it harder for local authorities to regulate late-night sales.
Professor Niamh Fitzgerald, the principal investigator on the study, and Director of ISMH, said “The latest UK government proposals to further liberalise the alcohol licensing system are likely to increase pressure on ambulance services in England and Wales – making alcohol even more easily available twenty-four seven, including from shops and via rapid delivery.
“These findings remind us that this would be bad news for efforts to reduce ambulance waiting times.
“We already know what measures work to reduce the harmful impacts of alcohol – restricting availability, increasing price, and reducing marketing – it is up to both local and national governments to decide to take those measures.”
Professor Sir Ian Gilmore, Chair of the Alcohol Health Alliance UK, said: “This research provides a stark reminder of the profound impact alcohol has on our emergency services – placing an avoidable strain on hospitals, paramedics, and other frontline staff, and diverting vital resources away from patients with other urgent medical needs.
“Current UK Government plans to make alcohol even more accessible are deeply concerning. These proposals risk exacerbating the pressures on emergency services and making it harder for frontline workers to do their jobs and protect the public.”
A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We recognise the impact of alcohol-related harm and addiction in Scotland, and we strongly condemn violence and aggression against our staff. It is not acceptable.
“These incidents can have a significant and lasting impact on our people, sometimes even leading them to leave the ambulance service.
“They have the right to carry out their work helping patients and saving lives without fear of assault or abuse, and we will work with Police Scotland to take action against perpetrators.”
