Day: November 12, 2025

Breastfeeding in Scotland at highest rate ever recorded

Minister thanks NHS staff for their work supporting mothers

More than half of all babies in Scotland are now breastfed at 6 – 8 weeks, the first time this has been achieved since records began in 2002.

Latest Public Health Scotland Infant Feeding statistics for 2024-25 show that at the time of the 6-8 week review, 51% of babies were being breastfed – 34% exclusively and 17% a mixture of formula and breastfeeding. Inequalities are reducing – the numbers demonstrate that breastfeeding rates among those from the most deprived areas and younger mothers continue to increase. 

The new rates mean the Scottish Government has met the commitment to reduce the drop off in breastfeeding rates at the 6-8 week point by 10% by 2025.

The figures also reveal that 69% of newborns were breastfed for at least some time after birth (up 6% from 2016-17) – this includes an 11% increase in the most deprived areas, from 47% to 58%.

Minister for Public Health Jenni Minto said: “I welcome the news that so many babies in Scotland are now being breastfed. We will continue to protect, promote and support breastfeeding to give all babies the best nutritional start in life and to support families with their infant feeding choices as we know breastfeeding may not be possible for everyone.

“Of course, mothers benefit from support to breastfeed – from their families of course, but I also want to thank all the healthcare staff and their partner organisations who work tirelessly to educate and encourage new mums to achieve their breastfeeding goals.

“The Scottish Government has targeted an additional £11 million over the past seven years towards breastfeeding support. This extra funding has now been transferred to Health Boards so they can adapt their plans to suit local needs and it is particularly pleasing to see breastfeeding rates in the most deprived areas increasing.

“We have also seen good progress in Health Boards implementing the UNICEF UK Baby Friendly standards as a strong foundation for this work.

“Rates have increased in all Health Board areas since 2012/13 and we will keep building on this success as part of our continuing efforts to improve the health of the nation.”

Infant feeding statistics – Financial year 2024 to 2025 – Infant feeding statistics – Publications – Public Health Scotland

The Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative

More Edinburgh employers are paying a living wage

A growing number of employers across the capital are committing to paying the Real Living Wage.

New numbers released today to mark Living Wage Week reveal that there are now 790 accredited employers, collectively employing over 221,000 workers across Edinburgh.

Since last year there have been more than 40 new accreditations in the city, resulting in 13,683 workers receiving a welcome boost to their incomes.

The Real Living Wage is an independently calculated rate based on the actual cost of living. It’s paid voluntarily by employers and is updated annually to make sure hourly pay keeps up with the essential costs of housing, childcare, transport, and heating costs.

Living Wage week, which runs from 10 to 16 November, provides an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the movement to date, recognise its positive impact on workers and communities and to thank employers for maintaining their commitment, despite challenging business conditions.

Councillor Tim Pogson, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener and Co-Chair of the Edinburgh Fair Work Action Group, said: “I’m delighted that every year an increasing number of employers in Edinburgh are committing to paying the Real Living Wage, meaning thousands more workers are earning a fair day’s pay.

“There are now 790 Living Wage Employers – up more than 40 on last year – and I’d like to thank each and every one for making the effort to sign up.

“More than 80,000 residents in Edinburgh are struggling to make ends meet and earning a fair wage is key to tackling poverty and the rising costs of living. We want to continue working with employers to encourage them to commit to paying the Real Living Wage and Living Wage Week is a great opportunity to highlight this.

“There’s still so much work to do but I’m really encouraged by the great strides made by employers across the city, despite facing their own pressures.”

Kat Brogan, Managing Director of Mercat Tours and Co-Chair of the Edinburgh Fair Work Action Group said: “Employers in Edinburgh are continuing to put the wellbeing of their workers first by committing to paying the Real Living Wage. This is despite challenging economic conditions with rising business costs.

“Paying the Real Living Wage is more important than ever. The cost of living continues to rise, and we are seeing persistent levels of poverty in the city, particularly in-work poverty.

“We know that well paid, fair and secure work is one of the best and most sustainable routes out of poverty. By committing to paying the Real Living Wage, employers are doing their bit to support city-wide efforts to reduce levels of poverty.”