Author: davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

Getting On With The Job? Prime Minister rallies employers to help get 500,000 into work

Over 347,000 unemployed people on benefits have found work in just four months through the government’s Way to Work campaign – an ambitious national push to get half a million more people into jobs by the end of June.

  • new figures show 347,000 people have moved into work since January – thanks to a government-backed drive to fill vacancies
  • with one month to go until the campaign ends, the government is calling on UK employers to join forces with Jobcentres to help more people find work
  • alongside vital job support to lift incomes, the new £15 billion package to help with the cost of living will help millions of households

The Prime Minister and Work and Pensions Secretary haveurged employers of all sizes to use the free recruitment support from their local Jobcentre to help fill the record number of vacancies in the jobs market and support the continued economic recovery by getting people into work.

Since January, DWP jobcentres across the UK have been ramping up operations with weekly jobs fairs – bringing employers in for face-to-face appointments and offering jobs on the spot to thousands of people.

Jobseekers walking away with roles have also secured an income, with those getting full time work set to be thousands of pounds better off than if they were on benefits. Helping households improve their finances and manage current cost of living pressures is a key priority for the government, with a £15 billion package announced on Thursday to support almost all of the eight million most vulnerable households across the UK.

On a visit to the North East of England, the Prime Minister and Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey visited CityFibre, a new employer to the Way to Work campaign who have already benefitted from 200 new recruits from around the UK, hired through their local Jobcentres.

During the visit, they also met local employees who have secured skilled jobs as a result of the campaign and the support of their local Jobcentre.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: ““I was only ten years old when unemployment was last this low.

“But with a vast number of vacancies in the jobs market, it is more critical than ever to access the huge pool of untapped talent in towns and cities right across the country, which is why I am thrilled with the progress we have made with the Way to Work scheme.”

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Thérèse Coffey said: “Unemployment is at its lowest since the 1970s with full time workers across the UK £6000 better off than if they were on benefits.

“And there are still vacancies to fill. That’s why our jobcentres are helping employers short circuit the recruitment process so they can get talent in fast.

“So, if you’re hiring, make the most of the help on offer from us.”

Greg Mesch, Chief Executive at CityFibre said: “CityFibre is rolling out the UK’s finest digital infrastructure to millions of homes and businesses nationwide. To build these new Full Fibre networks, we’re creating thousands of new network construction  jobs and providing industry training to those that need it.

“We and our construction partners are working closely with DWP nationally, and local Jobcentres, by engaging with schemes like Way to Work. We look forward to increasing our involvement in the future.”

Alongside vital job support to help jobseekers secure an income, the new £15 billion cost of living support package will help almost all of the eight million most vulnerable households across the UK as they are set to receive help of at least £1,200 this year, including a new one-off £650 cost of living payment.

The government has also announced a £500 million increase for the Household Support Fund, delivered by local authorities, extending it to March 2023. This brings the total Household Support Fund to £1.5 billion.

To find out more about how DWP can help fill vacancies with quality candidates, please visit the Way to Work page on GOV.UK

A trickle of Tory MPs have submitted letters of no confidence in Boris Johnson following the publication of the Sue Gray report.

Unless that trickle becomes a flood over the weekend as MPs attend constituency surgeries it appears Johnson has got away with it. Again.

SUE-GRAY-REPORTDownload

Conifox enlists Living History Scotland to deliver a right Royal experience 

FIT FOR A QUEEN: Platinum Jubilee weekend will see the Adventure Park transform into the Kingdom of Conifox 

Conifox Adventure Park are calling all Knights and Princesses to join them for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend celebrations, where they will be able to enjoy a fun and interactive trail for all the family.  

Guests will be able to meet the Queen and rescue her husband the King as well as enjoy meeting other characters, including the Evil Knight and the King’s wacky jester! Children can also learn about life as a knight, handle authentic swords and even try on some armour. 

The family run business has enlisted the support of Ayrshire based company, Living History Scotland Ltd. that specialise in authentic costumed interpretation and re-enactments to deliver this once in a lifetime experience, which will take place on the Jubilee weekend (3rd – 5th June 2022) running across 2 sessions (morning; 09.30 – 13.00 and afternoon; 13.30 – 17.00). 

As well as meeting the Queen and her Lady-in-Waiting who will tell visitors about life in the Kingdom of Conifox, guests to the park over the Jubilee weekend will also be able to join in with Knight School as the Queen’s Guard teaches them about being a knight and introduces them to their weapons and armour.

Children and adults alike will also be able to venture into the maze and follow the trail of shields to find the King. The King’s Jester will be waiting in the maze and will have plenty of clues and wacky entertainment to help you on your way but remember, beware of the Evil Knight! 

James Gammell, Managing Director of Conifox Adventure Park, says: “Kirkliston was the location of the first recorded parliament in Scottish history; the Estates of Scotland met there in 1235, during the reign of Alexander the Second so we have some pretty important royal connections here.  

“The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is a really important occasion, and through teaming up with Living History Scotland we are able to deliver an immersive experience that will educate and entertain all of our visitors over the weekend.” 

This is a completely outdoor, all-weather event. Normal outdoor Adventure Park entry terms and conditions apply, and refunds or exchanges cannot be issued. Tickets for the Indoor Activity Centre must be purchased separately. 

Tickets to Kingdom of Conifox include access to the Adventure Park and cost £14 for children 2 and over, £6 for children 12-24 months and £6.50 for accompanying adults. Children younger than 12 months go free. 

To find out more visit www.conifox.co.uk/whats-on and/or Conifox Adventure Park’s dedicated Facebook page 

Speech and Language support at local Bookbug sessions

Muirhouse Library staff are delighted to welcome some of the team from Speech & Language Therapy to our Bookbug session at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre this coming Tuesday.

They’ll be around afterwards for an informal chat, should you want to discuss anything with them – and on the last Tuesday of the month thereafter.

Community lunch and local conversation in Muirhouse

FRIDAY 3 JUNE from 11.30 – 4pm

The Old Kirk & Muirhouse Parish Church, Pennywell Gardens

You are invited to this daytime event on Friday 3rd June, where we will host fun workshops to find out what you want for your local area.

Lunch is provided free of charge and there will be activities on offer to keep the kids occupied!

Pre-booking is required – click the link below or call Cara 07701 380928

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…/muirhouse-community…

Missing man: Have you seen James?

*** UPDATE: JAMES HAS BEEN TRACED SAFE AND WELL ***

Police have released an updated image as part of their ongoing appeal for the public’s help to trace a 53-year-old man reported missing from the Wester Hailes area.

There are growing concerns for James Allan who was last seen in Hailesland Grove about 5.30pm on Thursday (26th May 2022).

James is described as white, around 5ft 10ins, with long black hair. When last seen he was wearing a black jacket, brown jumper and black jeans.

Inspector Caroline Flynn, from Wester Hailes Police Station, said “Given the passage of time since James was last seen, we are growing increasingly concerned for his welfare.

“Anyone who may have seen James, or who has any information on his whereabouts, is urged to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 0448 of Friday, 27 May, 2022.

“Similarly if James sees this appeal I would ask him to get in touch to let us know he is safe.”

Monthly Mindful Walks with Stockbridge Library

Inspired by our recently received Walking Collection, we are starting a monthly mindful walking group to practice walking meditation.

The walk will be led mostly by our staff member Zina, who has been practising mindful walking and meditation for many years herself, though sometimes by other staff members.

We’ll walk every third Saturday of the month starting 18 June – 11:30am – 12:30pm.

Everyone is welcome!

To register, please ask at the reception, call us on 0131 529 5665 or email:

stockbridge.library@edinburgh.gov.uk

#Yourlibrary

#stockbridge

#libraryevents

Operation Soteria: cracking down on motorcycle crime

POLICE have seen an increase in the number of incidents involving the antisocial use of motorcycles in the Niddrie area.

Operation Soteria was set up in 2016 and is Edinburgh City Division’s response to significant community concerns linked to the theft and antisocial use of motorcycles across the city.

Inspector Fordyce from Craigmillar Police Station said: “It concerns me that young people continue to put themselves and others at risk by riding motorcycles dangerously in our area. We will not tolerate this behaviour and we are committed to tackling the issue and targeting offenders who put local communities at risk through their reckless conduct.

“Operation Soteria involves dedicated resources targeting key areas in order to bring an end to this potentially life threatening behaviour and we will use both overt and covert tactics as part of this operation.

“We are also appealing to parents and carers and the wider public to assist us by reporting these instances which will help ensure that our resources focus in the right areas. If you know of any of the young people involved in this activity and you’re able to speak to them directly, then please make sure that they are fully aware or the risk they are posing both to the community and to themselves.

“As we head into the summer months, it is important that those involved in this sort of criminality are identified and traced. I would ask anyone with information regarding this kind of behaviour to share that information and help us keep the residents of Edinburgh and our visitors safe.”

Anyone with information about motorcycle crime or the dangerous use of motorcycles can speak to officers confidentially and anonymously on 101, or though the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Forth Ports unveils plans for new waterfront development in Leith

Forth Ports has submitted a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) to The City of Edinburgh Council for Harbour 31, an exciting mixed-use development on a 10-acre waterfront site at Leith.

The development has the aspiration to create a vibrant new neighbourhood for Leith. The plans for the waterside location include: 700 – 800 residential apartments, a hotel, local retail, flexible workspaces and offices and leisure facilities. The site sits on a dockside location and fits well with the Council’s Local Development Plan as being housing-led, mixed use development.

The development will see the regeneration of land adjacent to the newly opened FirstStage Studios, providing a place to live and work, for both creative and green jobs, as the Port of Leith transitions to become Scotland’s premier renewables hub. The site will also benefit from the new tram extension due to open in mid-2023.

Carole Cran, Chief Financial Officer of landowners Forth Ports Group, said: “At Harbour 31 we plan to create a vibrant new quarter to live and work, as new creative and green jobs come to Leith.

“With the option to walk to work or an easy tram ride into the city centre, this new neighbourhood will be a focal point of Leith’s continued regeneration.”

An online public consultation will take place on 23 June 2022 from 3.00pm – 7.00pm via www.harbour31.com, where further details of the proposed development can be found.

Following the outcome of the public consultation, a full planning application will be submitted.

Granton veteran competes in international Games in Israel

A former Scots Guard from Edinburgh, who now works in Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory, is traveling to Israel today (SATURDAY 28th MAY) to compete in the Veteran Games.

Fraser Rowand, 41, from Granton, said that exercise was a vital part of his recovery from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

He will join around 65 veterans from across the UK to take part in the international event in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem next week (Sunday 29th May – Friday 3rd June).

First held in 2019, the Veteran Games bring together wounded, injured and sick Armed Forces veterans with their Israeli counterparts who are battling similar challenges. 

Fraser, a former Lance Corporal and father-of-five, has been selected to take part in the cross-fit and swimming events. He left the Army in 2013 after more than a decade’s service but struggled to adapt to civilian life after losing close friends in Afghanistan.

He managed to turn his life around with the help of Poppyscotland and joined the team at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory four years ago. He also started exercising in his free time and is working to qualify as a personal trainer.

Fraser said: “I didn’t realise I had PTSD until several years afterward, but I think it had always been there.  I lost three close friends in Afghanistan. It’s hard to describe what it was like out there, but you just had to get on with doing the job.

“When I left, I found it hard to settle down to a civilian job. In the Army you’re part of a big team, and you lose that when you leave. It was only through sitting down with different organisations that I was able to start working through it.

“I was very fortunate to hear about the job at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory. It’s all set up for veterans and you’ve got that camaraderie here. I don’t know what I would have done without it.

“I’m really excited about this opportunity. I’ve never done an international competition, but I’m looking forward to competing with other veterans and meeting like-minded people.”

Fraser’s wife, Susan, will be traveling with him along with other competitors’ families. They will also have a chance to take part in social and cultural activities over the week.

The Veteran Games are organised by Beit Halochem UK, a national charity devoted to raising awareness and funds for Israel’s wounded veterans and victims of terror. The event recognises the fundamental role played by sport and family in supporting veterans’ recovery after physical and psychological challenges.

Participants compete in a wide range of sports, while also learning how their respective countries provide care for former servicemen and women who are wounded, sick and injured. 

Charlie Pelling, manager of Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory,said: “We’re delighted that Fraser has been selected to compete and wish him the best of luck.

“The Veteran Games is a wonderful initiative that recognises the important role of sport and comradeship in supporting veterans’ physical and mental health.  This is an opportunity to highlight the resilience of our Armed Forces community and raise awareness of issues facing them and their families.”

The first event of its kind, the Veteran Games and Conference is funded entirely by philanthropic donations, with Poppyscotland and Legion Scotland providing support with travel expenses for five Scottish competitors.

Events will be held at Beit Halochem’s pioneering state-of-the-art facilities, which offers rehabilitation, sports and recreation centres and lifelong care for disabled veterans and their families in Israel.

The conference will see internationally renowned academics and mental health experts from both countries meet to discuss veterans’ health, recovery, and welfare issues.

Launching the event, Leo Docherty MP, Minister for Defence People and Veterans, said: “Sport is an integral part of the rehabilitation and recovery journey for wounded veterans.

“The 2022 Veteran Games highlights how sport can provide amazing opportunities for veterans across the globe to connect, over shared experiences.

“I wish good luck to all the athletes in this year’s games and thank charities across the UK for their continued dedication and support for our disabled veterans.”

App meets milestone on Menstrual Hygiene Day

Over 1000 locations on period product locator app

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A mobile app that helps people find free period products now links to over 1,000 places across Scotland.

The app, launched in January, is part of the world leading work that saw Scotland become the first country in the world to make period products widely available for free ahead of the Period Products Act coming into force in August.

Marking World Menstrual Hygiene Day, Social Justice Secretary Shona Robison also highlighted Scottish Government support for a project in Rwanda to help people make and sell reusable period products in their communities.

Ms Robison said: “The PickUpMyPeriod locator now connects to over 1000 locations across Scotland, making it easier than ever for people to access free period products when they need them. This is more important than ever at a time when people are making difficult choices due to the rising cost of living.

“As we celebrate these world-leading achievements this Menstrual Hygiene Day, it is important to remember that not everyone has access to period products. However, it is inspiring to see other countries around the world taking our approach to period dignity. This also includes Rwanda, where we’ve provided WaterAid with £100,000 to

equip women with the skills, tools and materials they need to produce affordable reusable period pads, enabling them to create a steady income.

“We recognise that period dignity goes beyond provision of free period products, which is why we have also provided funding for a period dignity website for employers, run a successful anti-stigma campaign, and improved the menstrual health resources available for teachers.”

Elizabeth McKernan, Partnerships Manager WaterAid Scotland said: “This year, we are focusing on the importance of having the right information and the right products and resources needed for a safe, healthy period.

“We believe that no one should be left in the dark, or in the red, when it comes to periods. That means, making sure that people have decent education about their menstrual cycle and menstrual hygiene, clean water to wash with and decent toilets to manage their period, and sanitary products to keep clean.

“We welcome this important work here in Scotland by the Scottish Government and their support for our work in Rwanda, which is helping women and girls to manage their period with dignity.”

Learn more about Menstrual Hygiene Day 2022

Download the PickupMyPeriod app for IOS or Android devices