TWENTY years gap in life expectancy between rich and poor
A new report from National Records of Scotland (NRS) highlights differences in outcomes for people living in the most deprived areas of Scotland compared to the least deprived areas.
Data from “Scotland’s Population 2020 – The Registrar General’s Annual Review of Demographic Trends” shows that the death rate for all causes of death in the most deprived areas of Scotland was 1.9 times the rate in the least deprived areas.
The rates for drug-related deaths (18.4 times as large), alcohol-specific deaths (4.3 times as large), suicides (3.0 times as large), and COVID-19 deaths (2.4 times as large) were all notably higher in the most deprived areas.
This Annual Review provides a unique analysis of a wide range of datasets, highlighting emerging trends across a number of important themes.
Pete Whitehouse, Director of Statistical Services, said: “Our report on Scotland’s Population in 2020 shows that the death rate from all causes in the most deprived areas of Scotland is nearly double the death rate of people in our least deprived areas.
“The difference in death rates is higher for drug-related deaths, alcohol-specific deaths, suicides, and COVID-19.
“People in more deprived areas can also expect far fewer years in good health. There is a 20+ year gap in healthy life expectancy between people in the least and most deprived areas.
“This Annual Review has been produced since 1855. This year we have restructured it and presented datasets by a number of important themes, aiming to make it more accessible to a wider range of people.”
Bank of Scotland’s Business Barometer for August 2021 shows:
Scottish business confidence rises six points in August to 34%
Firms’ hiring intentions jump 13 points with 34% planning to create jobs in the next 12 months
Overall UK business confidence reaches 36% – the highest reading since May 2018 – as all regions and nations report positive confidence levels
Business confidence in Scotland rose six points during August to 34%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking.
The full easing of lockdown restrictions in Scotland in August was a clear boost for businesses, with overall confidence in the economy also rising by 20 points to 43%.
Companies in Scotland reported marginally lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down eight points at 25%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, this gives a headline confidence reading of 34%.
The Business Barometer questions 1,200 businesses monthly and provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.
A net balance of 20% of businesses in Scotland expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up seven points on last month.
Overall UK business confidence rose six points in August, reaching 36%, the highest level recorded since May 2018. When asked about their overall trading prospects businesses reported a six-point increase on July’s reading at 34% and firms’ confidence in the economy also increased six points to 39%.
All UK nations and regions had a positive confidence reading in August. The most confident regions were the North West (64%), North East (46%) and London (41%). All bar three areas reported a growth in confidence in August, with the East Midlands (down 10 points to 28%), West Midlands (down three points to 27%) and Yorkshire and Humber (down two points to 26%) reporting marginal falls.
Fraser Sime, regional director for Scotland at Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking, said: “With most of the Covid-19 restrictions easing in August, businesses across Scotland were able to return to normal trading for the first time in 18 months and are feeling optimistic about what this means for the economy.
“With confidence on the up and even more firms are now planning on making new hires, the country is taking great steps towards recovery and growth. We’ll continue to support businesses through the coming months as they aim to capitalise on this positive momentum.”
In sector terms, there was notable strength in sectors benefiting from the further easing of Covid restrictions. Services confidence saw the greatest month-on-month increase, rising by 8 points to 36%, the highest level since January 2018.
Confidence in both manufacturing and construction also picked up (both up 7 points to 40%), led by rises in trading prospects for the year ahead.
The increase in manufacturing confidence came despite ongoing supply disruptions, although the level remains below the high in May. Retail confidence posted a smaller 2-point rise to 34%, remaining below the recent peak in May.
Gareth Oakley, Managing Director for Business Banking, Lloyds Bank, said: “Since the start of the year business confidence has been increasing, and August has been a particularly strong month. Many of the regions have seen significant upticks in confidence and it’s encouraging that Northern Ireland has moved back into positive territory.
“It is clear there is still some level of uncertainty on inflation and the impact of price pressures, but with further boosts to confidence in the services, manufacturing and construction sectors we can be hopeful that demand across all sectors will drive consumption throughout the rest of the year. The last few months of the year will be pivotal to the future of UK economic growth and we remain by the side of businesses as the country continues to reopen.”
Hann-Ju Ho, Senior Economist Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said:“Business confidence reaching its highest level in over four years tells a positive story about the country’s economic recovery.
“This confidence is driven by the continued success of the vaccine ollout, the removal of lockdown restrictions and adjustments to self-isolation rules.
“Staff shortages remain a challenge, but as the economy moves back towards pre-pandemic levels we can be optimistic that the momentum for business confidence and economic optimism can be sustained in the months ahead.”
A nationwide marketing campaign to raise public awareness of the signs of a drug overdose and the life-saving medication naloxone has been launched to mark International Overdose Awareness Day.
The Scottish Government and Scottish Drugs Forum (SDF) have teamed up to help inform the public of the medication which can reverse the effects of an opioid-related overdose.
TV and radio adverts and billboards at transport hubs and shopping centres will encourage people to go to the StopTheDeaths website to learn how to identify when someone is experiencing an overdose and how to get a naloxone kit and be trained to use it.
The campaign aims to inform the public how to respond to an overdose and provide an early intervention that could save a life and is therefore a vital part of the national mission on the drug deaths crisis.
Drugs Policy Minister Angela Constance said: “Firstly, on International Overdose Awareness Day I want to pass on my sincere condolences to all those who have been affected by a drug-related death.
“As I have said before, the number of deaths in Scotland is heart-breaking and I am determined that every penny of the £250 million we will spend on the crisis over the next five years will make a difference.
“That is why I am pleased to launch this joint campaign with Scottish Drugs Forum to encourage the public to get involved in our national mission and equip themselves to save a life.
“It will help inform a wider audience of what naloxone is, how it works and how they can use it in an emergency.
“We hope that the campaign will also help reduce the stigmatisation of people at risk of overdose and people with a drug problem more broadly.
“Naloxone is one of a wide range of measures being used to address the public health emergency of drugs deaths, but it plays an important role and I hope as many people as possible will visit the “Stop The Deaths” website to find out more.”
Kirsten Horsburgh, Strategy Coordinator for Drug Death Prevention at Scottish Drugs Forum, said: “People can feel overwhelmed and powerless in the face of the numbers of overdose deaths in Scotland but these deaths are preventable.
“Even in the moment that people encounter someone who may be experiencing an overdose it is important that people do not feel helpless. With a little knowledge and training people can make a life-saving difference.
“In the time people wait for an ambulance the first steps can be made that can save that person’s life. Recognising that someone may be experiencing an overdose, dialling 999 and administering naloxone are all part of the response that gives that person the best chance of recovery.
“In Scotland there is widespread access to naloxone kits and training and it’s crucial that as many people as possible get involved.”
New opportunity to fill the ranks of the next generation of highly skilled plumbing and heating technicians
Places on the Modern Apprenticeship in Plumbing and Heating are filling up fast. Spaces are open to applications from anyone aged 16 and over for the Modern Apprenticeship in Plumbing and Heating programme, including existing employees and new recruits of plumbing firms.
With demand already outstripping supply it is vital to attract new talent to the sector to avoid long term consequences for the plumbing trade. Even before the global pandemic, the industry was faced with a skills shortage.
This skills deficit has now become more critical and to ensure that the plumbing industry is able to keep up with current demand and meet the government’s net zero ambitions, SNIPEF is urging individuals to consider a career in plumbing, and for plumbing employers to support them by offering apprenticeships.
With training delivered both on-site and in a classroom environment, a plumbing apprenticeship offers individuals the opportunity to earn a wage while gaining the important skills, knowledge, and experience to become a qualified plumber.
The programme is managed by SNIPEF Training Services Ltd (STS), the only industry recognised Management Agent and Training Provider in Scotland.
With 38 years experience in delivering Modern Apprenticeships, STS now work with 18 colleges across Scotland supporting training in four fuel pathways which include ACS Gas, Oil, Low Carbon Technology and Solid Fuel.
In addition to fuel accreditation, participants will achieve an SVQ Level 3 (SCQF 7) Modern Apprenticeship qualification which also includes Water Byelaws and Unvented Hot Water.
Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive of SNIPEF, said: “Anyone looking for a satisfying career, whether a school-leaver or someone contemplating a career change, should consider the benefits of undertaking a plumbing apprenticeship.
“Starting, then working diligently to complete a plumbing apprenticeship, is an excellent option for anyone who hasn’t yet decided how they want to direct their working lives.
“As an employer, there are many benefits to recruiting an apprentice or offering a Modern Apprenticeship to an existing staff member. Not only will you be developing enthusiastic talent with the exact skills and experience the plumbing and heating industry and your business requires you will also be developing the workforce of the future.”
Dale Thomson, Training Manager of SNIPEF Training Services Ltd, said “It is more important than ever that increasing numbers of people consider a career in the plumbing and heating industry.
“There are skill shortages up and down the country and employers are desperately looking for competent and qualified plumbers to help with the work they have lined up.
“In addition to this, we need to ensure that sufficient numbers of plumbing apprentices are being trained now to secure enough qualified plumbers in the future to work on low carbon technology such as heat pumps to meet the Scottish Government’s ambitious net zero carbon targets.
“If you are an employer looking to recruit an apprentice or if you are interested in a career in plumbing please contact SNIPEF Training Services who will assist you every step of the journey.”
STS has supported thousands of apprentices to complete their training to become qualified plumbers, guiding apprentices and employers from recruitment and selection through to workforce planning, funding and training delivery.
College places are limited and with many plumbing employers already applying to enrol candidates for the 2021 cohort registering interest now is strongly recommended.
Anyone considering a career in plumbing and heating or hiring an apprentice plumber, should contact Gillian Macaulay, Regional Support Officer at:
Lothian MSP Miles Briggs is supporting Scottish Conservative colleague Murdo Fraser MSPs plans to introduce a Members’ Bill to tackle fly-tipping.
Mr Briggs has highlighted the increase in fly tipping across Edinburgh and the Lothians over the last five years.
Incidents of fly tipping have become worse in Edinburgh and West Lothian in particular, with the number of fly tipping incidents in Edinburgh increasing from 7,439 in 2016 to 10,358 in 2020. In West Lothian the number of fly tipping incidents rose to from 1,404 in 2016 to 2,367 in 2020.
So far this year Edinburgh has had 7,599 incidents of fly tipping and West Lothian has had 1,795 incidents. [Figures from SPICe, see below]
Work has begun with the Scottish Parliament Non-Government Bills Unit on the new law, which would crack down on those caught fly-tipping by increasing fines and making offenders liable.
Scottish Land and Estates (SLE) have welcomed the intention to introduce a Bill to tackle the “scourge of fly-tipping”.
NFU Scotland also called for action on fly-tipping, branding it a “permanent scar on our natural environment”.
Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said:“The level of fly-tipping in Edinburgh and the Lothians has got out of control, with the number of incidents on the rise, especially in Edinburgh and West Lothian.
“It is clear that something needs to be done and the low number of penalties for fly tipping shows that the current sanctions are not working.
“I fully support my colleague Murdo Fraser’s bill to crack down on fly-tipping and change the liability of cleaning up fly-tipping, to those who have committed the crime, rather than the landowner.
“SNP Ministers have let fly-tipping in Scotland get out of control, so the Scottish Conservatives are introducing legislation to make a positive difference and crack down on fly-tipping.”
This data was provided by Zero Waste Scotland on behalf of the Local Authorities.
Table 1: The number of annual flytipping incidents in City of Edinburgh, West Lothian, East Lothian and Midlothian council, 2016 to 31 July 2021
Year
City of Edinburgh
West Lothian
East Lothian
Midlothian
2016
7,439
1,404
779
505
2017
5,701
1,590
654
651
2018
8,145
1,999
500
502
2019
9,322
2,089
487
*352
2020
10,358
2,367
415
558
2021 (to 31 July)
7599
1795
275
293
*Note: In 2019, there were 2 months with limited data available in Midlothian.
Westminster’s Foreign Affairs Committee is to hold an evidence session on the UK’s evacuation of people from Afghanistan, following the Taliban’s seizure of power. MPs will have the opportunity to question Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab at the session which takes place on Wednesday (1 September) at 2.00pm.
The Taliban took control of Kabul on 15 August.
The Foreign Secretary has said that: “Afghanistan must never again be used as a base for terrorist attacks against the West or any other country.
“We will have to address the looming humanitarian crisis in the country, which would also threaten regional stability, and strive to secure a more inclusive Afghan government that can maintain stability and avoid the kind of human rights abuses that the Taliban have committed before, particularly against women.
“We will use all of the levers at our disposal, including sanctions, aid and access to the international finance system, and we are rallying our international partners around these shared priorities.”
Members of the Committee are likely to question the Foreign Secretary on issues such as:
Progress on the effort to evacuate UK nationals and others eligible for relocation;
The security, humanitarian and human rights impacts of the Taliban takeover;
The use of levers such as sanctions and aid to pressure the Taliban.
Announcing the evidence session, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee Tom Tugendhat MP, said: “The last two weeks have been tough for so many of us: anger, shame, even incredulity.
“We never thought we would see the day NATO forces, led by the US, would turn their backs on the people of Afghanistan. It is the biggest foreign policy failure since Suez and highlights once again the importance of building up networks of allies, not having a single partner.
“Many of those raw emotions have now turned to questions on the future of UK foreign policy. How will we deal with the Taliban? How will Afghanistan shape our regional strategy? How will the Government hold the Taliban to account for reverses in human rights?
“These questions, and so many others, will be put to the Foreign Secretary this week.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced her intention to appoint two new Ministers following the approval of the historic Bute House agreement.
For the first time anywhere in the UK members of the Green Party will enter government and for the first time since devolution a formal cooperation agreement will be in place in Scotland.
Patrick Harvie will be Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants’ Rights, working with the Housing Secretary and Net Zero Secretary.
Mr Harvie’s responsibilities will include driving policy changes that shift Scotland away from reliance on high carbon modes of transport and heating and towards greener alternatives – essential as part of the push towards a net zero economy by 2045.
Ensuring fairness during that transformation will also be key, and Mr Harvie will lead on delivering a new deal for tenants, and ensuring building standards are fit for purpose.
Lorna Slater will take on the role of Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity, working with the Finance and Economy Secretary and Net Zero Secretary.
Ms Slater will drive a Green Industrial Strategy, helping people access training and opportunities as part of a net zero Scotland, and ensuring our economy is supported through a just transition to net zero.
Supporting biodiversity and protecting our national parks and natural heritage will also form part of Ms Slater’s role, working closely with NatureScot and Zero Waste Scotland and supporting the development of a circular economy that minimises the impact on our natural environment.
The First Minister said: “This historic cooperation agreement is founded in a shared drive to work together in the Scottish Government to build a greener, fairer, independent Scotland.
“We have massive challenges to overcome: a global pandemic and its lasting effects, the climate emergency and the assault by the UK government on the powers of our Parliament. Patrick and Lorna’s roles in Government are rightly at the heart of facing up to them, and the expertise and passion they bring with them will contribute greatly to defining Scotland’s path forward in doing so.
“Although our parties do not agree on everything we have been able to compromise on both sides, find common ground and agree on areas where we can work together to build a better country.
“The world has had to adapt quickly to respond to the fast-paced and changing nature of the pandemic but what it has shown us is that we can put politics aside to tackle the challenges in front of us decisively and in a way that delivers. I look forward to working with my new Green Party colleagues in this new and ambitious way.”
Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants’ Rights Patrick Harvie said: “We are at a crucial tipping point in terms of our relationship with the planet.
“I am thrilled at the opportunity to drive forward policies that enhance peoples’ lives while supporting the urgent goal of tackling the climate emergency as we emerge from the pandemic.”
Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity Lorna Slater said: “Any transition to net zero must be just, and my focus will be on delivering policies that support our workforce and wider economy through that change as well as ensuring our greener future is also a prosperous and fair one that benefits our natural environment.”
Animal protection charity The Humane League UK has filed a Judicial Review against Defra’s allowance of the widespread use of fast growing breeds of chicken, contrary to legislation that bans the keeping of animals if their breeding causes ‘detriment to their health and welfare’.
The Humane League UK argues that the standard industry use of breeds of chicken who grow unnaturally large, unnaturally fast is unlawful, and challenges Defra’s current position allowing the use of these extreme breeds.
Pru Elliott, Senior Campaigner at The Humane League UK, said: ”There’s an assumption that because intensively breeding chickens to grow unnaturally fast is standard practice, it is therefore legal. But looking at the legislation it’s crystal clear that the law is being flouted in standard chicken production.”
The case asks the court to determine that Defra’s policy to permit the current standard of farming fast-growing ‘FrankenChickens’ in the country is in breach of the Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Regulations 2007. The rule states:
Animals may only be kept for farming purposes if it can reasonably be expected, on the basis of their genotype or phenotype, that they can be kept without any detrimental effect on their health or welfare.
Elliott continued: “We believe Defra has an unlawful policy in permitting the use of these breeds and should instead be stipulating that they cannot be used. We also believe they have an unlawful monitoring system in place that fails to detect the scale of welfare issues associated with fast growing chickens.”
Broiler chickens have been genetically selected over decades to prioritise for fast growth, to produce as much meat in the shortest possible time. As a result, they can suffer from a wide range of health and welfare issues. Last year an investigation by The Humane League UK revealed that the muscle disease white striping, caused by fast growth, was present in over 8 in 10 standard packets of chicken on supermarket shelves.
The challenge comes after the RSPCA published a scientific report in 2020 comparing the welfare of three different breeds of fast growing chicken. It showed that the fast growing breeds have poorer health and welfare than a slower growing breed. Three further scientific studies by the University of Bristol, the University of Guelph, and the Royal Veterinary College all support these findings.
Despite the clear scientific consensus and the findings from numerous undercover investigations on broiler farms using these breeds, Defra’s position is that fast growing breeds can be kept without detriment to their health or welfare, as stated in its responses to The Humane League UK’s pre-action correspondence.
Edie Bowles, Solicitor at Advocates for Animals and representing The Humane League UK in this case, said: “The law is clear that farmed animals can only be kept if the breed used will not experience detriment to their health or welfare. The science clearly shows that fast growing broilers cannot be kept without such detriment. It is therefore evident that keeping fast growing broilers is unlawful.”
The case also challenges the ‘trigger system,’ Defra’s monitoring system aimed at detecting welfare issues associated with commercial broilers. The trigger system requires vets at abattoirs to report welfare issues, but only if they occur above a given threshold as set out in Defra’s Code of Practice. The Humane League UK believes the threshold set by Defra is too high.
The high threshold results in countless welfare issues not being reported and dealt with. This is contrary to the 2007 farm animal welfare regulations which state: ‘If the mortality rate of the chickens or the results of the post-mortem inspection are consistent with poor animal welfare conditions, the official veterinarian must communicate the data to the keeper of those chickens and to the Secretary of State without delay.’
Charities have been campaigning for food companies to commit to ending the use of fast-growing FrankenChickens by asking them to sign up to the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC), which demands slower growing breeds, more space, natural light and enrichment, less painful slaughter methods and third-party auditing.
KFC, Nando’s, Greggs, Marks and Spencer and Waitrose are among the 250+ companies in the UK and EU to have committed to the BCC, but supermarkets including Morrisons, Asda, Sainsbury’s and Lidl are refusing.
Pace of sector recovery reduces in 3 months to end of July 2021, but long-term indicators suggest quick return to upward momentum
Value of project starts in three months to end of July 2021 dips by 14% compared to buoyant start of the year
Planning consents down 20% in three months to end of July 2021 against previous three months
However, contract awards show resilience, three months to end of July 82% up on same period in 2020 and 43% above same period in 2019
Non-residential RMI Work increases by 2.3% in three months to end of July, up over 50% against previous three months in 2021
East of England region on the brink of return to pre-COVID levels of output
Glenigan, the construction industry’s leading insight and intelligence experts, has released the August edition of its Construction Review.
This monthly report provides a detailed and comprehensive analysis of construction data, giving built environment professionals unique insight into results from the three months to the end of July 2021.
Short-term slowdown
Following a growth spurt in the first half of 2021, momentum has started to show signs of slowing down. This recent decline has been led by a sharp fall in private residential and civil engineering work.
Overall, the value of projects starting on-site averaged £5,497 million per month in the three months to July. Despite being 27% higher than the same period in 2020, it remains 14% lower than the preceding three months in 2021.
Fig 1. August Construction Review Summary
This sudden fall can be attributed, in part, to a 19% decline in the value of underlying project (<£100m in value) starts. Although these were up 36% on 2020, the figures are still 24% lower than pre-pandemic levels.
Whilst the value of major projects remained unchanged (£1,740 million per month) against the preceding three months to July, they were still 2% down on 2019 levels.
Best laid plans
Planning consents have also seen a slip during this slower period, down 20% against the previous three months. Major planning approvals are more stable, but also witnessed an 8% decrease.
However, on a positive note, planning consent levels remain significantly higher on both 2020 and 2019.
Back on track
Looking further ahead, the strengthening pattern of main contract awards points to renewed growth in project-starts during the second half of the year.
Although the value of main contracts awarded slipped 1% against the previous six months, it remained 43% above the same period in 2019 (82% up on 2020). Putting this into perspective, major contract awards were three-and-a-half times higher than a year ago and 98% ahead of pre-COVID levels.
Recovery progressing
Despite the m-o-m decline, second quarter output was up 3.3% on the preceding three months.
Further, some areas of activity saw modest growth on Q.1, with RMI work increasing by 2.3% (53.5% ahead of 2020 figures). Much of this is accounted for by non-housing repair and maintenance work, perhaps reflecting the easing of COVID-19 restrictions and calls from Government and business to return to city centre workspaces.
There was also a slight uptick in new-build output (3.9%) in Q.2 against Q.1, with private housing experiencing a marked upward spike of 10.6%.
In line with Glenigan’s previous reviews and indexes, infrastructure has been the strongest performing sector for new work, rising 15.9% against the preceding quarter.
Industrial and commercial sector activity also rose by 3.8% and 0.8% respectively against the first quarter.
The biggest losers were the new public residential and non-residential sectors, which saw a slight dip in output of 1.5% and 1.4% respectively.
Strong performers
Regionally, Scotland achieved strongest growth project-starts against the previous year (124%) during the previous three months to end of July 2021. However, these figures were still below 2019 levels.
Yorkshire and The Humber also achieved three digit growth on 2020, but slipped by 14% against the previous three months.
Recovery is strengthening in the East of England, which is the closest UK region to returning to 2019 levels of output against the previous three months to July. Climbing 58%, the area is now only 9% off a pre-pandemic footing.
These positive figures are further tempered with continued output decline registered in Wales, the North East and South East. This highlights the sector still as a way to go to full nationwide recovery, even if good progress is being made.
Commenting on the findings, Glenigan’s Economic Director, Allan Wilen (above) says, “There’s no doubt the slowdown seen over the last three months has been the result of a perfect storm of external events, beyond the industry’s control.
“Supply chain issues continue to bite and look likely to remain a challenge for the foreseeable future. However, the sector is showing its strength across the board, and this modest slowing of pace is certainly not as serious as many might have predicted.
“With a number of major projects in the pipeline, a potential national green retrofitting programme and core infrastructure remediation work upcoming, there are reasons to stay positive as we look to the second half of 2021 and beyond.
“Our recent Forecast for 2021-2023 indicates 2022 will see a return to pre-COVID levels of project-starts, and whilst we’re not there quite yet, we’re seeing lost ground being made up at a quicker rate than anyone would have predicted this time last year.”
To request a copy of Glenigan’s full August Construction Review, with sector-by-sector analysis, click here.
