Author: davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

Forth councillor among seven new Non-Executive Directors to join NHS Lothian Board

The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Humza Yousaf MSP, announced the appointments of seven new Non-Executive Directors to NHS Lothian Board yesterday.

They are; Nadin Akta, Philip Allenby, Andrew Fleming,  Elizabeth Gordon,  George Gordon,  Peter Knight and Val de Souza.

Mrs Nadin Akta holds a MSc degree in Intercultural Business Communication and TESOL.  Her interests are in cultures, cross cultures, barriers and challenges for ethnic minorities in Scotland and she has a wide knowledge from working with BME communities through her previous jobs in a professional capacity and through volunteering with charitable organisations across the Lothians. 

Nadin previously work with East Lothian Council and other charity organisations as an Integration Coordinator and TESOL Teacher.  More recently, she has been working at the University of Edinburgh as an Outreach and Projects Coordinator for the BME communities in the Lothians.

Mr Philip Allenby is a Scottish Solicitor and Notary Public, with over 20 years’ international legal and business experience.  He was previously Chief Counsel, Governance and Compliance, Europe with BT plc. 

Phil is a lecturer and senior tutor at the University School of Law.  He holds degrees in mathematics, information technology and law.

Mr Andrew Fleming is a retired senior civil servant with experience in designing and delivering strategic improvements across a range of public policy areas, including health, tax collection, justice, community safety, environment and heritage. 

He is currently Convenor of Evaluation Support Scotland – a charity which supports Third Sector organisations to measure their impact.  Andrew has a professional background as a social researcher.

Mrs Elizabeth Gordon spent the first 10 years of her career as a Solicitor in private practice in the occupational pensions team of a large Scottish law firm.  Her time working in this field included many years of significant and complex legal change as the UK Government transformed regulatory protection for members of occupational pension schemes. 

Clients included boards of trustees of UK-wide pension schemes and work involved advising on changes in the law and regulatory compliance, interpretation of trust deeds and pensions aspects of corporate transactions.  Elizabeth then took up a new post, with a wide-ranging remit, managing a large, independent provider of NHS dentistry in Edinburgh and has been there for over 14 years. 

Her focus has always been to ensure that the dental practices provide a service that prioritises safe, high quality NHS patient care and compliance alongside the wellbeing of the clinical team.  Elizabeth looks forward to combining her experience and knowledge acquired in a primary care management setting with the skills developed from her legal education and background.

Mr George Gordon is ‘a longstanding community activist who has instigated and set up numerous groups and organisations within his own community, which has given him a good skill set in the requirements of the local population both in areas of health, wellbeing and services that are vitally important in areas of multi-deprivation and poverty’. 

As the Sustainability Spokesperson for the City of Edinburgh Council, he has worked tirelessly to ensure long-term benefit in the capital; and as the Disability and Diversity Spokesperson he has ensured that all people are fairly represented and gain the services tailored to their own individual needs, which is in keeping with NHS Lothian’s patient centric goals and aspirations.

I has served (EH? – Ed.)on various NHS Lothian committees in his Local Authority stakeholder member role and looks forward to continuing his work within the Board in highlighting disability issues that affect services and in ensuring that community and citizens are at the heart of all of our services.

Mr Peter Knight has been a leading information professional for NHSScotland for some four decades and brings wide perspectives on the development and use of data in support of decision making. 

His experience has spanned quality of NHS care, future planning, health and social care integration and topics in public health.  He has worked at all levels: directly with clinicians and front-line health and social care professionals through to informing the decision-making of Chief Executives and Chief Officers.

He has had spells in the Scottish Government supporting the development of health and social care policy, monitoring NHS performance and advising Ministers. Latterly, his interests have included older people services and the development of information in social care and primary care.

Peter is shortly to retire from NHS employment.

Mrs Val de Souza is a Social Worker by profession and has held a number of senior leadership roles in health, social care and social work in Scotland. She spent the last 5 years as Chief Officer for South Lanarkshire’s Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), and Director of Social Services, working across NHS Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire Council. 

In these roles Val was responsible for community health services, primary care, palliative care, allied health professionals and social work services.  Prior to this she was acting Chief Officer for Stirling and Clackmannanshire HSCP and the Chief Social Work Officer for these two local authorities, which included responsibility for two national prisons, Glenochil and Cortonvale. 

Val was instrumental in introducing and implementing the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 and continues to have a keen interest in all aspects of Public Protection and social justice.  With over 30 years’ experience of strategic and operational management she is committed to promoting interagency collaboration and multidisciplinary working. 

She is a graduate of University College Dublin, and holds postgraduate qualifications from the Universities of Edinburgh and Robert Gordon Business School.  Val has recently been appointed Chair of the Bairns Hoose, and is a professional adviser for Positive Help, an Edinburgh based charity supporting child and families affected by HIV and Hepatitis C.

They new directors ‘will play an important role in helping to set the strategic direction of NHS Lothian as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and remobilise our services’.

By providing purposeful scrutiny and assurance on the decisions the Board makes, Non-Executive Directors ensure the Executive Leadership Team is held to account and supported to manage risks to the quality, deliverability and sustainability of service. They are also important in giving public confidence that the Board acts in the best interests of patients and the public.

Appointment

The appointments for Mrs Nadin Akta, Mrs Elizabeth Gordon, Mr Peter Knight and Mrs Val de Souza will be for three years and will run from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2025.

Mr Philip Allenby’s appointment will be for four years and will run from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2026.

Mr Andrew Fleming’s appointment will be for four years and will run from 11 April 2022 to 10 April 2026.

Mr George Gordon’s appointment will be for three years and will run from 16 May 2022 to 15 May 2025.

The appointments are regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration

The appointments are part-time and attract a remuneration of £8,930 per annum for a time commitment of one day per week.

Other ministerial appointments

Mr George Gordon is the Edinburgh City Council Local Authority member on the NHS Lothian Board, for which he receives a remuneration of £8,930 per annum for a time commitment of one day per week. Mr Gordon will be standing down from this role on 30th April 2022.

Mrs Val de Souza is Chair of Bairns Hoose, for which she receives a daily rate of £300 for a time commitment of four days per month.

Mrs Nadin Akta, Mr Philip Allenby, Mr Andrew Fleming, Mrs Elizabeth Gordon and Mr Peter Knight do not hold any other public appointments.

Political activity

All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. 

However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity within the last five years (if there is any to be declared) to be made public. 

Mr George Gordon holds the position of Scottish National Party (SNP) councillor for the Forth Ward. In administration in the city of Edinburgh, he has spoken on behalf of the party and council.

Mr Peter Knight has leafleted and canvassed for the Scottish Labour Party and attended the count for the 2019 General Election on behalf of Edinburgh North and Leith Constituency Labour Party.

Mrs Nadin Akta, Mr Philip Allenby, Mr Andrew Fleming, Mrs Elizabeth Gordon and Mrs Val de Souza have had no political activity within the last five years.

Purrito Fosters CAT-tlebell Challenge

Edinburgh based network Purrito Fosters foster rescue kitties to then find them happy adoptive families.

While in our care we cover any costs, including vet costs such as emergency care and spaying. At the moment we are struggling financially and so two of our volunteers are doing a kettlebell challenge to try and raise some funds.

The Just Giving page is:

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/avril-brown

Healthy Heart Tip: Making Healthy Pancakes

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK

Pancake Day, also known as Shrove Tuesday, occurs 47 days before Easter Sunday and this year it will take place on 1st March.

Traditionally, pancakes are made with flour, eggs and milk and they are fried in butter or oil. Whether you prefer your pancakes with a savoury or sweet filling, there are numerous recipes to choose from online and in cookbooks.

In this tip, we guide you in how to prepare healthy pancakes and choose a tasty and nutritious filling. We also provide a healthy pancake recipe that you might want to try out.

Choose a fibre-rich flour

  • By switching from white flour to wholemeal flour for your pancake recipe, you can increase the amount of heart-healthy fibre in your pancakes. You could blitz some high fibre, cholesterol-lowering porridge oats in a food processor to create tasty oat pancakes (see our recipe below).   

Choose a heart-healthy oil

  • Some people like to fry their pancakes in butter, however, butter is high in saturated fats which can raise your cholesterol and increase your risk of heart disease. We recommend choosing an unsaturated oil, such as rapeseed, vegetable or sunflower oil. Fats and oils are high in calories and should be consumed in small amounts. Make sure you add just enough oil to coat the base of the frying pan and you can remove excess oil with kitchen paper, before heating the pan.

Choose a healthy filling

  • Some of the most popular pancake fillings, such as sugar, syrups, chocolate, cream, bacon and cheese, can be high in fat or sugar. Look for healthier options, such as fruit and low-fat yogurt with chopped nuts and no added sugar, or smoked salmon, spinach and low-fat cream cheese. 

RECIPE:

Oat pancakes with raspberry & pear compote and toasted walnuts

Serves 2 – 3

Ingredients:
100g porridge oats
1 tsp baking powder
1tsp cinnamon plus a little extra to sprinkle on before serving
1 orange, finely zested and juiced
1 egg, lightly whisked with a fork
120ml oat milk or skimmed cow’s milk
100g frozen berries, such as raspberries
1 pear, diced into 1cm pieces
1 tbsp rapeseed oil
2 tbsp low-fat crème fraiche or fat-free Greek yogurt
20g walnut pieces, toasted in a dry frying pan and chopped
Mint leaves to garnish (optional)

Method

  1. Start by making the pancake mixture. Blitz the oats in a food processor for a couple of minutes until they resemble a course, powdery flour and pour into a large bowl. Add the baking powder, 1tsp cinnamon and the orange zest, and mix the ingredients together. Make a well in the middle of the oats, add the egg and milk and mix until you have a thick batter. Cover and leave in the fridge until you are ready to make the pancakes.
  2. Make the fruit compote by putting the juice from 1 orange in a saucepan with the raspberries and chopped pear and simmer for 12-15 minutes until the pear is soft. Leave to cool.
  3. Make the pancakes by heating half the rapeseed oil in the frying pan. Pour a sixth of the pancake mixture into the pan and spread it out to make a small pancake. Cook over a medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until golden. Flip the pancake and cook for a further 2 mins. Repeat until you have 6 small pancakes.
  4. Stack 2 or 3 pancakes on individual serving plates, pour over the fruit and put a spoonful of low-fat crème fraiche or fat-free Greek yogurt on the top. Sprinkle with the chopped, toasted walnuts and a little cinnamon and garnish with mint leaves (optional).

For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for our weekly healthy tips at www.heartresearch.org.uk/healthy-tips

To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our Healthy Heart recipes from our website: https://heartresearch.org.uk/heart-research-uk-recipes-2/

Or have a look through our Healthy Heart cookbook filled with recipes from top chefs, celebrities and food bloggers:

https://heartresearch.org.uk/heart-research-uk-cookbook/

‘Significant health inequalities persist’

Latest Health Inequalities statistics published

Scotland’s Chief Statistician today announced the publication of the latest Long-term Monitoring of Health Inequalities report.

The report includes a range of indicators selected in order to monitor health inequalities over time. These indicators include: healthy life expectancy, premature mortality, all-cause mortality, baby birthweight and a range of morbidity and mortality indicators relating to alcohol, cancer, coronary heart disease and drug use. The report investigates both absolute and relative inequalities.

The COVID-19 pandemic is likely to have had an impact on the most recent data for most indicators included in this report. Where there has been analysis undertaken to assess the impact of the pandemic that is relevant to a specific indicator the details have been included in the corresponding chapter.

MAIN FINDINGS

With the exception of the healthy birthweight indicator, significant health inequalities persist for each indicator covered in the report.

Changes in the gap between the most and least deprived areas in Scotland

For a number of indicators, absolute inequalities (the gap between the most and least deprived areas) have narrowed over the longer term:

  • Heart attack hospital admissions (aged under 75 years) – the gap in 2020 (63.2 per 100,000 population) is the lowest it has been since 2008 (58.4 per 100,000). The reduction in the gap between 2019 and 2020 has been driven by a 7% decrease in admissions in the most deprived areas and an increase of 13% in the least deprived areas.
  • Coronary heart disease (CHD) deaths (aged 45-74 years) – the current gap is 47% lower than at the start of the time series (185.4 per 100,000 in 2020 compared to 347.3 per 100,000 in 1997). However, between 2019 and 2020 the CHD mortality rate increased in both the most and least deprived areas (by 14% and 40% respectively).
  • Alcohol-related admissions (aged under 75 years) – the gap was widest at the start of the time series in 1996 (613.0 per 100,000) and reduced to its lowest level in 2020 (322.0 per 100,000). Between 2019 and 2020 the rate of admissions decreased in both the most and least deprived areas (by 14% and 10% respectively). It is possible that this reduction is a result of hospital admissions policies associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Alcohol-specific deaths (aged 45-74 years) – the gap has reduced from a peak of 184.7 per 100,000 in 2002 to 71.8 per 100,000 in 2020, the lowest in the time series.
  • Low birthweight – the absolute gap in 2020 was 3.4 percentage points, the lowest it has been since 2013 (3.2 percentage points).

The gap in healthy life expectancy for males has increased since the start of the time series, from 22.5 years in 2013-2015 to 23.7 years in 2018-2020.

The gap in premature mortality rates increased to its highest point since 2004 (680.4 per 100,000 in 2020 and 683.2 per 100,000 in 2004), although the gap remains lower than at the start of the time series (648.7 per 100,000 in 1997).

In 2020 the absolute gap in cancer deaths was the highest it’s been since 2015 at 353.7 per 100,000.

Whilst the gap for all-cause mortality (aged 15-44) reduced to its lowest level in 2013 (159.6 per 100,000), it has shown an overall increase since then and was 241.1 per 100,000 in 2020.

The gap for drug-related hospital admissions has increased overall since the start of the time series to reach a high of 696.1 per 100,000 in 2019/20 before falling slightly to 625.1 per 100,000 in 2020/21. This decrease may be due to hospital admission policies associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

For the other indicators in the report, there has either been little change or long-term trends in the absolute gap are less clear:

  • Healthy life expectancy for females
  • Cancer incidence

Relative inequalities

The relative index of inequality (RII) indicates the extent to which health outcomes are worse in the most deprived areas compared to the average throughout Scotland. It is possible for absolute inequalities to improve, but relative inequalities to worsen.

There are three morbidity indicators for which the RII can reasonably be compared with one another: alcohol-related hospital admissions; heart attack hospital admissions; and cancer incidence.

Amongst these, relative inequalities in alcohol-related hospital admissions have remained highest over the longer term, though they have been decreasing. Relative inequalities in heart attack admissions have increased in recent years and cancer incidence inequalities have remained relatively stable.

Amongst the three comparable mortality indicators (CHD deaths, alcohol-specific deaths and cancer deaths), relative inequalities in both CHD and cancer deaths have increased over the long term whilst the RII in alcohol-specific deaths have shown more year to year fluctuation and are currently lower than at the start of the time series (2.02 vs 1.80). However, relative inequalities in alcohol-specific deaths remain higher than the other comparable mortality indicators.

Of the other indicators in the report, the two indicators relating to mortality (premature mortality for those aged under 75 and all-cause mortality for those aged 15-44) and healthy life expectancy for males and females have all shown increases in relative inequality over time.

Full statistical publication

long-term-monitoring-health-inequalitiesDownload

IPCC report is ‘stark reminder of reality of climate emergency’

Commenting on the latest report from the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Friends of the Earth Scotland Head of Campaigns Mary Church said: “The latest IPCC report makes for deeply alarming reading in confirming that the impacts of climate breakdown are more widespread, happening much sooner and having more devastating consequences than previously predicted.

“Tragically, this will come as no surprise to the millions of people fighting for their lives and livelihoods who are on the sharpest end of the all too frequent devastation wrought by the floods, fires, droughts and extreme weather events worldwide.

“The gross injustice of the situation is that the climate crisis is hitting the poorest and most vulnerable people the hardest even though they didn’t create it.

“With current global commitments to climate action putting us on a pathway to a hellish 2.7oC warming, the report highlights the terrible risks of even temporarily overshooting the critical 1.5oC threshold of warming. It warns of the threat of triggering tipping points, turning many of nature’s carbon sinks into carbon sources, and rendering damage to ecosystems we rely on for life itself beyond repair.

“Following all the backslapping at COP26 this report is a stark reminder of the reality of the climate crisis and must serve as a wake up call to governments relying on vague 2050 net zero goals, pathways that overshoot 1.5oC and fantasy techno-fixes. With barely a decade left before we reach this critical threshold we urgently need to focus on the solutions we know are necessary including a rapid and just phase out of fossil fuels.

“Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets of Glasgow and worldwide last November demanding a response to the climate crisis that puts justice at the heart of domestic and international efforts, transforming our economic, energy, and food systems and putting people and nature over profit.”

Commenting on reports that developed countries, led by the US have attempted to remove references to losses and damages in the report, Meena Raman, Friends of the Earth Malaysia, commented: “It is a disgrace that decades of cowardly decisions by rich industrial nations have led us here, to the brink of climate catastrophe laid bare in this latest IPCC Assessment Report. The United States in particular must accept its role in creating the climate impacts we’re experiencing right now.

“Developed countries’ attempts to remove the concept of loss and damage, and the finance for it from the IPCC report, were largely thwarted, but we condemn this resistance by those most responsible for the climate crisis. This has been a shameless attempt to wriggle off the hook.

“Scientists have confirmed that much more finance must urgently flow from developed to developing countries, to enable the latter to adapt and adjust to irreparable damage from climate impacts. This funding is necessary to secure the wellbeing of their citizens and economies. Without it, our hard-fought progress for equity, equality, rights and justice will unravel.”

IPCC_AR6_WGII_FactSheet_EuropeDownload

IPCC report:

 https://foe-scotland.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b5ad0d61b2a67d22c68bf7d8d&id=a55c5bcb80&e=195fc3d780
https://foe-scotland.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b5ad0d61b2a67d22c68bf7d8d&id=38fc3742d1&e=195fc3d780

Delivering economic transformation?

Economy Secretary Kate Forbes will publish the new National Strategy for Economic Transformation today, hailing it as a ‘step-change’ in how government and business can work together to make the economy more prosperous, more productive and more internationally competitive.

Ms Forbes said the strategy, underpinned by detailed economic analysis and rooted in a clear plan of delivery, will offer renewed clarity on Scotland’s economic vision and will aim to deliver economic growth that is significantly greater than that seen in the previous decade.  

The strategy sets out how government, public bodies and economic agencies, the education system, trade unions, the third sector and critically, industry and businesses can use the current economic powers of the Scottish Government to deliver economic transformation that will benefit the length and breadth of the country.

The strategy is expected to include details of a new investor panel, to be chaired by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. It will build on Scotland’s legacy of COP26 by securing capital investment in Scotland’s transition to net zero.

Speaking ahead of the strategy’s launch, Economy Secretary Kate Forbes said: “The National Strategy for Economic Transformation offers renewed clarity of our vision for Scotland, with a ruthless focus on delivery.

“We’ve consulted with business, academia, trade unions and more to develop this strategy and it will be a collective national endeavour over the next decade to shift the dial on our economy into becoming fairer, wealthier, and greener.

“We’re still feeling the impacts of Brexit and we know that international investment will be key to mitigating these effects and growing our economy.

“Only a few months ago investors came to Glasgow and signalled that significant amounts of investment are available for the transition required by our transport, energy, and economic sectors.

“This strategy marks a step change in how we approach the economy and it will help us to deliver the best economic performance possible for Scotland within the current constitutional constraints. We want Scotland to be a more resilient and more entrepreneurial economy – in which everybody can share in our success. 

“As we look beyond the pandemic we must be ready to seize the economic opportunities that come with achieving net-zero and becoming a fairer country.”

Adventure is calling with Edinburgh Leisure’s soft-play membership



Join the adventure with Edinburgh Leisure’s Young Explorer soft-play membership. A place for children to explore, have fun and be active at Edinburgh Leisure’s three soft play venues.

There has never been a better time to sign up for the soft play membership as Clambers at the Royal Commonwealth Pool has just completed an exciting refurbishment. Join in March 2022 and receive the month of May free.

The Young Explorer soft play membership gives unlimited soft play at three Edinburgh venues from only £16.70 per month for one child, £28.00 for two children, £33.80 for three children and £39.50 for four children.

The membership offers incredible value, fantastic flexibility and of course, will keep little ones entertained and burning off energy as they explore the amazing soft plays.

Young explorers can visit as many times as they wish, enjoying unlimited fun at any of Edinburgh Leisure’s three soft play venues across the city at Tumbles at Portobello, Scrambles at EICA: Ratho and Clambers at the Royal Commonwealth Pool.

Clambers has a brand-new frame for babies, toddlers, and juniors, with an aquatic theme and is designed so parents can supervise easily, and children can play freely all within a securely gated area. 

There are slides, an upper storey football pitch and many more exciting features to explore. Its party room and Café Refresh has also been rebranded featuring hero character Skye and her mountain friends and both areas have new tables and chairs; its café servery has been extended; and the reception desk has been replaced.

Edinburgh Leisure’s play frames are suitable for children up to ten years old.  Each venue has a café where healthy snacks and tasty treats can be enjoyed.

And with Scottish Government restrictions easing, there is no longer the need to pre-book sessions.  In addition, 90-minute sessions are also available, in addition to shorter 60-minute sessions.

The Young Explorer is available to buy online.

For more information:   https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/activities/soft-play

Workers say no to increased surveillance since COVID-19

New TUC polling reveals majority of workers say they have experienced surveillance in the past year

  • Overwhelming support for stronger regulation to protect workers from punitive use of AI and surveillance tech 
  • Post Office scandal must be a turning point on uncritical use of worker monitoring tech, says TUC 

Intrusive worker surveillance tech and AI risks “spiralling out of control” without stronger regulation to protect workers, the TUC has warned. Left unchecked, the union body says that these technologies could lead to widespread discrimination, work intensification and unfair treatment.  

The warning comes as the TUC publishes new polling, conducted by Britain Thinks, which reveals an overwhelming majority of workers (60 per cent) believe they have been subject to some form of surveillance and monitoring at their current or most recent job. 

The TUC says workplace surveillance tech took off during the pandemic as employers transferred to more remote forms of work. 

Surveillance can include monitoring of emails and files, webcams on work computers, tracking of when and how much a worker is typing, calls made and movements made by the worker (using CCTV and trackable devices). 

Three in 10 (28 per cent) agree monitoring and surveillance at work has increased since Covid – and young workers are particularly likely to agree (36 per cent of 18-34 year olds). 

There has been a notable increase in workers reporting surveillance and monitoring in the past year alone (60 per cent in 2021 compared to 53 per cent 2020).  

In particular, more workers are reporting monitoring of staff devices (24 per cent to 20 per cent) and monitoring of phone calls (14 per cent to 11 per cent) compared to 2020. 

In calling for stronger regulation, the TUC highlights the recent Post Office scandal which saw hundreds wrongly prosecuted for theft and false accounting after a software error – and says it must be a turning point on uncritical use of worker monitoring tech and AI. 

Creeping role of surveillance 

The creeping role of AI and tech-driven workplace surveillance is now spreading far beyond the gig economy into the rest of the labour market, according to the TUC.  

The following sectors have the greatest proportion of workers reporting surveillance: 

  • financial services (74 per cent) 
  • wholesale and retail (73 per cent) 
  • utilities (73 per cent) 

The union body warns of a huge lack of transparency over the use of AI at work, with many staff left in the dark over how surveillance tech is being used to make decisions that directly affect them. 

The use of automated decision making via AI includes selecting candidates for interview, day-to-day line management, performance ratings, shift allocation and deciding who is disciplined or made redundant. 

The TUC adds that AI-powered technologies are currently being used to analyse facial expressions, tone of voice and accents to assess candidates’ suitability for roles. 

To combat the rise of workplace surveillance tech and “management by algorithm”, the TUC is calling for: 

  • A statutory duty to consult trade unions before an employer introduces the use of artificial intelligence and automated decision-making systems. 
  • An employment bill which includes the right to disconnect, alongside digital rights to improve transparency around use of surveillance tech  
  • A universal right to human review of high-risk decisions made by technology   

The TUC points out that the government recently consulted on diluting General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) as part of its post-Brexit divergence agenda, despite it providing some key protections for workers against surveillance tech. 

The EU is currently putting in place laws dealing specifically with the use of AI, whereas the UK does not have anything like this. The TUC says this is yet another example of the UK falling behind its EU counterparts on workers’ rights. 

There is significant and growing support among workers for stronger regulation of AI and tech-driven workplace surveillance: 

  • Eight in ten (82 per cent) now support a legal requirement to consult before introducing monitoring (compared to 75 per cent in 2020)  
  • Eight in 10 (77 per cent) support no monitoring outside working hours, suggesting strong support for a right to disconnect (compared to 72 per cent in 2020) 
  • Seven in 10 (72 per cent) say that without careful regulation, using technology to make decisions about workers could increase unfair treatment (compared to 61 per cent 2020). 

Last year the TUC launched its manifesto, Dignity at work and the AI revolution, for the fair and transparent use of AI at work. 

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “Worker surveillance tech has taken off during this pandemic – and now risks spiralling out of control. 

“Employers are delegating serious decisions to algorithms – such as recruitment, promotions and sometimes even sackings. 

“The Post Office scandal must be a turning point. Nobody should have their livelihood taken away by technology. 

“Workers and unions must be properly consulted on the use of AI, and be protected from its punitive ways of working.  

“And it’s time for ministers to bring forward the long-awaited employment bill to give workers a right to disconnect and properly switch off outside of working hours.” 

IT’S ONLY FLIPPING PANCAKE DAY!

ALDI OFFERS QUALITY, VALUE AND STACKS OF CHOICE

Whether it’s sweet or savory, plain or packed with toppings, Aldi Scotland will be a pancake paradise this Shrove Tuesday (1st March) with a wide range of top quality pre-made pancakes and locally sourced ingredients all at ‘in-crepe-ibley’ good value.

With the delectable mixture of low prices, pancakes, crumpets and more toppings than you can shake your pan at, Aldi Scotland is making this Pancake Day the best flipping one yet. 

At just £0.75, Browning’s the Bakers are keeping things sweet with their ready-to-eat Large Maple Syrup Pancakes, while their Large Buttermilk Pancakes (£0.75) ensure the pancake conventionalists aren’t left feeling flat. 

Stack your maple syrup pancakes high with Aldi’s Specially Selected Scottish Streaky Bacon (£1.99, 240g) and a smothering of Specially Selected Ayrshire Sea Salted Butter (£1.65, 250g) for the ultimate sweet and savory experience.  Mix it up with a six pack of Browning’s the Baker crumpets (£0.55) topped with a smear of Specially Selected Scottish Strawberry or Raspberry Preserve for just £1.19. 

Aldi’s Pancake Day products are on sale now and are available across all 102 Scottish stores, so be sure to prepare for a perfect Pancake Day this year.  

You can find your nearest Aldi store here. 

Aldi currently work with over 90 local suppliers, stocking 450 Scottish products and are constantly looking to bring more of what Scotland’s vibrant food and drink industry has to offer to their customers.