Category: North Edinburgh News

P&O Ferries staff redundancies: ‘pure blackmail’ and the ‘bullying truth’

Letters to and from Peter Hebblethwaite, CEO of P&O Ferries, regarding the circumstances by which staff were made redundant on 17 March 2022.

UK Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng and Labour Markets Minister Paul Scully wrote to the CEO of P&O Ferries on 18 March 2022 requesting details of the circumstances by which staff were made redundant on 17 March so that government can establish whether any employment or redundancy laws have been broken.

This is the exchange of letters:

Peter Hebblethwaite, CEO of P&O Ferries, responded by letter yesterday:

RMT exposes the ‘bullying truth’ behind P&O staff package

Maritime Union RMT last night slammed what it described as a “disgusting statement” from P&O Ferries trying to justify one of the most shameful acts by any employer in recent history.

Sacked seafarers have been basically told that if they don’t sign up to be gagged by a non-disclosure agreements you not only lose your job you lose money as well. This is from an organisation which has received millions from the taxpayer to support furlough payments and whose parent company DP world paid out vast sums in dividends last year

General Secretary Mick Lynch said: “These are the actions of a bully trying to maximise profits by sacking workers and replacing them with agency staff below the minimum wage.

“The detail of what the company are imposing is not new. The 2.5 weeks is what we have negotiated in the past with P&O.

“The pay in lieu of notice is not compensation, it is just a payment staff are contractually entitled to as there was no notice given.

“The way that the package has been structured is pure blackmail and threats– that if staff do not sign up and give away their jobs and their legal right to take the company to an employment tribunal they will receive a fraction of the amount put to them.

“The actions of P&O demonstrate the weakness of employment law and protections in the UK. P&O have flagrantly breached the law and abandoned any standards of workplace decency. They have ripped away the jobs, careers and pensions of our members and thrown the on the dole with the threat that if they do not sign up and give away their rights they will lose many thousands of pounds in payments.

“This is totally unacceptable and RMT will continue to campaign for our members to be reinstated at P&O and for better employment laws to protect all British workers.‎”

A protest is also being held outside P&O Ferries Cairnryan terminal today.

Spring Statement: Chancellor vows to ‘stand by hard-working families’

  • Chancellor expected to unveil Spring Statement that builds a stronger, more secure economy for the United Kingdom.
  • Rishi Sunak will set out further plans to support people with the rising cost of living and pledge to continue to “stand by” hard-working families during the challenging times ahead.
  • He will say that freedom and democracy remain the best route to peace, prosperity, and happiness and that a strong economy is fundamental in enabling us to counter the threat Russia poses to our values.

The Chancellor will today deliver a Spring Statement that ‘builds a stronger, more secure economy for the United Kingdom’.

With people across the UK facing growing pressures exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, Rishi Sunak will pledge to continue to “stand by” hard-working families and outline further plans to help with the rising cost of living. 

Alongside Britain continuing its “unwavering” support to Ukraine, he will add that a stronger economy is vital in responding to the threat of President Putin and that freedom and democracy remain the best route to peace, prosperity, and happiness.

Delivering the Spring Statement, Chancellor Rishi Sunak is expected to say: “We will confront this challenge to our values not just in the arms and resources we send to Ukraine but in strengthening our economy here at home.

“So when I talk about security, yes – I mean responding to the war in Ukraine. But I also mean the security of a faster growing economy. 

“The security of more resilient public finances. And security for working families as we help with the cost of living.”

The Chancellor’s statement is also expected to set out how the government plans to create a new culture of enterprise, with the private sector training more, investing more, and innovating more.

The Spring Statement will build on UK government support worth around £21 billion this year and next to help families with the cost of living.

That includes the £9.1 billion Energy Bills Rebate, putting an average of £1,000 more per year into the pockets of working families via changes to Universal Credit and freezing fuel and alcohol duties to keep costs down.

The Government is also raising the National Living Wage to £9.50 per hour from April, meaning people working full time on the National Living Wage will see a £1,000 increase in their annual earnings.

And the Government’s Plan for Jobs is also helping people into work and giving them the skills they need to progress – the best approach to managing the cost of living in the long term.

Bold action needed to tackle cost of living

The UK Government must take bold and decisive action to help protect people from soaring living costs, according to Holyrood Finance Secretary Kate Forbes.

Speaking ahead of the Spring Statement, Ms Forbes said the Chancellor of the Exchequer must use every tool available to provide support through what is expected to be a turbulent period of economic uncertainty.

Finance Secretary Kate Forbes said: “This is not a time to be ducking the considerable challenges we face, and I expect the Chancellor to use the Spring Statement to outline significant actions to support households and businesses, considering that most of the relevant powers are reserved to the UK Government.

“The Scottish Government is doing all it can to help those most in need. We are uprating eight Scottish benefits by 6% from 1 April as well as doubling our Scottish Child Payment to £20 per week per eligible child. I call again on the UK Government to follow our lead and uprate social security benefits by 6%.”

The Scottish Government has called on the Chancellor to:

  • increase benefits at a higher rate, closer to inflation
  • implement business relief on National Insurance contributions
  • provide immediate funding to sectors directly impacted by the Russia/Ukraine conflict
  • remove/reduce VAT on household energy bills
  • take VAT off energy efficient and zero emissions heat equipment and products
  • provide powers to implement flexible working, to get more people into jobs
  • deliver two extra Cold Weather Payments – one immediately and another in winter 2022-23 when energy bills will have risen again.

Read the Finance Secretary’s letter in full here.

Commenting on today’s (Wednesday) inflation figures, which show CPI inflation rising to a 30-year high of 6.2% in February, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “The Chancellor must respond to high inflation today with much greater help for families with soaring bills and a plan to get wages rising.

“Families need grants, not loans to help with soaring energy bills. These should be funded by a windfall tax on excess profits from gas and oil. Universal credit should get a boost to help families keep up with the rising cost of living.

“And we need a comprehensive plan to get wages rising, including new pay bargaining rights for workers and their unions.”

Steam Across the Forth Bridge

Steam across the iconic Forth Bridge in vintage carriages pulled by Mayflower, one of only two surviving B1 Class steam locomotives this June whilst enjoying a lunch or dinner service on one of two circular tours of the coast and countryside from Edinburgh Waverley.

Dining passengers are welcomed with a glass of champagne followed by a waiter-served 3 course lunch or 4 course dinner in either Pullman Style or Premier Dining carriages. A Premium Standard class offers tea and coffee to be purchased and picnics are most welcome.

Only available Friday 17th June, the lunchtime tour departs 11.15, crossing the World Heritage bridge with magnificent views extending some 20 miles on clear days. Then onto Fife, along the coast passing Burntisland and Kinghorn beaches before turning inland via Dunfermline and back across the Forth Bridge to Edinburgh, arriving at 14.30.

The evening train leaves Waverley at 17.30 for a 4-hour journey which crosses the Forth Bridge towards Fife, takes a rarely used freight line along 5 miles of coast, passing Culross and the Torry Bay local nature reserve then on to Alloa and along the reopened route to Stirling, through Falkirk and back to Edinburgh before the sun sets.

Prices are from £239 per person in Pullman Style Dining, £189 in Premier Dining and £89 in Premium Standard.

To book call Steam Dreams Rail Co. departure on 01483 209888 or visit www.steamdreams.co.uk  

Hamilton & Inches launches Craft Academy

Hamilton & Inches today launched its Craft Academy, which will teach and foster talent amongst the next generation of craftspeople.

Already home to exceptional silversmiths, goldsmiths, polishers, hand-engravers and watchmakers, Hamilton & Inches will help to support and develop the future of craftsmanship in Scotland by continuing to invest in crucial apprenticeships and training.

The Hamilton & Inches Craft Academy is offering two silversmithing internships for 3rd year university students, and one 4-year polishing apprenticeship.

The placements will be undertaken at the Hamilton & Inches workshops, which are located above the recently refurbished showroom in the heart of Edinburgh.

The successful candidates will gain experience to create elaborate pieces that Hamilton & Inches is renowned for, such as Scottish Rugby’s Cuttitta Cup, which will be contested annually between Scotland and Italy in the Six Nations Championship and which was unveiled earlier this month.

The launch is part of the ongoing support Hamilton & Inches has provided to talented young artisans. Trainee silversmith Ruth Page joined the Hamilton & Inches team in 2019 following a 3-month placement as part of her BA (Hons) Degree at the Edinburgh College of Art.

Since then, Ruth has created numerous collections and pieces, including the intricate Gingko light installation which is a focal point in the Hamilton & Inches showroom.

As part of the Craft Academy, there are two openings for the paid silversmithing internships, one which is open to 3rd year students studying jewellery and silversmithing courses across Scotland and the second is open to 3rd year Edinburgh College of Art jewellery and silversmithing students.

As well as being trained by expert artisans who are some of the finest craftspeople in the UK, successful applicants will be awarded with a £1,500 grant on completion of the internship to support with 4th year studies.

During this time, the silversmithing interns will be expertly trained by the Hamilton & Inches silversmith team and will develop the techniques needed to excel in this ancient craft. They will have the opportunity to create a range of silverware in traditional and contemporary designs, including christening items and silverware collections.

Further, the 4-year polishing apprenticeship will provide the opportunity to be part of the Hamilton & Inches award-winning polishing department, which is responsible for the polishing and restoration of varying precious items, including world renowned trophies.

Victoria Houghton, Hamilton & Inches CEO, said: “We are continuing our quest to support the future of craft in Scotland and beyond with the launch of the Hamilton & Inches Craft Academy, which provides invaluable opportunities for budding artisans.

“Thanks to our talented team and our recently refurbished workshops, we have the optimum foundation in place to train the next generation of craftspeople. We look forward to inspiring the next generation of talent”.

David Ramsay, Senior Silversmith at Hamilton & Inches, said: “After joining Hamilton & Inches as a modern-day apprentice and learning from some of the best craftspeople in the country, I know first-hand the brilliant opportunity this presents.

“There is nothing more important than the passing on of skills to ensure we continue to protect our industry into the future and I’m excited to welcome the new additions to our team”.

To find out more information on how to apply, visit www.hamiltonandinches.com.

Dinosaurs on the loose this summer!

Jurassic Encounter follows sell-out tour with visit to Musselburgh in July

NEWHAILES House has stood firm through four centuries by the Musselburgh Coast, but this July its Gardens will experience something completely new: An invasion of DINOSAURS, as the UK’s most roarsome family event thunders into town. 

Jurassic Encounter will see 50+ animatronic creatures from the Jurassic, Triassic and Cretaceous periods resurface in parks in London, Buxton, Edinburgh and Bristol, as well as making their way across the sea for a stint in Rotterdam. 

Roaring into Musselburgh on July 2nd, the event will feature TWO, life-sized T-Rex beasts, which roar and snarl at passers by. Other family favourites include Pterosaurs that shriek from the trees and a 15m tall Brachiosaurus guarding her eggs. 

The event will be open every day from July 2 – 17 and makes for the perfect family day out, just a few miles along from the ever popular Portobello Beach.

Naz Kabir, spokesperson for Jurassic Encounter, says: “Last year, thousands of visitors all over the UK enjoyed a day out with our prehistoric beasts, and we’re delighted to return for another tour in 2022. 

“This year we’ll have new dinosaurs, even more interactive exhibits including a VR experience and an education cinema where families will be able to learn more about these incredible creatures.” 

The animatronic installations will feature information panels, containing interesting facts about each dinosaur, ensuring a visit to Jurassic Encounter will be as educational as it is exciting. And guests will be invited to watch documentaries about the period in the Education Cinema Marquee along the route, bringing the beasts to life and showing how they roamed the earth. 

An excavation sand pit will allow children to dig for their dinosaur skeletons and fossils, and learn how archaeologists discovered the extinct species of past eras. And a VR experience will offer the chance to escape into a different world. 

Food and refreshments will be available along the route and a merchandise trailer at the end of the route for children to purchase a souvenir. Guests are free to roam the park as they wish, and discover the animals lurking behind bushes and creeping through the undergrowth. 

Tickets start at £9.50 and earlybird tickets are available now for the Newhailes event. For a 20% discount, visit www.jurassicencounters.uk and use the code EARLYBIRD20.

Cats Protection calls for tighter controls over fireworks to protect cats in Scotland

The UK’s leading cat charity Cats Protection has backed plans to restrict the use of fireworks across Scotland.

The proposals – under the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Bill – would mean members of the public purchasing or using fireworks would need a license, and public displays would be restricted to certain days of the year, such as Bonfire Night, Hogmanay, Diwali and Chinese New Year.

Cats Protection’s Advocacy & Government Relations Officer for Scotland Alice Palombo said the proposals would help reduce stress for pet cats, give owners the chance to ensure their pets are indoors during displays, and help protect stray and feral cats which may have no indoor refuge from fireworks.

She said: “Fireworks are incredibly stressful for cats and other animals, especially if their owner has not had the chance to ensure that their cat is indoors and safe. They are also stressful to cats that do not live indoors such as stray and feral cats.

“Cats associate sudden loud noises and flashes of light with imminent threat, and their natural instinct is to flee. However, as cats struggle to locate the source of noise, this often means that they will bolt in an unfavourable direction which may not provide protection. In busy cities, cats are in danger of running into traffic, or becoming lost in an unknown territory.

“We would also like to see a reduction in the maximum noise level of fireworks. Cats have sensitive hearing, having one of the widest ranges of hearing in mammals. The current maximum permitted firework noise level of 120 decibels can cause damage to cats’ hearing, even if there is only brief exposure.”

Cats Protection, the UK’s largest feline welfare charity, has a Scottish network of 22 volunteer-run branches, four adoption centres, and nine charity shops which also offer advice on cat care.

The charity’s Cats and their Stats (CATS) Scotland Report 2021 found 53% of cat owners in Scotland reported that their cat showed signs of stress because of fireworks.

As well as a licensing system, Cats Protection supports the introduction of Firework Control Zones, where the use of fireworks would be temporarily prohibited, but the charity says these zones need to ban fireworks all year round to be effective. Cats Protection says Firework Control Zones should include areas near animal rehoming centres, or in other areas where there are known to be a high number of animals, such as an outdoor feral cat colony.

Cats Protection’s Glasgow Adoption Centre Manager Kim MacKrell said: “Many cats that come into our care find fireworks very stressful. Designating areas close to animal shelters and rehoming centres as Firework Control Zones will protect the health of cats and other animals and potentially reduce their stress.

“It is important that Firework Control Zones operate throughout the year to protect cats from the fear and stress caused by the sudden loud noises and flashes of light from fireworks.”

Cats Protection recommends cats are kept indoors with the TV or radio on and with the curtains drawn overnight while fireworks are being used, however, they are still at risk of suffering from stress due to the sounds.

If cats experience chronic stress this often has a negative effect over time on their physical health, such as cystitis, or leads to behavioural problems such as house soiling, redirected aggression to owners and destructive behaviour around the household.

More advice about what cat owners can do to keep cats safe and relaxed while fireworks can be found at www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/home-and-environment/fireworks

Royal Mint to build ‘world first’ plant to turn UK’s electronic waste into gold

  • Pioneering new technology enables The Royal Mint to recover precious metals from discarded electronic devices such as mobile phones and laptops
  • The first of its kind plant will provide a source of high-quality precious metals while offering a solution to significant and growing environmental challenges
  • Forms part of The Royal Mint’s reinvention and helps secure a future as a leader in sustainably sourced precious metals

The Royal Mint has announced plans to build a world first plant in South Wales to recover gold from UK electronic waste. The pioneering facility will help address a growing environmental issue, support jobs and skills in Britain, and create a new source of high quality precious metals for the business.

The Royal Mint is using patented new chemistry – created by Canadian based Excir – to recover gold within the circuit boards of laptops and mobile phones. The unique chemistry is capable of recovering over 99% of the precious metals contained within electronic waste – selectively targeting the metal in seconds.

Construction of the plant begins this month, and it will be located within The Royal Mint’s highly secure site to provide a stream of gold directly into the business. When fully operational in 2023, The Royal Mint expects to process up to 90 tonnes of UK-sourced circuit boards per week – generating hundreds of kilograms of gold per year.

In addition, the new business venture will support around 40 jobs, helping existing employees to reskill as well as recruiting new chemists and engineers.

Each year, more than 50 million tonnes of electronic waste is produced globally, with less than 20% currently being recycled. If nothing is done, this is set to reach 74 million tonnes by 2030.

Instead of electronic waste leaving UK shores to be processed at high temperatures in smelters, the approach will see precious metals recovered at room temperature at The Royal Mint’s plant in South Wales.

Embracing the principles of a circular economy, the plant will be able to process the entire circuit board – preserving natural resources for longer, helping to reduce the environmental impact of electronic waste and fostering new skills and employment in the UK.   

Anne Jessopp, Chief Executive of The Royal Mint, said: “We are transforming our business for the future – expanding into areas which complement our expertise in precious metals, champion sustainability and support employment.

“Our investment in a new plant will see The Royal Mint become a leader in sustainably sourced precious metals and provide the UK with a much-needed domestic solution to the growing problem of electronic waste.”

Sean Millard, Chief Growth Officer at The Royal Mint said: “Working with our partners Excir, we have introduced world first technology to the UK capable of recovering precious metals from electronic waste in seconds.

“This approach is revolutionary and offers huge potential to reuse our planet’s precious resources, reduce the environmental footprint of electronic waste and create new jobs.

“We estimate that 99% of the UK’s circuit boards are currently shipped overseas to be processed at high temperatures in smelters. As the volume of electronic waste increases each year, this problem is only set to become bigger.

“When fully operational our plant will be the first of its kind in the world – processing tonnes of electronic waste each week, and providing a new source of high quality gold direct to The Royal Mint.”

Social Bite inspires school pupils to create change through the Social Enterprise Academy

Ten pupils from Currie Primary School met fellow social entrepreneurs, Social Bite to gather top tips to help them set up their very own enterprise café in their school to support their local community.

The session, which was set up through the Social Enterprise Academy, allowed the pupils to ask questions and hear from a real local social enterprise.

Currie Primary School has been involved in the Social Enterprise Schools programme for the past six months and following a presentation from other schools in Scotland and Malaysia, who are also taking part in the programme, pupils from Currie Primary in Edinburgh decided to start their own social enterprise café with the aim of giving all the profits to children dealing with cancer.

As this was set to be Currie Primary’s first social enterprise café, the pupils were looking for professional guidance from local social enterprise veterans, Social Bite.

Neil Mackenzie, teacher, Currie Primary, said: “We are so grateful to both the Social Enterprise Academy and Social Bite for meeting with our pupils to give them the experience and guidance to succeed when setting up our café.

“Running a social enterprise gives them such invaluable skills and knowledge – not only of finance but also practical skills and they were really excited to hear first-hand what it’s like to be involved in such successful enterprise like Social Bite.

“Getting a flavour of what it’s like running a business at an early age makes them both driven and proud of their work and having this experience could open up opportunities for employment later in life as well.

“Our social enterprise is still in very early stages, but the pupils are so excited to get started and the ideas they come up with are amazing. It’s been a privilege to watch them think about what kind of change they want to see in their community.”

The Social Enterprise Schools programme has already reached more than 50,000 pupils at 938 schools across Scotland’s 32 local authorities and The Social Enterprise Academy aims to roll out to every school in Scotland by 2024.

Neil McLean, CEO, Social Enterprise Academy, said: “We were delighted to welcome Currie Primary School to the Social Enterprise Academy and deliver this session together with Social Bite.

“Seeing the creativity and ingenuity from young people when they come up with their social enterprises is really inspiring and the pupils were so engaged which was fantastic to see! Social Enterprise plays a vital role in our society – through running their own social enterprise, these young people are developing the essential skills that they need to succeed in life and work and be positive assets in their communities.”

The pupils from Currie Primary used the session to conduct market research, listen to advice on managing money and sourcing equipment for their café.

Cindy Cosgrove, Social Bite, said: “Currie Primary have supported Social Bite for a number of years and we were thrilled to participate and share our experience to help the pupils with their social enterprise project.

“Being able to inspire and guide others to make a difference is essential to our work. We know real and sustained positive change requires everyone to get involved; young people are not only the future, but they are changing the world today. We will be watching on in anticipation and look forward to visiting when it opens.”

North Edinburgh care home supports future rugby talent

A North Edinburgh care home has shown its commitment to helping nurture Scotland’s future rugby stars by taking out a year long sponsorship with a local team.

Helping to subsidise travel costs, pitch maintenance and equipment costs, Cramond Residence’s contribution to Stewart’s Melville RFC comes at an exciting time as the club resumes regular matches following more than a year of restrictions.

The club currently has three XV squads, with the first and second XVs playing in competitive national leagues and has produced 15 international players since being founded in 1973. The first XV are geared up to play in the Tennent’s National League, Division 2 for 2021/2022.

Christian Daraio, Client Liaison Manager and Registered Nurse at the 74-bedroom home, said: “Residents, past and present, have been sport enthusiasts, players in their lifetime or have children or grandchildren involved in the game now.

“We’ve already had one of our residents attend a complimentary whisky tasting and are looking to get those that are interested down to watch a few games in the better weather and experience the game day atmosphere.

“We’re delighted to support Stewart’s Melville as they progress into an exciting 2021/22 season and are looking forward to the year ahead.”

With the biggest feeder system in the country, the club’s Mini section, the Stew Mel Lions, is one of the largest, with 340 boys and girls turning out at Inverleith every Sunday.

Simon Breeze, President of Stewart’s Melville RFC, said “We are extremely thankful to Cramond Residence for sponsoring Stewart’s Melville. Without such good quality local sponsors, amateur clubs like ourselves would struggle to survive.

“We hope this is the beginning of a long and mutually beneficial relationship with Cramond Residence. One of the residents has already attended a whisky tasting at the club and we look forward to welcoming many more to enjoy the rugby and hospitality at Inverleith.”

Cramond Residence provides a combination of luxury accommodation and the highest quality of care, with all residents enjoying a wide range of amenities and activities, delicious food and bespoke care.

The home provides a range of activities specially designed to give those living with dementia a richer and more satisfying life, with specialist facilities and trained staff on hand to provide support & relief.

Places in the care home start from £1850 a week.

To find out more, call 0131 341 4037 or visit https://cramondresidence.co.uk/

Morrisons launch Pocket Money Menu for kids to treat Mum on Mother’s Day

Morrisons has revealed a new ‘Pocket Money Menu’ in all of our cafés to allow kids to treat their mums on their special day this year.

No need to worry about burnt toast in bed, every item on our ‘Pocket Money Menu’ is 99p or less meaning kids can treat their mum to a meal out without breaking the piggy bank. 

The menu has been inspired by our youngest shoppers and includes mums’ favourites including tea, coffee, toasted teacakes and crumpets for just 99p. Plus, Morrisons famous doughnuts are also on the menu for just 35p, so kids will be able to enjoy one too. 

According to RoosterMoney, the average pocket money for 4-10 year olds is £4.12 per week*, making the new pocket friendly café menu affordable for little shoppers to spoil their mum. 

Ali Lyons, Head of Café at Morrisons, says, “Mums are always finding ways to brighten our day. We hope that our 99p Pocket Money Menu will help sons and daughters to show mum their appreciation and spend some quality time together.”

We’ve also brought back our ‘Feed the Family’ offer for just £10 in our cafés nationwide this week – just in time for Mother’s Day.

Adults can choose from a range of café favourites including hand-battered fish and chips, lasagne, jacket potatoes and burgers as well as drinks such as soft drinks or coffee. For the kids, the offer includes smaller portions of chicken nuggets or macaroni cheese along with drinks such as Tropicana or milk. Children will also receive a piece of fruit alongside their main meals. 

Tea and coffee will remain at just 99p, making them one of the cheapest places to pick up a hot drink on the high street.

For more information and to find a local Morrisons café, please visit: https://my.morrisons.com/storefinder/