North Edinburgh News – Page 1963 – The NEN

191 employers named and shamed for cheating their workers

Government names and shames 191 employers who have underpaid workers, including major household names
named firms have been fined for owing £2.1 million to over 34,000 workers
Business Minister Paul Scully: “Employers that short-change workers won’t get off lightly”

Today (Thursday 5 August) 191 businesses are being named for breaking national minimum wage law. Twenty-two of them are in Scotland.

Following investigations by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, a total of £2.1 million was found to be owed to over 34,000 workers.

The breaches took place between 2011 and 2018. Named employers have since been made to pay back what they owed, and were fined an additional £3.2 million, showing it is never acceptable to underpay workers.

The UK government recently gave millions a pay rise, by increasing National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage rates in April 2021. The rise means someone working full time on the National Living Wage will be taking home £5,400 more annually than they were in 2010. Every single UK worker is entitled to the National Minimum Wage, no matter their age or profession.

Whilst not all minimum wage underpayments are intentional, it has always been the responsibility of all employers to abide by the law. Clear guidance is available on gov.uk, which all employers should check.

Minimum wage breaches can occur when workers are being paid on or just above the minimum wage rate, and then have deductions from their pay for uniform or accommodation.

The employers named today previously underpaid workers in the following ways:

47% wrongly deducted pay from workers’ wages, including for uniform and expenses
30% failed to pay workers for all the time they had worked, such as when they worked overtime
19% paid the incorrect apprenticeship rate

Business Minister Paul Scully said: “Our minimum wage laws are there to ensure a fair day’s work gets a fair day’s pay – it is unacceptable for any company to come up short.

“All employers, including those on this list, need to pay workers properly.

“This government will continue to protect workers’ rights vigilantly, and employers that short-change workers won’t get off lightly.”

Employers who pay workers less than the minimum wage have to pay back arrears of wages to the worker at current minimum wage rates. They also face hefty financial penalties of up to 200% of arrears – capped at £20,000 per worker – which are paid to the government. Since 2015 the government has ordered employers to repay over £100 million to 1 million workers.

A significant number of the minimum wage breaches identified today affected those on apprenticeships. Today the government has published new guidance to ensure employers know exactly what they need to do to pay their apprentices, and all workers, correctly.

National Minimum Wage Naming Scheme Round 17, August 2021: educational bulletin (PDF, 541KB, 7 pages)

The government is committed to protecting workers’ rights and while the vast majority of businesses follow the law and uphold workers’ rights, the publication of this list serves as a reminder to employers that the government will take action against those who fail to pay their employees the minimum wage.

As well as advice for employers, HMRC offers advice for all workers on how to ensure they are being paid correctly via the Check your pay website.

Chair of the Low Pay Commission Bryan Sanderson said: “These are very difficult times for all workers, particularly those on low pay who are often undertaking critical tasks in a variety of key sectors including care.

“The minimum wage provides a crucial level of support and compliance is essential for the benefit of both the recipients and our society as a whole.”

nmw-naming-scheme-round-17-educational-bulletin Download

‘Transformational’: Increasing free early learning and childcare

Up to 130,000 children will be able to benefit from 1,140 hours of free early learning and childcare (ELC) each year from this month.

Available to all three and four-year-olds, as well as two-years-olds who need it most, the flagship commitment will save families childcare costs of around £4,900 per child each year.

Many children in funded ELC already access 1,140 hours. Legislation came into effect on 1 August to make the expanded offer available across Scotland.

The expansion from 600 to 1,140 hours of funded ELC was made possible by a close working partnership between the Scottish Government, local authorities and ELC providers across Scotland, underpinned by a landmark multi-year funding agreement.

Delivery of the 1,140 hours offer, which will bring Scottish Government funding for ELC in 2021-22 to over £1 billion, marks another commitment for the first 100 days of this Government.

The Scottish Government has also provided local authorities with £476 million of capital over the last four years, which has enabled them to refurbish, re-purpose and extend hundreds of existing nursery settings, as well as providing over 150 new facilities across Scotland.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon made the announcement during a visit to Fallin Nursery, Stirling, where she met staff and children.

The First Minister said: “All children deserve the best start in life. Providing access to free, high-quality early learning and childcare enriches children’s early years and provides them with skills and confidence for starting school and beyond. It also supports parents’ ability to work, train or study.

“I am delighted to announce that every local authority in Scotland has assured us they are ready to deliver the 1,140 hours offer by the start of the new term – a truly transformational offer that will benefit children and families all over the country.

“Getting to this point, especially given the challenges of the pandemic, has taken a mammoth effort and I’d like to thank local authorities and private and voluntary sector providers for helping to make it happen.”

COSLA Children and Young People’s Spokesperson Councillor Stephen McCabe said: “This announcement is good news for families across Scotland with children able to benefit from almost double the amount of funded childcare later this month.

“These additional hours will be transformative for families, ensuring children have more time to play and learn while parents and carers will have more opportunities to work, study or volunteer.

“The delivery of the 1,140 hours expansion of early learning and childcare is the result of hard work by councils and our partners, who have made huge efforts to deliver against the extremely challenging and ever-changing nature of the pandemic.”

Early Years Scotland Chief Executive Jane Brumpton said: “Children and families will now have access to more funded hours of early learning and childcare than ever before.

“We know that investing in the earliest years of a child’s life is crucial to a child’s positive development, and has long-lasting impacts on outcomes in health, education, and positive life chances.

“Early Years Scotland very much welcomes this duty coming into force, and will work closely with Scottish Government and our members to support the rollout of this important policy.”

Funded early learning and childcare (ELC) is available to all three and four-year-olds and eligible two-year-olds.

Classic tales and Chinese poetry to be translated in Scots

Ten new books awarded Scots Publication Grant

Ten new books in Scots have been awarded funding by the Scots Language Publication Grant.

Now in its third year, the Scots Language Publication Grant was created by the Scots Language Resource Network to support Scots publishers and to encourage Scots writers. It is funded by the Scottish Government and administered by Scottish Book Trust, the national charity changing lives through reading and writing.

This year’s successful awardees include translations of well-loved stories such as Aesop’s Fables by Matthew Fitt and James Robertson, and Lemony Snicket by Thomas Clark. Brian Holton will also reimagine poetry of Li Bai and Du Fu (two of the most renowned poets of Ancient China) to new audiences.

Applications were assessed by a panel with expertise in Scots and publishing, including a representative of the Scots Language Centre, Scottish Book Trust and Waterstones.

Three publishers based in Edinburgh were awarded Scots Publication Grants: Itchy Coo (an imprint of Black & White Publishing), Leamington Books and Taproot Press.

The successful titles are:

A Series o Scunnersome Events, Book the First: The Boggin Beginnin (Itchy Coo) by Thomas Clark and illustrated by Brett Helquist
A Working Class State of Mind (Leamington Books) by Colin Burnett
Berries Fae Banes (Tippermuir) by Jim Macintosh
Hard Roads an Cauld Hairst Winds: Li Bai an Du Fu in Scots (Taproot Press) by Brian Holton
Laird Graham an the Kelpie (Giglets Education) by Jax McGhee
Norlan Lichts (Rymour Books) by Sheena Blackhall, Sheila Templeton and Lesley Benzie
Phantom the Ginger Mog (Wee Stoorie Press) by Kirsty Johnson and illustrated by Mandy Sinclair
The Day It Never Got Dark In Dundee (Rymour Books) by Ian Spring
The Itchy Coo Book o Aesop’s Fables in Scots (Itchy Coo) by Matthew Fitt and James Robertson, illustrated by Emma Chichester Clark
Wheesht (Foggie Toddle Books) by Susi Briggs and illustrated by William Gorman.

The Scots Language Publication Grant provides assistance for publishing new work (including translated texts), reprinting existing historical or culturally significant work, and also effective marketing and promotion of existing and new work.

Education Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The Scottish Government is pleased to continue to support the Scots Publication Grant for a third year.

“We have seen how this funding can develop talent while widening accessibility of a variety of genres, with titles both new and old, to the Scots speaking community. My congratulations to those who have been successful this year.”

Rhona Alcorn, CEO of Dictionaries of the Scots Language and Chair of The Scots Language Resource Network, said: “The Scots Language Publication Grant plays a hugely important role in supporting Scots as a contemporary literary medium.

“This year’s winning titles illustrate the breadth of creative work in Scots today and truly include something for everyone.”

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: “Scottish Book Trust is pleased to offer Scots Publication Grants to these ten new titles.

“The diversity in genre and subject matter of the successful awardees is fascinating: from children’s stories to poetry; from classic tales we grew up with, to ancient Chinese poetry. Our thanks to the Scottish Government and the Scots Language Resource Network for making this grant possible.”

Vaccinations on offer for 16 and 17 year olds in Scotland

All young people 16 to 17 years of age will now be offered the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination in Scotland.

In line with the latest advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), they will be offered a first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

From Friday (6 August), people who are 16 or 17 in mainland Scotland will be invited to register their interest through the online portal at NHS Inform, and will then be sent an appointment via SMS or email.

Eligible young people in Shetland, Orkney and Western Isles will be contacted by their health board and invited to attend clinics.

Alternatively, drop-in clinics will be available for 16 to 17-years-olds. The start date for clinics opening for this age group will be confirmed shortly.

Anyone who doesn’t register an interest or attend a drop-in clinic, once open, will be sent an appointment invitation through the post. It is expected that everyone in this age group will have been offered a vaccination appointment by the end of September.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Gregor Smith said: “In line with the latest JCVI advice we will now be offering a first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination to young people aged between 16 and 17.

“The programme has always carefully assessed all the benefits and potential risks and offered vaccine to groups where this benefit is clear. The research and evidence shows that is the case for this age group and they should now be called forward for an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine.

“We will continue to follow the expert JCVI advice and will await the outcome of analysis of data on second doses for this age group and any additional future advice on vaccination for those in the 12-15 age group.”

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Getting vaccinated has never been easier and from Friday, 16 and 17-year-olds in mainland Scotland will be able to book an appointment through the online portal. We know drop-in clinics are a convenient way for young people to get vaccinated and will announce shortly when these clinics will be open for this age group.

“Vaccination continues to be the best way to protect yourself and those around you and I urge anyone who is eligible to take up the offer of the vaccine.

“The national vaccination programme has been a huge success and without doubt, represents our best way out of the pandemic.”

Background

In addition to 16 to 17-year-olds, we have started offering COVID-19 vaccinations to children and young people who are from key groups; and are between 12 to 17 years. Vaccinations will be offered to:
12 to 15-year-olds with severe neuro-disabilities
12 to 15-year-olds with Down’s syndrome
12 to 15-year-olds with underlying conditions resulting in immunosuppression
12 to 15-year-olds with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD)
12 to 15-year-olds with severe learning disabilities
12 to 17-year-olds who have a diagnosed learning/intellectual disability (mild or moderate)
16-year-olds who have any of these above conditions or underlying conditions that place them at higher risk of serious COVID-19 (that were not 16 at the time of the previous invite for all 16 and 17-year-olds in March 2021)
young people aged 12 years and above who live in the same household of persons (adults or children) who are immunosuppressed (we previously invited over 16s who are household contacts of those on the shielding list)

England, Wales and Northern Ireland will also be taking the JCVI advice.

JCVI statement on COVID-19 vaccination of children and young people

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: Today’s advice from the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) means more young people aged 16 and over can benefit from COVID-19 vaccines. I have accepted their expert recommendations and I have asked the NHS to prepare to vaccinate those eligible as soon as possible.

“The JCVI have not recommended vaccinating under-16s without underlying health conditions but will keep its position under review based on the latest data.

“Those aged 12 to 15 with severe neuro-disabilities, Down’s Syndrome, immunosuppression and multiple or severe learning disabilities, as well as people in this age group who are household contacts of individuals who are immunosuppressed, are already eligible for vaccination.

“JCVI will continue to review data and provide updates on at risk groups aged 12 to 15 and whether any additional groups will be added.

“COVID-19 vaccines have saved more than 60,000 lives and prevented 22 million infections in England alone. They are building a wall of defence against the virus and are the best way to protect people from serious illness. I encourage everyone who is eligible to come forward for both their jabs as quickly as possible.”

Granton Goes Greener looks forward to Climate Festival

Granton Goes Greener are very excited to be part of @EdClimateFest on 14th August at Leith Links …

We are very excited to have our stall with FREE clothes, shoes and some books at the festival.

Plus we are preparing a basic weaving workshop, where we will be teaching how to do weaving with upcycled materials like T-shirt yarn or plastic fruit nets.

And we will have some weaving kits to give away, so you could take them home and practise!

Remember, the Climate Festival is taking place in Leith Links Park this year on Saturday 14 August between 12 noon and 7pm.

If you have any plastic fruit nets ( from your lemons, onions etc), we would happilly accept them at Share’n’Wear on Friday between 11:30 am and 1 pm or you can bring them to the festival.

Morrisons launches Back to School Packs to support families in need

– Back To School Pick Up Packs containing essential stationery items to be distributed to local schools and community groups –

– New scheme follows the success of food packs in store that has so far seen over £1 million of food donated to those in need in 2021 –

Morrisons is giving customers the opportunity to support children and their families who may struggle with the cost of going back to school by creating stationery Pick Up Packs in store which can be bought and donated in time for the new school year.

Pre-packed bags will be available to purchase each day and will contain popular items needed to get children ready for returning to school such as pens, pencils, rubbers, rulers and maths sets.

Customers can pick up a pack on their way into the store, pay for the items at the till and then place the bag in a dedicated donation station. Store Community Champions will then collect and distribute the packs to local schools and community groups.

The packs will cost up to £5 and will vary on price depending on the products inside each pack.

Back to School Pick Up Packs is the latest scheme introduced by Morrisons to help make it easier for its customers to help those in their local community and follows the success of Pick Up Packs for food which has seen over £1 million donated to local food banks this year.

Rebecca Singleton, Customer & Community Director at Morrisons, said: “Going back to school can be both a nervous and exciting time for families. We hope these packs go some way to helping local children and their families who may struggle with the costs of going back to school – and take one thing off the to do list.”

Morrisons has committed £15million across 2020 and 2021 to support stocking food banks in local communities as well as introducing initiatives such as ‘Ask for Sandy’ which helps to fight back against period poverty by offering customers in need a discreet package of sanitary protection products.

Eden Project’s back on the road!

After a year and a half of virtual events, we’re heading back out on the road!

We’ll be holding a number of small events around Scotland, bringing people together outdoors for a natter about all things community, a cuppa, and maybe even some cake!

These gatherings will be small, safe, community focused events that help us get together again to simply chat, catch up, share stories and hear from others.

Whether you’ve been part of our network for ages, attended a Community Camp (at the Eden Project or online) or are just interested in meeting other people and groups that share an interest in making positive change in their local neighbourhood, you’re most welcome to join us.

All events are free, but spaces are limited so registration is essential.

Follow the Eventbrite link for more detailed information on each location and to book your place:

Edinburgh – Sun 15 August 2-4pm https://roadshowedinburgh.eventbrite.co.uk

Falkirk – Sat 21 August 11am-1pmhttps://roadshowfalkirk.eventbrite.co.uk

Glasgow – Sun 29 August 1.30-3.30pmhttps://roadshowglasgow.eventbrite.co.uk

Aberdeen – Sat 11 August 2-4pmhttps://roadshowaberdeen.eventbrite.co.uk

Inverness – Sat 25 August 11am-1.30pmhttps://roadshowinverness.eventbrite.co.uk

Dundee – Sat 23 October 12-4pmhttps://roadshowdundee.eventbrite.co.uk

Funding to support equality and human rights

Additional £1 million annually for third sector organisations

Organisations across Scotland will share £21 million funding over three years to advance human rights, promote equality and tackle discrimination.

A total of 48 organisations – including five specialist human rights organisations – will benefit from the new Equality and Human Rights Fund.

Overall, this new three-year programme will provide an additional £1 million per year for organisations dedicated to tackling inequality and discrimination, furthering equality and advancing the realisation of human rights in Scotland.

One of the charities set to receive funding for the first time is Civil Rights First, which provides specialist legal advice and representation to people with protected characteristics such as ethnicity, age or disability.

Five human rights organisations receiving additional funding for the first time are: Civic Rights First, Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland (ERCS), Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector, JustRight Scotland SCIO and The Poverty Alliance.

Other organisations include Intercultural Youth Scotland, Generations Working Together and Neighbourhood Networks in Scotland.

Equalities Minister Christina McKelvie said: “We want to build a fairer, more equal Scotland which is free from discrimination and where the human rights of everyone are respected, protected and fulfilled.

“Equality and human rights are at the heart of all we do. As we ease out of the pandemic, we are providing an annual increase of £1 million to support the vital efforts of these expert organisations to strengthen communities, further equality, and advance human rights of people across the country.”

Dionne McCabe, Trustee of Civil Rights First, said: “This funding award, made in recognition of our specialist service delivery, is a significant step for our small charity in delivering to the most vulnerable with access to justice and a step change in growth across Scotland.

“We look forward to making a real difference with positive outcomes for vulnerable people.”

A spokesperson for the Poverty Alliance said: “We are delighted to be one of the organisations awarded funding by the Equality and Human Rights Fund.

“Rights in Action, our funded project, will support organisations and individuals to better understand and use their economic, social and cultural rights to address poverty.

Celia Tennant, Chief Executive of Inspiring Scotland, which manages the fund on behalf of the Scottish Government, said: “Everyone in Scotland deserves, and has a right, to live their life to their maximum ability, to contribute to society in the widest terms, and to have full self-determination.

“The large number of strong applicants to the fund demonstrates the depth of commitment from the third sector. We look forward to working with the diverse range of funded groups to share challenges, develop solutions and amplify learning.”

The Equality and Human Rights Fund is a new programme that supports organisations that deliver work focussed on tackling inequality and discrimination, furthering equality, and advancing the realisation of human rights in Scotland.

Blair Drummond Safari Park cleared of animal welfare allegation

Blair Drummond Safari Park, one of Scotland’s most popular visitor attractions, has been cleared of animal welfare allegations following a robust investigation by the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA).

The assertions, made to BIAZA in March 2021 by a whistle blower, sparked a four-month inspection by the governing body which included park inspections, staff interviews and process reviews.

The findings, which include some recommendations for upgrading of processes, ends what has been a ‘deeply upsetting’ time for the keepers and the wider team at Blair Drummond Safari Park.

Speaking on the conclusions, Blair Drummond Safari Park owner Hector Muir, said: “BIAZA’s investigation has confirmed that Blair Drummond provides a safe and caring environment for our animals, and this is what we work tirelessly to achieve each and every day.

“The team participated fully with the investigation, and we were confident throughout that the outcome would be positive. This has been the case. We are always looking to improve the Park’s process and procedures and we embrace the opportunity to work with an experienced sector professional to support us in achieving this.”

Dr Jo Judge, CEO of BIAZA said: “BIAZA is satisfied that there are no ongoing serious animal welfare concerns. Many of the complaints were historical and we were pleased to find improvements have already been made to address them.

“The management team at Blair Drummond Safari Park are very keen to ensure that their animal welfare is of the highest standard and welcome the opportunity to learn from a BIAZA mentor”.

Volunteer and rock out at Let’s Rock Scotland for FREE

Adam Ant, Lulu, Tony Hadley, ABC, Howard Jones, Heather Small and many more …

LOVE LIVE music? Love the 80s? Then why not volunteer at Let’s Rock Scotland this summer?

By signing up to do a four-hour shift with festival charity partner Child Bereavement UK, ticket scanning and selling wristbands and raffle tickets on the day, you’ll not only be helping a great cause, you’ll also be able to enjoy the festival free of charge.

Let’s Rock Scotland takes place at Dalkeith Country Park on Saturday 28 August 2021 and will include performances from Adam Ant, Lulu, Tony Hadley, ABC, Howard Jones, Heather Small and many more.

Child Bereavement UK helps children and young people (up to the age of 25), parents, and families, to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies. The charity also provides training to professionals, equipping them to provide the best possible care to bereaved families.

To volunteer please visit www.childbereavementuk.org/lets-rock-the-80s-and-pennfest. Volunteers will be fully briefed at the start of their shift and will be supported by Child Bereavement UK staff throughout. They will also have access to free water and snacks whilst volunteering and will be provided with any PPE required, in line with regulations.

To find out more about the charity and for support please visit:

www.childbereavementuk.org or call 0800 02 888 40