“11% reported that it is likely they will have to make redundancies in the next 3-6 months putting a potential 1.85 million jobs at risk across the UK”
Owner managed businesses coming out of the third lockdown are still struggling with the impact of Covid-19 and an uncertain economic outlook, according to the Association of Practising Accountants (APA):
11% reported that it is likely they will have to make redundancies in the next 3-6 months putting a potential 1.85 million jobs at risk across the UK
24% reported a negative or very negative impact on their business since the UK left the EU
53% of respondents identified uncertain trading conditions as their biggest single challenge
15% cited Brexit supply chain issues as their single biggest challenge
Nonetheless:
84% of respondents reported that they were either confident or somewhat confident that they would be able to access the finance that they needed over the next 6 months with anecdotal evidence suggesting that the major banks were continuing to lend
Longer term 54% were more positive about their economic prospects outside the EU while 46% were less positive
The research among 435 owner managed businesses across the UK was carried out between April and May by the APA, a network of 17 leading business advisory firms who represent over 14,000 of these businesses.
Commenting on the findings APA Chairman Martin Muirhead said: “What is clear from our research is that a significant minority of owner managed businesses who have managed to pull through the last 12 months are still in survival mode with uncertain trading conditions being the biggest concern to a majority.
“Nonetheless there is also evidence to suggest that those businesses that have managed to weather the impact of Covid-19 are now more resilient and that existing and proposed Government support measures have generally been well received.
“Over the coming months it is vital that Government maintains a flexible and targeted approach to business support focusing resource on those sectors where there is the greatest need. Owner managed businesses form the backbone of the UK economy and need continued, targeted support as we emerge from this third lockdown.”
The majority of Edinburgh’s libraries will be open this month as part of a phased plan for reopening essential services in the city.
In total 11 venues will offer a variety of services as they open up from next Monday (7th June).
A number of libraries – Central (including the Children’s Library), Drumbrae, Kirkliston, McDonald Road, Wester Hailes, Stockbridge and Gilmerton – are all currently open. Craigmillar and Fountainbridge are being used as short-term community asymptomatic testing centres but will thereafter return to use as libraries.
The timetable for the phased reopening of further libraries is:
Monday 7 June
Currie
Piershill
South Queensferry
Balgreen
Colinton
Monday 14 June
Morningside
Moredun
a mobile library at Ratho (contact/collect only)
Balerno will be open for contact/collect and bus pass applications support.
Thursday 17 June
Blackhall
Thursday24 June
Portobello
It is hoped that the city’s remaining libraries will reopen again as soon as possible after these dates.
A number of libraries (Leith, Newington, Oxgangs and the library in Gate 55 at Wester Hailes) are temporarily being used as community covid-19 testing centres until at least late Autumn.Other libraries may be needed as short-term asymptomatic testing centres over the coming weeks and months.
To browse and borrow books, use a public computer, apply for a National Entitlement Card (bus pass) or collect hearing aid batteries visits will need to be booked online or by phoning the library direct.
There’s no need to reserve a slot if you’re return your books or picking up Hey Girls sanitary products. Social distancing measures are in place including face coverings being mandatory.
Culture and Communities Convener Cllr Donald Wilson said: “It’s great to see more libraries opening their doors across the city as they are invaluable resources for local communities. Our phased plan means we have been able to reopen them in a measured and cautious way to ensure everyone’s safety.
“Our plans will see a further 11 venues open for a variety of services. Although a number of other libraries are currently covid-19 testing centres I want to assure everyone that they will revert to fully functioning libraries.
“I want to thank all the hard work and efforts from our library and cleaning teams who continue to work tirelessly to get our libraries open and ensure they are safe to use.”
Culture and Communities Vice Convener Cllr Amy McNeese-Mechan said: “I’m delighted that we’re going to see more libraries open next week as we welcome our people back into their local spaces. They are much-loved hubs which bring our communities together and are essential for supporting the wellbeing of our citizens.
“We really appreciate everyone’s support and patience over recent months as we put in place our phased plans and thanks must go to the fantastic work of all the Council staff who have made this possible.
“The measured approach demonstrates our commitment and recognition of the importance of public libraries in this, the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature.”
The Scottish Government would like to better understand the impact of Covid-19 on the voluntary sector and volunteering. If you are an organisation which has engaged volunteers in the last two years, they would really like to hear your views.
The survey will provide invaluable and up-to-date insights on both the challenges and opportunities facing volunteering and will help to guide the recovery process in 2021 and beyond.
The findings will be published and widely disseminated for the benefit of all volunteer involving organisations.
After a high-flying career as a press photographer – which saw her hanging out of helicopters and climbing church bell towers to get the perfect image – Horticulture student Julie Bull is now very much grounded in her gardening business.
As a photographer with the Bournemouth Echo, Birmingham Post and Mail, and laterally the Edinburgh Evening News, she spent 30 years photographing all walks of life, from street children in Guatemala and Oxfam’s aid work during the genocide in Rwanda to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Hogmanay concerts and fireworks.
Following on from this career, she worked as a Police Scotland call handler receiving 101 and 999 calls.
“I have always enjoyed gardening,” said Julie, 50, from Midlothian. “I would watch the contract gardener through the bombproof windows at Police Scotland and on a good day could just about inhale the smell of the freshly cut grass. That’s when I decided to take the plunge and become a full-time Horticulture student and purchased my first secondhand lawnmower from Gumtree.”
After completing an SVQ Level 2 course in Amenity Horticulture, she progressed on to the NC Horticulture course at SRUC’s Oatridge campus in West Lothian.
While it’s a far cry from the days of photographing Nelson Mandela, royalty, and being blessed by the Dalai Lama, the four years since she set up her gardening/ companion gardening business Flower Power have flown by.
This sees her providing a personalised gardening service for people, either as a lone gardener or as a companion garden working alongside clients at their pace.
After finishing her course, she plans to continue to expand her practical gardening knowledge before contemplating returning for the HNC course in the autumn.
“I volunteer with Cyrenians at Midlothian Community Hospital Garden and buddy up with ‘green prescribers’ who are referred by their GP or support worker,” she said.
“Being able to share space and time in the community garden with folk is a precious thing – especially after Covid-19 and all the lockdowns. This complements the Trellis Therapeutic Gardening courses I’m completing alongside my SRUC studies.”
In the future, she would love to have enough knowledge and confidence to become a Community Garden Co-ordinator working alongside volunteers or even a First Gardener with the National Trust for Scotland.
“As I say to my 21-year-old son Alfie, a goal without a plan is just wishful thinking,” she said. “We can all shoot for the stars, can’t we?”
New research by SpareRoom reveals strength of feeling on future of working
Almost half (46%) of 18-40 year olds would consider quitting their current job if their employer doesn’t allow remote working post-pandemic
One of the least important features of a job now is office parties and regular socialising with colleagues
Conversely, the most desirable job features are pay, a good work-life balance and a job that has a sense of purpose
The majority of 18-40 year olds (60%) have changed the features they look for in a job after a year living in a pandemic
The great return to the office is on the horizon and getting closer, with all social restrictions set to end on 21st June (in England, anyway … maybe? – Ed). However, while a reunion with colleagues might be welcome, a full time return to the physical workplace is enough to actually put people off their jobs.
According to new research by flatsharing site SpareRoom, one in two (46%) 18-40 year olds will consider quitting their job if their employer doesn’t allow remote working post-pandemic.
Where a swanky office with a lively work social scene was once a major pull for young people and saw them move in their droves to big cities like London, the research from SpareRoom with over 2,000 18-40 year olds reveals the opposite to now be true for many.
In fact, a clear majority (60%) have changed the job attributes they now find important and almost two thirds (63%) have a new attitude towards work. Of those that are employed and have had the option to ‘WFH’ (81%), there is a clear preference going forward for a continuation of home working or for a hybrid of working partially at home and from the office (72% combined). This compares to 28% that prefer working exclusively from the office.
Notwithstanding the possible resignation-inducing prospect of five days a week in the office, the most undesirable feature of a job now happens to be the office party. As part of the research, SpareRoom asked young people to rank features of a job based on how important they are.
The loser was a job with regular social events, suggesting that many are not yet ready to reembrace the old socially intimate culture of afterwork drinks and the annual Christmas knees-up.
On the other hand, the features of a job that 18-40 year olds now covet more than anything else are pay, a good work-life balance and the knowledge that their work has a purpose.
Most important features of a job
Least important features of a job
1. Pay and compensation
1. Regular social events and office parties
2. Good work-life balance
2. Regular appraisals/reviews and opportunity to grow
3. A job that has a sense of purpose
3. Additional benefits e.g. gym, healthcare
4. Job security
4. Being able to pursue a passion / ‘side hustle’ outside of work
5. Feeling safe at work
5. Reduced or flexible working hours
Matt Hutchinson, SpareRoom Director comments:“Work is one of the cornerstones of our lives and COVID has forced people to question their relationship with their job.
“That means, for many, the most desirable job is now one that offers security, a good work-life balance and of course the ability to work from home – even if not all of the time. Spending five days a week in the office, however, is particularly unattractive – to the extent that half would consider moving jobs if faced with this situation.
“Work is also one of the biggest drivers in the rental market. Pre-pandemic people moved for work or study. Now people are starting to think about what their lives will look like in future and the prospect of remote working opens up all sorts of possibilities. We’ve already seen a downward shift in demand for rooms in London, while other regions of the UK are seeing a rise.”
With Edinburgh Leisure’s gyms, pools, fitness classes and climbing arena open, they are encouraging you to spring into summer with an enticing no-joining-fee offer. At a time when health has never been so important, their latest offer could be just what you need to kick start your fitness regime.
The no-joining-fee offer is available on new memberships and can be bought online on the Edinburgh Leisure website from Tuesday, 1 June to Wednesday, 30 June and is applicable to all fitness, swim, gym, class and climb memberships.
The Edinburgh Leisure experience may be different from before Covid-19 with new customers needing to join online rather than in venue and pre-booking required for all activities, but customers will still receive the warm, Edinburgh Leisure welcome.
Edinburgh Leisure continues to operate in a cashless environment, accepting contactless payments; and safety remains important with enhanced cleaning taking place and additional sanitisation stations available throughout the venue for use before and after each visit; and timetabled activities with staggered start times to reduce congestion.
With 50+ venues across the city, including a world class climbing centre, 6 golf courses, 9 swimming pools, 10 state of the art gyms and 800+ fitness classes per week across the various centres, Edinburgh Leisure is the biggest club in town, with something for everyone to enjoy moving and getting fitter.
New standards for treatment for drug users will ensure everyone has access to the support which works best for them.
The 10 new standards, published today by the Drug Deaths Taskforce, will reinforce a rights-based approach for people who use drugs and the treatment they should expect, regardless of where they live.
Funding from the additional £50 million for drugs services announced by the First Minister in January will ensure that all Alcohol and Drug Partnerships (ADPs) are supported by the Scottish Government to embed the standards by April 2022. They make clear that people must be able to start receiving support on the day that they ask for it and emphasise the importance of allowing people to make informed choices about the type of medication and help available to them.
These 10 standards apply to Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) which is the term used to refer to the use of medication, such as opioids, together with any psychological and social support, in the treatment and care of people who experience problems with drug use.
Minister for Drug Policy Angela Constance said: “I want to thank the Drug Deaths Taskforce for their work on developing these standards and all those who gave their views following the interim report.
“We now have a set of standards which are safe, accessible and person-centred. These will help ensure consistency of treatment across the country. Making help available and giving people an informed choice is an essential part of respecting a person’s rights and dignity. It is also an approach which is more likely to be effective and provide people with the support and treatment they need.
“We have said a national mission is needed to tackle the drug deaths emergency and that is why we allocated an additional £250 million over the next five years to improve and increase services for people affected by drug addiction.
“These MAT standards will mean everyone with problematic drug use can access the right support for them regardless of their situation or location.”
Chair of the Drug Deaths Taskforce Professor Catriona Matheson said: “The publication of the MAT Standards and the start of their implementation represents a major achievement for the Taskforce and the beginning of a new phase of our work.
The Standards constitute the most significant intervention in the strategy to reduce the unacceptable level of drug related deaths. The Standards will form a critical element of the longer term, sustainable actions that will save lives, complimenting the emergency actions taken to date.
“The evidence is clear that using street drugs and not being in treatment is dangerous and life-threatening. The Taskforce wants more people at risk to be in treatment programmes.
“I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the rapid development of the Standards and who are now involved in their roll-out and adoption. Commitment like this will help save lives.”
Scottish Drugs Forum CEO David Liddell said: “Scotland’s MAT Standards are the most significant landmark in improving Scotland’s response to problem drug use in over a decade. Implementing the standards will be the most significant development in addressing the on-going public health emergency of drug-related deaths.
“People who enter treatment are amongst the most vulnerable people in our society and often find engaging with services difficult. Services need to be more attractive, more approachable and more accessible; and reach out to people who have been in treatment but no longer are.
“These standards are the basis for making services truly person-centred. Implementing them will help services develop empowering relationships with people in treatment. Full implementation of the standards will save lives, reduce harm and transform people’s quality of life.”
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) standards:
all people accessing services have the option to start MAT from the same day of presentation
all people are supported to make an informed choice on what medication to use for MAT, and the appropriate dose
all people at high risk of drug-related harm are proactively identified and offered support to commence, re-commence or continue MAT
all people are offered evidence based harm reduction at the point of MAT delivery
all people will receive support to remain in treatment for as long as requested
the system that provides MAT is psychologically and trauma informed (Tier 1); routinely delivers evidence based low intensity psychosocial interventions (Tier 2); and supports the development of social networks
all people have the option of MAT shared with Primary Care
all people have access to advocacy and support for housing, welfare and income needs
all people with co-occurring drug use and mental health difficulties can receive mental health care at the point of MAT delivery
A brand new production of The Cher Show will open next year, with book by Tony and Olivier Award-winning Rick Elice (Jersey Boys, The Addams Family, Peter andthe Starcatcher), direction by Arlene Phillips (Saturday Night Fever, Starlight Express, Grease), choreography by Oti Mabuse (two-time Strictly Come Dancing champion) and costume design by Gabriella Slade (Six, In The Heights, Spice World 2019 Tour).
The tour will open at Leicester’s Curve on 15 April 2022 and will continue through to 1 April 2023.
Arlene Phillips said of directing The Cher Show, “I have been a fan of Cher since I first heard I Got You Babe in the mid-sixties and cannot wait to direct her musical. I love stories about strong inspirational legends like Cher and I am proud to be joined in the creative team by two women who have already made a huge impact in their careers: Oti Mabuse as choreographer of the many different genres in the show and Gabriella Slade for the iconic costume designs.
“This exciting show will be a non-stop journey of Cher’s rollercoaster life, bringing to the audience Cher’s iconic songs, glorious dance numbers, unique costumes and her epic drama. All they need to do is come along and Believe!”
Oti Mabuse said, “I cannot WAIT for audiences to see what we’re doing with The Cher Show. Cher’s music covers so many styles, genres and rhythms, which makes it so exciting to choreograph.
“Every song in the show is a hit and we are going full out with exciting routines and movement. It’s going to be a party! Cher has been such an inspiration to so many people and this musical is going to be a celebration of everything people love about her.”
Gabriella Slade added, “Cher is quite literally a style icon. Her fashion moments pushed the boundaries of the time and continue to do so. I’m so excited to be taking huge influence and inspiration from these looks as I embark on creating the costume design for this new production of The Cher Show.”
From a young child with big dreams, the shy daughter of an Armenian American truck driver, to the dizzying heights of global stardom, The Cher Show tells the incredible story of Cher’s meteoric rise to fame.
Cher takes the audience by the hand and introduces them to the influential people in her life, from her mother and Sonny Bono, to fashion designer and costumier Bob Mackie. It shows how she battled the men who underestimated her, fought the conventions and, above all, was a trailblazer for independence.
The musical is packed with 35 of her biggest hits, including ‘Turn Back Time’, ‘I Got You Babe’, ‘Strong Enough’, ‘The Shoop Shoop Song’ and ‘Believe’.
With over 100 million record sales, an Academy Award®, an Emmy®, a Grammy®, three Golden Globes® and an award from The Council of Fashion Designers of America, Cher has influenced popular culture more than most.
Her on-screen career started in 1971 with her weekly television show that attracted 30 million viewers a week, and went on to include starring roles in iconic films from Moonstruck, for which she won the Oscar for Best Actress, to Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again!, which prompted the New York Magazine to realise “every single movie—no matter how flawless—would be infinitely better if it included Cher.”
Her ‘Farewell Tour’ became the highest grossing music tour in history – in true Cher fashion, she followed up her ‘Farewell Tour’ with two further sell-out, worldwide arena tours. She is the only artist in history to have a number one hit in the Billboard chart for six consecutive decades; an achievement that caused Vogue to deem her “eternally relevant and the ruler of outré reinvention”. She became known as the Queen of Reinvention.
In the 1990s, she established The Cher Charitable Foundation to support causes around the world. She has been a long-time donor and supporter of Habitat for Humanity, The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund and Keep A Child Alive, an organisation that helps to combat the AIDs epidemic. Most recently, she co-founded Free the Wild to help rescue Kaavan the Asian elephant from Islamabad zoo.
Written by Tony Award-winning Rick Elice, The Cher Show made its debut on Broadway in 2018 in a production that earned two Tony Awards and delighted fans from around the world. This new production will be the European premiere.
The Cher Show UK & Ireland Tour will have lighting design by Ben Cracknell and sound design by Dan Samson.
