Category: North Edinburgh News

Edinburgh Guarantee will help business back on its feet

The pandemic has impacted us all in so many ways. As the vaccination programme rolls out, we can start to see a return to a more ‘normal’ way of life. But we can’t just build back to where we were (writes Cllr. KATE CAMPBELL).

This crisis has brought into sharp focus the structural inequalities that are woven through our society. We need to build an economy that offers more stability and, crucially, more equality for everyone.

Sadly, many firms are saying they’ll have no option but to make redundancies once furlough ends. The full impact on employment is still to be fully realised. This is alongside the economic uncertainty caused by Brexit, still largely masked by the pandemic.

So there is much to do.

Supporting business and retaining jobs must be the priority, alongside building an economy with fair work, sustainability and wellbeing at its heart. As your council we feel that we’ve an important role to play.

Together, with partners, we’re working hard to support businesses to get back up and running. So far, we’ve administered over £181.4m in grants to more than 19,000 businesses.

And we’ve been working on plans to bring back the Edinburgh Guarantee – first launched after the last recession, offering training or employment to all young people.

We’ll be relaunching as the Edinburgh Guarantee for All, expanded to support residents of all ages.

We know that people who already faced disadvantage have been more likely to be adversely affected – people on low incomes, in insecure work, women, disabled people, and people from a BAME background. So support will be focussed on those who need it the most.

We’ve been speaking to businesses, colleges, universities, voluntary sector and national organisations. We’ve met with employers from all sectors, gaining valuable insights into how the pandemic has affected different industries.

We’ve been struck by how much our business community wants to work together to rebuild our economy, creating good quality jobs and opportunities for fair work. And we’re looking for more employers to join us.

There are many benefits to being part of the Edinburgh Guarantee. We’ll help employers connect with a diverse and talented pool of potential employees.

With a track record of delivering employment support we can help businesses who want to promote inclusion and diversity in their workforce, with all the benefits this brings.

The Edinburgh Guarantee team will be on hand to help with recruitment processes. And we’ve been pulling together key resources, for example, access to funding to support recruitment. Getting involved will help employers to raise the profile of their business and connect with other organisations across their sector.

All this information will be available on our new website, launching soon.

But most importantly it’s an opportunity for our business community to get involved, actively, in rebuilding our economy.

So please get in touch with us today via edinburghguarantee@edinburgh.gov.uk –  be part of the recovery of our city, and give someone that chance to move into fair work or gain the education and training that they deserve. 

Cllr Kate Campbell is Edinburgh’s Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener.

This article first appeared in the Edinburgh News

Scottish children can look forward to a ‘Summer of Play’

Funding of £20 million will deliver a range of activities for children and young people and their families over the summer, ensuring they are provided with opportunities to socialise, play and reconnect within their local communities and environments.

In particular this will provide support for those children and young people who may otherwise struggle to access such experiences during the holidays.

Working with local authorities and partner organisations including sportscotland, Creative Scotland, Play Scotland, Education Scotland and others, the funding will support existing provision of community-based services while also widening access to other local facilities, such as school estates and local sports facilities.

Speaking before Holyrood broke up for May’s elections, Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “We do not underestimate the physical and mental health impacts which children and young people have experienced throughout the pandemic, and that the impacts have fallen unequally across society.

“This enhanced range of summer experiences for children and young people will help address the impacts associated with extended periods of isolation and reduced participation in normal activities. This offer will have children’s rights and needs at its heart, and will provide opportunities to socialise across a range of activities, combined with broader support where needed.

“This will build on local summer offers, recognising the need for flexibility to deliver using local assets and connecting with wider offers from partners.

“Over the next few months we will continue to develop further all aspects of our education recovery strategy with our partners and stakeholders. Following periods of disruption to in-school learning, this will include how we can intensify and deepen support for children and young people’s progress in learning, including in key areas such as literacy, numeracy and health and wellbeing.”

Scottish Tories ‘pro-Union’ plans rebuffed

Scottish Labour and the Liberal Democrats have rebuffed a Conservative invite to work together to defeat the independence movement.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1375542962029989892

The offer was launched in the wake of Friday’s announcement of the formation of the new Alba Party, to be led by fomer First Minister Alex Salmond.

The new party aims to deliver a ‘supermajority’ for independence in May’s Holyrood elections.

The Scottish Conservatives said: “Labour have refused our offer to work with pro-UK parties against the new threat of an independence super-majority. They’re in coalition with the SNP in six councils. They abstained in the vote against Nicola Sturgeon. They supported the SNP’s Hate Crime Bill.

“You can’t trust them to stand up to the nationalists anymore.”

Rejecting the Tory offer, Labour leader Anas Sarwar said: “We deserve better than your desperate attempts to take us back to old arguments and the politics of the past.  

“In case you hadn’t noticed Scotland is in the middle of a pandemic. 

“This election is not some kind of game, it is about focussing on a national recovery.

“This election cannot be about an SNP psychodrama.  It cannot be about Nicola Sturgeon and Alex Salmond settling old scores. And it cannot be about your petty agenda of game playing.

This election must be about the people of Scotland, their families and a national recovery.

“As you have recognised yourself, one of the largest threats to the Union is the leader of your own party.

“Scotland has had enough of divisive politics which you and Nicola Sturgeon share. Both you and the SNP want to waste time and energy on the imagined conflicts that divide us.

“But in Scotland, child poverty has risen – and was rising before the pandemic hit.

“This is among countless issues where the blame lies at the feet of both your party in Westminster and the SNP at Holyrood.

“A heartbreaking example of how the obsession with past disagreements fails people today.

“Rather than entertain your latest desperate plea for attention, I am focusing our energy on what matters – guaranteeing a fairer recovery and a stronger Scotland.

“Scotland deserves a better government and – as your letter demonstrates – it deserves a better opposition.”

Scottish Liberal Democrat campaign chair Alistair Carmichael MP said: “Lib Dems will work with others to deliver a constructive and ambitious plan for recovery but Douglas Ross’s politics are far too dark and divisive.

“We will focus on winning seats and ensuring that the next government is focused on putting the recovery first, not independence.

“As a football referee Douglas Ross has a knack for uniting the fans of opposing teams.  As a party leader he seems to do the exact opposite.”

St James Quarter announces official opening date

●       St James Quarter will open its first phase on June 24th

●       The opening has been carefully planned to work within the city’s framework for a safe easing out of lockdown restrictions

●       John Lewis & Partners will also reopen in May following complete refurbishment of the shop      

Following five years of construction, St James Quarter will officially open its first phase on Thursday, 24th June 2021 – bringing a new lifestyle district to the Scottish capital.

The long-anticipated opening has been carefully planned to fit in with the wider plans for a safe reopening of the city, with St James Quarter designed to provide a safe, convenient, and fun environment for shoppers to enjoy as the city begins to ease out of lockdown.

It includes natural ventilation throughout, easily accessible public routes and connectivity from key surrounding streets, covered car parking on site and an integrated plan with the city’s events programme for upcoming celebrations.  

The phase one opening line-up of one of the most significant UK city centre transformations undertaken in the last few years will bring together brands from global to local, combining convenience and luxury with an offering that includes: Zara, Mango, Pull & Bear, Rituals, H&M, Kurt Geiger, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, as well as Dune, Bross Bagels and Salerno Pizza, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy.

The centre will also see many exciting brands making their Scotland debuts with; Peloton, Bonnie & Wild, & Other Stories, Bershka and Stradivarius offering their exciting products in Edinburgh for the first time.

In advance of the retail launch, Edinburgh’s John Lewis & Partners shop will also reopen on 14 May, following a multi million-pound refurbishment.

It will be accessible on the corner of Leith Street and Little Kings Street, ahead of its entrance within St James Quarter becoming accessible in June.

Still to come in the latter phases of the development over the next 18 months will be an enticing mix of more shops, restaurants and bars, a W Edinburgh, a boutique Everyman Cinema, a Roomzzz Aparthotel, 152 New Eidyn residential apartments, and an unrivalled guest experience providing customers with an enviable events programme in a range of new and attractive public spaces.

Martin Perry, Director of Development at Edinburgh St James, said: “We are extremely excited to be opening the first phase of the Quarter to the public. After a very long and challenging year, it’s a moment many of us have been waiting for.

“This is a significant moment in Edinburgh’s history, and we can’t wait to share what lies behind the quarter with the people of Edinburgh and beyond. A new normal demands a new kind of destination – a development that can respond to an ever-changing situation we are living with, one that serves the needs of its community as well as visitors to the city. 

“We are working closely with the Scottish Government to ensure we create a safe space for shoppers to escape and enjoy. Our team is working tirelessly to ensure the appropriate safety measures will be in place and ensure we create a destination that can be truly enjoyed for generations to come.”

Freemasons rise to Covid-19 challenge

Donations total £1m and 18 million hours of volunteering

Faced with the greatest global pandemic in living memory, Freemasons came together in 2020 and donated a total of £1m as well as their time to help those in need.

The donations were used to help communities in various critical areas, including foodbanks, support for unpaid carers, personal protective equipment (PPE), supplies for hospitals and hospices, support for women’s refuges, and funds for NHS workers, ambulances and equipment.

Freemasons also worked 18 million hours as volunteers in a range of different areas, where there was a need, including driving vulnerable people to hospital, preparing meals, taking care of people at risk, organising care packages, producing scrubs, PPE and hand sanitiser.

At the start of the crisis in April 2020, some Freemasons adapted their businesses’ production lines to produce nearly 5,000 visors for use in healthcare settings. Since then, Freemasons have produced or procured tens of thousands of pieces of additional PPE.

Meanwhile, to help protect women and children from domestic abuse, Freemasons donated more than £165,000 in 2020. The donation helped more than 2,000 women during the lockdown, who received more than 1,000 parcels containing essential items for women fleeing domestic abuse.

Freemasons also focused their efforts on hospitals and care homes, donating nearly 1,000 tablets to provide vital contact between coronavirus patients and their loved ones. The tablets were provided to more than 50 hospitals, care homes and hospices. In London, hospitals including The Royal London, Queen Mary’s and St Thomas’ received approximately 115 tablets; while in Kent, Surrey and Sussex, some 200 tablets were donated.

Elsewhere, to support thousands of families struggling during the crisis, Freemasons donated 300,000 meals and 38 tonnes of food to homeless people, women’s refuges and vulnerable people, supporting more than 120,000 people in total. Moreover, £560,000 was donated to provide meals and help numerous foodbanks.

Dr David Staples, chief executive of the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), said: “No one in this day and age should have to worry where their next meal is coming from.

“We are so glad that we were able to provide thousands of families across the UK with a hot meal or food donations to help get them through this current crisis. Freemasons have achieved all of this in just a few months and have also given their time to produce and deliver food to the vulnerable.”

The UGLE is also encouraging its members to roll up their sleeves and volunteer to help vaccinate the population. “More than 18.5 million hours of volunteer work were undertaken by Freemasons. Now it is crucial that we help in every way we can to protect the population. If the NHS needs volunteers, then we are happy to emphasise the importance of this to our members,” said Dr Staples.

He continued: “Our response to the Pandemic shows what Freemasonry is all about; supporting those in need, giving back to our communities and volunteering where it can make a real difference. 

“Freemasons have been doing this for over 300 years and I am proud of the time and commitment that our members have given to support the nation in its fight against Covid-19.”

In addition to the £1m donated in 2020, the Freemasons have committed a further fund of £2.1m to support the ongoing Covid-19 crisis response. Of that £2.1m, £850,000 has been allocated to support homeless people through several charities with which UGLE partners.

More than 40,000 homeless individuals are being provided with food and essentials, transport, help with accessing services such as counselling and healthcare, as well as employment and training opportunities.

Scottish shedders launch election manifesto

The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) has launched its first-ever manifesto, ahead of the Scottish Parliament Elections 2021, calling on politicians to support men’s health and wellbeing through Scottish Men’s Sheds.
 
The Association, which is trailblazing the Men’s Sheds Movement in Scotland, recommends five key actions for politicians, invested groups and the general public as a whole to support Men’s Sheds and fully recognise the wealth of health and wellbeing benefits for men over the age of 18.
 
SMSA’s vision is that every man in Scotland will, one day, have access to—and the opportunity to attend—their local Men’s Shed if they choose to do so. 

Jason Schroeder, SMSA Executive Officer, said: “SMSA is launching this manifesto at just the right time.  Sheds will be needed more than ever in post-COVID-19 recovery and it is vital to expand the SMSA and its support mechanism in line with the growth of the Movement to support Sheds across Scotland now and in the years to come.
 
“Investment and support to lead change is required to underpin the ongoing creation of this health by stealth and voluntary social wellbeing pathway for men.  SMSA is also recommending that localised support across the Shed network is embedded; a start-up and development fund for Sheds is implemented; a focused national awareness campaign is delivered; and the reach to the Armed Forces and Veterans community and Blue Light services is improved on.”
 
SMSA pledges to continue making a real difference by empowering thousands of men (our sons, brothers, fathers, uncles and grandfathers) and their communities – over the coming years – to play their part in a system change towards a wellbeing economy.  

The manifesto is available on the SMSA website.

Expert advice: Post-lockdown social etiquette guide

After being kept out of venues, clubs, bars and restaurants for the best part of a year, Brits are being offered an etiquette guide to keep in mind when out and about this summer.

The team at Groubook have put together top tips on how to navigate social events once the hospitality sector reopens to the public.

Physical distance, hand sanitiser and masks are likely to still be common practice until the whole country has been vaccinated. The pandemic has changed our social behaviour and whilst the idea of dancing in a field at a festival or in a club with mates seems miles away, there is definite hope ahead.

Drinkers in bars and diners in restaurants will still be expected to keep to social distance measures and a few friends may not feel comfortable socialising for a while, so it is essential to be mindful in the months ahead.

Founder of Groubook, Bradley Gough said: “As we start to look forward to sunny days spent in beer gardens and nights out with our friends, it is important to be conscious of how alien the first few trips out might feel.

“The measures we saw during the tier system over the summer felt super awkward and at times impolite, but everyone is in the same boat, figuring out pandemic protocols as they go.

“Some people will be rearing for a night on the town, whilst others will be more cautious. The social etiquette guide is a reminder to people as the world starts opening up again.”

Post-lockdown etiquette

1.     Distance

Physical distancing is likely to stick around for some time and whilst most people will be used to it, it is easy to forget when out and about enjoying quality time with family and friends. As the public head back into venues, be considerate of any distancing guides that have been put in place, whether it’s capacity restrictions, marked areas to form a queue in, sit down at or for directing the flow of traffic.

2.     Cover your mouth

Covering a cough or sneeze is common practice and basic manners, but when living in a post-lockdown society the public has new etiquette to consider. When we inevitably get back inside boozers, it will be a good idea to get everyone to cover up their mouth when singing, or shouting in the direction of others.

3.     Be kind

A lot of people working in the hospitality sector have only been in to do a couple of shifts over the last year, meaning they might be a little out of practice and may need more patience than usual. The pandemic has also taught us that no one truly knows what strangers are going through privately. Hopefully being stuck in the house for such long periods has made everyone check their manners, but in case it hasn’t… he is a reminder!

4.     Greetings

Everyone is desperate for that first hug with a family member or a high five with a friend, but the etiquette on greetings has obviously shifted. Experts are predicting that the traditional ritual of a clink of glasses, over dinnertime with people outside of our household, will become popular again post-pandemic. However, for the foreseeable small party-goers and pub drinkers will have to settle for cheery waves, mini dances and elbow bumps.

5.     Protection

Whilst it’s not the usual night out protection most people have in mind, the regular use of hand sanitiser is likely to stick around long after the pandemic, so it will always be sensible to have some on you. The same can be said for mask-wearing, which is likely to stick around for those not seated and moving through venues. The biggest complaints around masks are not being able to see facial cues and voices becoming muffled, so get used to using eyes to portray a smile, hand gestures to compensate for facial expressions and talk up when in louder spaces.

6.     Be prepared

Sharing pretty much anything on a night out is a thing of the past, so it is best to be prepared. Pack the essentials, because sharing a lip balm in the loos or grabbing a mate’s gum will be pretty socially unacceptable. Bring plenty of layers so coats don’t have to be shared if it’s cold, or when people are sneaking out to a smoking area.

7.     Be understanding

When making plans in a post-lockdown climate it might be tricky to fully firm plans up, especially with friends or family members that have been shielding. Is so important that each party feels as comfortable and safe as possible. Certain demographics are known to be at a higher risk regarding COVID, and there is often no way of telling this unless they disclose it. Be understanding and accepting of people who may hesitate to join you in activities that may put their health at risk.

8.     Book in advance

When the day finally does come, and restaurants and bars reopen, they will be trying to gauge how busy they will be and how much stock they will need. A great way to alleviate the pressure on staff and avoid long waits is to tell a venue the plan way in advance. Take advantage of online booking systems and apps like Groubook, which lets groups of friends, families or colleagues book and arrange their nights in one place, while taking advantage of discounts and rewards.

The team at Groubook believe the app will give independent bars and restaurants a head start when they’re finally able to open for business and help them recoup some of the losses from the pandemic.

The app was launched in Nottingham in August 2020, as restrictions began to ease and saw rapid initial take-up with numbers growing by 250% in the first six weeks.

Cumnock Tryst celebrates success of local composer Michael Murray as RSNO announce inclusion of Psycho-Scherzo in ‘Scotch Snaps’

  • Michael Murray’s Psycho-Scherzo will be performed as part of the RSNO’s ‘Scotch Snaps’ series on 23 April 2021
  • Michael, who works as a night warden, has been composing since he was 9 and in 2017 and 2019 his work was performed at The Cumnock Tryst

At a time when hope is in the air, yet good news remains at a premium, The Cumnock Tryst are delighted to celebrate the success of local night warden and classical composer Michael Murray.

Michael, who turns 40 next month and works as a night warden for the Ayr central shopping centre, composed oboe solo Psycho Scherzo in 2019 and is over the moon that it will be performed on 23 April as part of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra’s (RSNO) 2021 Chamber Series.

Throughout the pandemic, the RSNO has been leading the way in presenting work in new ways for their international audiences and ‘Scotch Snaps’ is an online Chamber Music series celebrating five living Scottish composers.  

Michael Murray, Composer, said: “I was both shocked and delighted when I heard that the RSNO would perform Psycho-Scherzo as one of their Scotch Snaps, and as part of this season’s Chamber Music Series in April this year.

“After all the disappointment caused by the pandemic, the cancellation of live events and in particular The Cumnock Tryst, it felt like a sign that things were looking up.”

“I have noticed during lockdown that more people have been buying my work online, which is perhaps partly due to performers having time to explore what’s out there, and potentially add to their existing repertoires. So, for me at least, there has been a sliver silver lining, although like everyone else, I can’t wait for things to return to some sort of normality and to be able to go and enjoy live music together again in the same space.”

Michael discovered a love for composing at the tender age of nine after he was gifted a guitar, and he first came to the attention of The Cumnock Tryst’s founder and award-winning composer Sir James MacMillan when he took part in a masterclass at Cumnock Academy when Michael was fifteen.

Since then (and despite his meteoric rise to classical music fame) James has kept a keen eye on Michael and his music and included his work in the Cumnock Tryst festival line up in 2017 and 2019.

Sir James MacMillan, founder of the Cumnock Tryst, said: “Myself and the whole Cumnock Tryst team are absolutely delighted for Michael and we can’t wait to tune in to Psycho-Scherzo when it is performed by the RSNO on the 23 April as part of their 2021 digital programme.

“I discovered that Michael had a passion for composing when I hosted a masterclass at his school, the same school I went to, and he has continued to impress me with his commitment to and love for it over the years.

“This is a tough time for musicians, for everyone in the arts, but hopefully there is light at the end of the tunnel and I for one cannot wait to hear Michael’s pieces once again performed live.”

Edinburgh charities to benefit from Barratt’s £57,500 charity fund to aid pandemic recovery

– Funds set to boost employability and supported education in east Scotland –

Local housebuilder Barratt Developments Scotland has pledged to support the nation’s recovery from the pandemic with a £57,500 investment in employability and education, including £20,000 for the east of Scotland.

Two Edinburgh charities which aim to bolster employability and promote a fair and inclusive education for vulnerable young people have been selected to receive a share of the funds – employability charity WorkingRite and education charity Kindred.

Alison Condie, Managing Director at Barratt Developments East Scotland, said: “Employability and education are two areas which will be vital in aiding Scotland’s recovery from the pandemic – which is why we are focusing our efforts on supporting charities carrying out this work day to day.

“It’s always been the Barratt way to give back to the communities in which we have a presence, and it’s been great to hear how the donations will help WorkingRite and Kindred support people into employment and give young people the best chance to succeed at such a challenging time.”

Employability

With redundancy levels across the UK hitting record highs, the need for new opportunities and reskilling programmes has never been greater. Barratt’s donation to WorkingRite comes at a vital time and will ensure that young people have access to potentially life changing support.

WorkingRite has a proven track record in helping individuals improve their prospects and maximise their potential by matching a young person to a small business in their local community, where they learn valuable skills ‘on-the-job’.

Barratt Developments itself is a major champion of employability. Its graduate and apprenticeship recruitment programmes have continued in spite of the pandemic, and it is currently working with the veteran community to create opportunities for those leaving the armed forces.

Sandy Campbell, Founder of WorkingRite, said: “WorkingRite greatly appreciate the generous donation from Barratt Homes. As we emerge from Covid restrictions, young people from disadvantaged backgrounds need all the help they can get to achieve a working future.

“Barratt’s donation will help make that happen – by funding the training and mentoring we provide for those of our young people who are hoping for careers in the construction trades.”

Supported education

Also receiving a donation is Kindred, a parent-led organisation that helps support children with disabilities and long-term conditions. Last year, Kindred supported hundreds of families with its services, which include a team at Edinburgh’s Royal Hospital for Sick Children and a community team that works across its services with parents of children with exceptional healthcare needs.

Sophie Pilgrim, Director of Kindred, said: “We are delighted to accept an amazing donation from Barratt Homes East Scotland. We support over 700 families of children with complex needs each year from across Scotland.

“Living in a safe and comfortable home has been especially important to families of children with disabilities over the last year. Kindred has supported 98 families to find the right, adapted accommodation so we are particularly pleased to be supported by a housing provider.

“Our hospital team will be moving to the new Royal Hospital for Children and Young People Edinburgh and we will use the funds from Barratt to help us manage to move to our own new home! A big thank you from our staff and families.”

For more information on Barratt Developments East Scotland, which includes Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, visit https://www.barratthomes.co.uk/new-homes/scotland-east/. 

Supreme Court ruling ‘Opens the Door to Equal Pay Justice’ for thousands of Scottish retail staff

Responding to yesterday’s Supreme Court ruling that shop floor workers in ASDA can be compared to colleagues in distribution centres for the purposes of equal pay, GMB Scotland Organiser Robert Deavy said: “The ruling opens the door to equal pay justice for thousands of ASDA workers in Scotland and it’s a massive moment.

“ASDA has fought tooth and nail for years to deny shop floor workers, predominantly women, their proper value and this is now their fourth defeat in the courts.

“The need to accept they are wrong, that over 40,000 claimants across the UK are right, and now sit down with GMB to start a process of settling the liability for their discrimination.

“It should also be a moment to reset ASDA’s historical approach to industrial relations and move towards full collective bargaining for its employees.

“Lessons need to be learned and resistance has got ASDA nowhere. After everything these workers have given this business over the last year, their voices must be heard.”

The story is unlikely to end here, however.

An Asda spokesperson said: “This ruling relates to one stage of a complex case that is likely to take several years to reach a conclusion. We are defending these claims because the pay in our stores and distribution centres is the same for colleagues doing the same jobs regardless of their gender.

“Retail and distribution are very different sectors with their own distinct skill sets and pay rates. Asda has always paid colleagues the market rate in these sectors and we remain confident in our case.”

The company stresses that yesterday’s ruling only relates to Stage One of the Equal Value process and is not the conclusion of the case.

The second stage of the process will now consider whether store and distribution roles are of ‘equal value’. This could potentially be followed by a third stage in the process that would consider if there are any factors other than gender why the roles should not be paid equally.