Workplace expert, Acas, has published some top tips today to help employers prepare for potential issues that could arise over the World Cup period.
The World Cup is a big sporting event for many workers who may want to follow their favourite football team and enjoy the event. Some staff may want to book time off to go to the World Cup or attend special group events in the UK. Others will want to use the internet or their phones to stay updated on the match results.
Acas advises employers to plan ahead and have agreements in place that cover requests for time off, sickness absence and flexible working hours during this period.
Acas Head of Workplace Advice, Susan McGuigan, said: “The World Cup is an exciting event for many football fans but staff should avoid getting a red card for unreasonable demands or behaviour in the workplace during this period.
“Many organisations need to maintain a certain staffing level to operate effectively. Bosses should have a set of simple workplace agreements in place before kick-off to help ensure their businesses remain productive whilst keeping staff on side too.
“Our top tips can help managers get the best from their team players, arrange appropriate substitutions if necessary and avoid unnecessary penalties or unplanned sendings-off.”
The 2026 World Cup will take place in Canada, Mexico and the USA between Thursday 11 June and Sunday 19 July. Due to the time difference, football match start times in the UK will vary between 5pm and 5am. There are also likely to be pre-match build ups that staff may be keen to watch or listen to.
Acas offers some top tips for employers to consider for the World Cup:
Time off – employers may wish to look at being a little more flexible when allowing workers time off during this period and staff should remember that it may not always be possible to book a holiday. The key is for both parties to try and come to an agreement. All requests for leave should be considered fairly. A consistent approach should be applied for holiday requests for other major events too as not everyone likes football!
Drinking or being under the influence at work – some people may like to participate in a drink or two while watching the match or go to the pub and watch it live. Match times this year could start late at night into the early hours of the morning, which means fans could drink later than usual.
It may be helpful to remind staff they must not come to work under the influence of alcohol and that anyone caught drinking at work or under the influence of alcohol in the workplace could be subject to disciplinary procedures.
There may be a clear no alcohol policy at work but workers may need a reminder.
Sickness absence – employers may want to remind staff thattheir sickness and attendance policies will still apply during the World Cup. Any unauthorised absence, patterns of absence or late attendance are likely be investigated and could result in formal proceedings.
Flexibility – one possible option is to have a more flexible working day. Workers could come in a little later or finish sooner and then agree when this time can be made up. This is particularly important given the time differences between the UK and the host countries.
Allowing staff to listen to the radio or watch the TV may be another possible option. Employers could also allow staff to take a break during match times. Another option is to look at allowing staff to swap shifts with their manager’s permission.
It is important to be fair and consistent with all staff if you allow additional benefits during the World Cup. Any change in hours or flexibility in working hours should be approved before the event.
Use of social media andwebsites – there may be an increase in the use of social media or websites covering the 2026 World Cup.
Employers may wish to remind staff of any policies regarding the use of social media and websites during working hours. The policies should be clear on what is and isn’t acceptable web use.
Bank holidays and being fair to staff – there is a World Cup bank holiday on 15 June 2026 in Scotland but it does not apply to England.
Employers should keep in mind that UK workers support a diverse range of national teams. Any plans and arrangements that are made at work should apply fairly to supporters of any team.
Supporters can be passionate about a national team and managers may want to remind staff to be respectful to each other.
We’re incredibly grateful to have received £192,288 through the Future Ready programme, supported by Battersea.
This funding will help strengthen the future of Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, allowing us to grow our impact, improve how we work, and ensure we can continue to be there for dogs, cats and the people who love them across Edinburgh and beyond.
With Battersea’s support, we’ll be able to invest in both our people and infrastructure to help meet growing demand for our services.
We’re hugely thankful to Battersea for their belief in our work, their trust and shared commitment to improving animal welfare. Thanks to their support, we can continue to provide safety, care and second chances for dogs and cats who need us most across Edinburgh and beyond for the next 140 years.
Scotland’s relationship with the United States of America will be celebrated through a new tartan to celebrate 250years of American independence.
A new design by Kaci McEwan, a student from Heriot-Watt University’s School of Textiles and Design, has been selected as a symbol of the historic and cultural ties between Scotland and the United States.
The tartan, which was commissioned by the Scottish Government and was selected by a panel including the US Ambassador to the UK Warren Stephens, focuses on the United States’ journey towards independence, with carefully numbered threads and colour sections symbolising key moments in early American history.
External Affairs Minister Stephen Gethins said: “Scots were at the heart of the United States’ emergence as an independent country. Ever since, those deep bonds of family and friendship have endured, with a diaspora of millions across the US. Celebrating 250 years of American independence strengthens the enduring connection between America and Scotland – bonds which act as a bridge between our past, and our future, as two proud nations.
“The winning tartan commemorates significant moments in US history, whilst highlighting Scotland’s creative drive to offer a modern symbol of the strong and evolving cultural ties between both countries.
“I warmly congratulate Kaci McEwan on this outstanding achievement, and commend all those shortlisted for their exceptional work in bringing this shared history to life. Each of the shortlisted designs reflected a deep appreciation of the historic ties between Scotland and the United States.
“As Scotland takes its place at the men’s World Cup, the Scottish Government will showcase the skills and expertise we can offer the US and wider world.”
Heriot-Watt University’s School of Textiles and Design student Kaci McEwan said: “I still can’t quite believe it. When I first read the email, I genuinely thought it must have been sent to everyone and I’d misunderstood it.
“I had to read it a few times before it really sank in that I’d actually won. It feels incredibly surreal, but also really rewarding, because I put so much time and care into researching and developing the design.
“For me, the tartan was about telling a story. Every thread and colour represents a moment in the journey towards the Declaration of Independence — from the 13 colonies to key dates and even subtle references like the 4th of July. Being able to bring that narrative to life through weaving has been such an exciting creative challenge.
“Looking back, this opportunity really reflects the kind of experience I’ve had at Heriot-Watt. I’ve been encouraged to think creatively, push my ideas further and take on opportunities I might not have otherwise considered. This competition was something I was encouraged to apply for, and that support has made a huge difference.
“To now have my work recognised on such an international scale is incredibly exciting, and I’m so grateful for the guidance and encouragement I’ve had throughout my studies. It’s been an amazing journey, and this really feels like a special way to mark the end of it.”
Jennifer Condon, Executive Vice President of America250 said: “America’s 250th anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the people, traditions, and cultural connections that have shaped our nation’s story.
“This commemorative tartan is a meaningful tribute to the enduring friendship between Scotland and the United States, and Kaci McEwan’s thoughtful design beautifully reflects the shared history and values that continue to connect our two countries.”
Professor Fiona Grant, Executive Dean for the School of Textiles and Design at Heriot-Watt University said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Kaci, and I would like to offer my warmest congratulations on creating such a thoughtful and compelling design.
“The creativity, research and storytelling behind her work is truly impressive and it will be wonderful to see it play a part in such a significant international celebration.
“I would also like to recognise the outstanding contribution of all the students who took part. The quality of submissions was exceptionally high, reflecting the talent, dedication and innovation that define our School.
“Opportunities like this, working on a live international brief of genuine cultural significance, are incredibly rare, and they speak to the distinctive, real-world experiences available to Heriot-Watt students. We are immensely proud to see our students representing Scotland’s creativity and heritage on a global stage.”
The expert panel consisted of:
Mark Boyce, Head of Scottish Government USA
Leonie Bell, CEO of V&A Dundee
Marnie Collins, Programme Director at Heriot-Watt University
Alan Cumming, Design Director at Lovat Mill
US Ambassador to the UK Warren Stephens
Jennifer Condon, Executive Director of America250.org
Rep. Robert Aderholt, Co-Chair of the Friends of Scotland Caucus and Commissioner Co-Chair of the Congressional America250 Caucus
Stewart McLaurin, President of the White House Historical Association
Camilla Hellman, Executive Director of the American Scottish Foundation
Students from Heriot-Watt University’s School of Textiles and Design were commissioned and funded by the Scottish Government to create a tartan symbolising the historic and cultural ties between Scotland and the United States.
Kaci McEwan’s tartan was selected from five shortlisted designs. Kaci will travel to Washington D.C. to formally present the tartan from Scotland to the America250 organisation on Independence Day, July 4.
The tartan will be officially registered with the Scottish Register of Tartans as the official commemorative tartan for the America-250th organisation.
An initial commemorative run of tartan scarves will be produced at Lovat Mill in the Scottish Borders.
Entry-level jobs support, AI bootcamps and tech training as government ‘supports young people into the jobs of the future’
More support to get young people into their first jobs through launch of new partnership to reshape entry-level jobs in sectors exposed to AI
400,000 young people across the most disadvantaged schools in the UK will get AI and tech training to help them into further education, training and employment after school
New AI bootcamps scheme to be rolled out nationwide in England starting with a pilot in the North West this summer
Young people entering the job market will be better supported into their first roles thanks to a new partnership between government, industry and trade unions to look at how AI is impacting entry level roles.
The Early Careers Jobs Alliance will bring together government, employers, trade unions and young people, co-chaired by Prospect’s General Secretary Mike Clancy and the government’s AI Champion for the Digital and Technologies sector, Katie Gallagher OBE. With the aim of supporting people to get into the workplace, learn on the job and build enriching careers.
Backed by £20 million, it will map how entry-level work is changing, producing practical help for businesses on how to redesign roles while maintaining entry-level pathways, and identifying early examples of good practice.
This will start in the Digital and Technologies sector, due to its high exposure and uptake of AI in digital and tech businesses, with plans for this to then roll out across all 8 Industrial Strategy sectors.
The alliance will publish an initial report this autumn, setting out early evidence and examples of best practice to inform future work.
Announced by the Technology Secretary Liz Kendall today, the plans are part of government efforts to break down barriers for young people, ensure growth and opportunity are felt all across the country, and that everyone can seize the opportunities of technology and AI.
Through TechFirst, the government’s nationwide tech skills programme, at least 400,000 students from some of the most disadvantaged schools will be supported to take up AI and tech skills in efforts to ensure opportunities are provided to those who need them the most.
They’ll take part in TechFirst’s skills sessions, school competitions and extra-curricular activities, and industry engagement events – to upskill and inspire them towards a future in tech and AI.
The package unveiled ahead of London Tech Week also includes plans to roll out an AI bootcamp scheme across England to provide young people who are at risk of becoming unemployed and out of education and training, a pathway to work.
This will kick off this summer with a pilot covering 5 local areas in Lancashire and Greater Manchester which will see young people at risk of leaving school after their GCSEs and entering unemployment, take part in a free AI skills bootcamp.
It will provide them with workplace and entry-level AI training before guaranteeing those who complete the bootcamp a fully paid AI apprenticeship – which will be facilitated by local employers like JD Sports, BAE Systems, PA Consulting, Agilisys, and Wigan, Blackpool, Oldham, Blackburn and Lancashire councils.
If successful, the learnings from the pilot will support the rollout of a nationwide AI bootcamp programme across England in the 2027 to 2028 academic year.
Alongside this, a separate pilot will launch in early 2027 around the North East’s AI Growth Zone.
Focused on young people who are already out of work and training, the programme will provide at least 6 months of work where participants will get hands-on job training in AI with leading tech juggernauts including Accenture, Microsoft and Sage. Delivered through government’s Jobs Guarantee, this will secure high-quality jobs in the North East AI Growth Zone and beyond.
These initiatives aim to turn the tide on declining opportunities for young people and ensure the economy works for people in every part of the country. They will help drive forward the government’s plans to ensure nobody is left behind as more businesses adopt AI and provide young people with the invaluable skills they need in modern Britain as we seize the opportunities of AI across the economy.
Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Liz Kendall said: My priority is building an AI future that is pro-business and pro-worker, where AI enhances work, and people are supported through the jobs transition – not left to cope on their own.
“It’s clear the world of work is changing rapidly with the adoption of new technologies, and young people want a future where they can get on, get skilled, and get good jobs.
“I’m determined to give young people the jobs and skills they need to thrive in an era of technological change, and am taking action now to create a future that truly works for all.”
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Pat McFadden said: “Young people deserve every opportunity to build a meaningful career, and that means making sure no one is left behind as our economy changes and technology advances.
“For too long, too many young people have faced a future with too few opportunities, which is why through our Youth Guarantee we are ensuring every young person has the chance to earn or learn.
“By equipping these young people with tech and AI skills, we are making sure that the opportunities created by this technological revolution are open to everyone.”
This package will be laid out in the Technology Secretary’s speech at the world’s first AI Adoption Summit tomorrow (Monday 8 June), where leaders from across the economy, will come together to put the country to work harnessing AI’s vast potential.
This comes alongside an £820 million investment in the Youth Guarantee to support almost one million young people – which will create 350,000 new training and workplaces, 55,000 guaranteed jobs for the long-term unemployed, over 360 youth hubs across Great Britain. As well as government also launching a major investigation spearheaded by Alan Milburn to investigate the barriers preventing the young from accessing work.
Prospect General Secretary Mike Clancy said: “We have a short window of opportunity to shape the AI revolution so that it enhances and supports jobs, rather than destroying and undermining them, and it is right that government are bringing employers and unions together to think through these issues.
“Some of the most exposed roles in the economy are held by young workers, and it is vital that we do not cut off pathways to career progression and learning in the relentless search for efficiency.
“We have a duty to the next generation of workers to get this right, and we look forward to contributing to this important piece of work.”
Katie Gallagher OBE, Managing Director of Manchester Digital and AI Champion for the Digital and Technologies Sector said: “As AI reshapes entry-level work, we have a chance to lead by example and create better pathways for young people.
“That is why I want to establish an industry-led Early Careers Jobs Alliance to shape a positive future for entry-level roles in the Digital and Technologies sector.”
Matt Prebble, Head of Accenture in the UK & Ireland, said: “Too many young people across the UK are not currently in education or employment, often facing multiple barriers to getting into the labour market.
“At the same time, businesses need people with the skills to work in an increasingly digital and AI-driven economy. In the North East, we’re working with partners across the technology ecosystem on an initiative that brings together digital and AI skills with practical, real-world experience, helping more young people access opportunities and develop the work-ready skills needed for today and the future.”
Darren Hardman, CEO, Microsoft UK and Ireland said: “I believe programmes like this are crucial to ensuring the AI economy creates more opportunities for more young people, in every corner of the country.
“By combining practical experience with AI skills training, we can develop real pathways into high-quality careers, build a stronger talent pipeline, and drive greater social mobility for young people in the North East.
“We’re proud to support that effort alongside Accenture and Sage, and excited about the long-term impact this kind of collaboration can have.”
Steve Hare, CEO at Sage, said: “AI is creating some of the most exciting career opportunities in a generation and we need to ensure that young people from every background can access them.
“Through the AI Growth Zone, Sage is working with industry partners and government to open the door to skilled AI careers for young people in the North East who don’t yet have a clear route into employment. This is how we turn the promise of AI into real, inclusive economic growth, starting in Sage’s home region.”
Mo Isap OBE, CEO of IN4 Group, said: “It’s time to turn the tables. Young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, at risk of falling out of the system at 16, should be placed on a pedestal and not be seen as a problem.
“AI and new technologies are a leveller. These are young people with native digital and AI literacy who can be superheroes in the workplace, a workplace with an acute need for AI skills, with AI Native Youth.
“We have created a clear and direct pathway for this: a route, with support and visibility, that simply doesn’t exist for many young people, which is why we have so many who are NEET. I am on a mission to bring a systemic solution to this challenge, working in partnership with DSIT and our regional partners.
“This is a moment in time where a challenge becomes a huge opportunity.”
Adventure, swashbuckling and intrigue will take centre stage as Crown Square at Edinburgh Castle is transformed into an outdoor theatre for a production of The Three Musketeers later this month (Friday 19 and Saturday 20 June).
Visitors are invited to experience a rip-roaring adventure that will see the Musketeers cross swords with the scheming Cardinal Richelieu and the dastardly Milady de Winter.
Caught up in a whirlwind of excitement and romance in 17th century France, will D’Artagnan and the Musketeers be able to recover the Queen’s jewels and restore Her Majesty’s honour in time?
The production, based on the 1844 novel by Alexander Dumas and staged by theatre company Illyria, will be the first outdoor theatre performance at Edinburgh Castle in recent times. Visitors can take in the views of Edinburgh as they make their way to the top of the castle for an evening of thrilling entertainment in Crown Square.
Theatregoers should bring their own seating and are encouraged to dress accordingly for forecasted weather conditions. Theatre company Illyria specialises in outdoor performances, and the show will go on, rain or shine.
Shona Burns, Assistant Visitor Events Manager at Historic Environment Scotland said: “We cannot wait to get swept up in adventure by The Three Musketeers here at Edinburgh Castle. Visitors are in for a fantastic show, and there is no better backdrop to the dazzling storytelling on display than the walls of this iconic heritage site in the heart of the city.
“Live theatre is just one of the incredibly exciting ways that visitors and locals alike can experience Edinburgh Castle during the warmer months, with a variety of outdoor events and performances scheduled throughout the summer.”
Oliver Gray, Artistic Director of Illyria said: “Outdoors, with good company, good food and a glass of something bubbly is a much less formal way to enjoy theatre, and there’s something truly unifying about actors performing, and audiences listening, all under the same sky.”
Further information about The Three Musketeers and how to buy tickets can be found at edinburghcastle.scot.
Police Scotland is appealing to the public to help trace 15-year-old Hollie Thompson, who is reported missing from Grangemouth.
Hollie was last seen walking in the North Bridge and West Regent Street areas of Edinburgh city centre around 5pm on Friday, 5 June, 2026.
She is described as around 5ft 1 in height, of slim build with long brown hair. When last seen, Hollie was wearing a grey leather jacket, a pink top with cherries on it, black leggings and leopard print shoes.
Inspector Thomas Gorman said: “We are looking to trace Hollie who hasn’t been seen for around 24 hours now.
“She was last seen in Edinburgh city centre however several hours have passed so she could have travelled away from that area.
“I would ask anyone who may have seen Hollie, or has any information on her whereabouts to contact Police Scotland, on 101, quoting reference 2912 of 5 June, 2026.”
£4 million funding boost over three years for business debt advice services support an additional 16,000 small businesses and sole traders
Strengthened debt advice services to provide expert advice to small businesses struggling with finances
Funding builds on the success of the Business Debtline delivered by Money Advice Trust
Additional £2 million funding this year to help modernise debt advice
Small businesses and the self-employed struggling with their finances to receive a helping hand through new £4 million funding boost to business debt advice services through the Money and Pensions Service.
The funding will go towards expanding access to expert support to help them get back on track, giving a leg up to an additional 16,000 businesses over the next three years to total 75,000 businesses.
Economic Secretary to the Treasury Rachel Blake said:“From the plumber fixing your radiator to your local café, small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and we know they sometimes need a helping hand when times get tough.
“We’re building on the success of our expert debt services to help tens of thousands more get back on their feet.”
Money and Pensions Service CEO Oliver Morley said:“When financial pressures mount, knowing where to turn can make all the difference.
“This vital funding will help more small business owners and sole traders get trusted advice when they need it, so they can regain control of their finances and plan for the future.”
Money Advice Trust CEO Steve Vaid said:“The Financial Inclusion Strategy has highlighted the need, and our long-term ambition, to deliver more debt advice for small business owners.
“This enhanced funding further strengthens the partnership between the Money and Pensions Service and Money Advice Trust and will help Business Debtline offer additional support to over 16,000 small business owners, sole traders and the self-employed – a group that often struggles to find tailored help.”
This builds on the £3 million a year put forward by the Money and Pensions Service from 2024 for the Business Debtline service designed to provide support at the point where personal and business finances often cross over.
Business Debtline has since been able to support around 50,000 people with more than 90% of clients seeing their debts reduce or stabilise, and demand has continued to grow for its services. Today’s funding will go towards meeting that growing demand.
The new funding will support the government’s Plan for Small Business – the most comprehensive package of support for SMEs in a generation – that helps small businesses access the tools and support they need to unleash their full potential with boosted access to finance measures and the most significant reforms to late payments in 25 years.
Alongside support for small businesses, a further £2 million of funding will go towards modernising debt advice on top of the £4.8 million already invested as part of the government’s Financial Inclusion Strategy. Launched last November, the Strategy looks to remove barriers to financial participation and to build household financial resilience.
Debt advisers play an invaluable role in supporting people to get their finances back on track. This modernisation fund will allow them to spend more time helping their clients, particularly complex cases who may need additional support.
Previous recipients of the funding have delivered a diverse range of projects, from AI pilots and digital referral pathways to upgraded infrastructure and more inclusive service design.
For example, Money Advice Plus, a community-based debt advice charity, invested £49,000 in technology, including AI-supported transcription and upgraded equipment. This has significantly increased their capacity, nearly halved the time to first appointments, and enabled advisers to spend more time supporting people in financial difficulty.
We’re bringing back our Junior Aerial Summer Camp!
Kick off the summer holidays with aerial fun!
Our camp is all about building confidence and creativity by learning tricks on aerial silks and trapeze. All welcome, including new beginners. Classes will be split by experience, so whatever your level, you can join and learn new things.
Come hang, spin, and fly with us!
Open to all junior students (P4-P7) at Out of the Blue Drill Hall from Monday 29th June – Friday 3rd July, 1:30 – 4:30pm
What if the solution to flooding, rising temperatures and biodiversity loss was right under our noses? Visitors are invited to discover how plants can help tackle some of today’s most critical environmental challenges through the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh’s Nature-based Solutions tour on June 12.
The guided tour takes visitors behind the scenes of the Garden’s Nature-based Solutions programme which showcases real-life examples of how plants are being used to address environmental challenges.
Along the tour, visitors can explore stormwater planters, living lawns, bioretention ponds and Edinburgh’s flagship rain garden, while learning how these projects help reduce flooding, regulate temperatures, and create valuable habitats for wildlife
A highlight of the tour is the Garden’s Rain Garden, which was created in 2019 to tackle persistent flooding was developed through a collaboration between Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh scientists, horticulturists, and researchers from Heriot-Watt University.
The project transformed a regularly flooded lawn and pathway into a thriving planted landscape. The surrounding paths no longer flood, the Garden is sustained entirely by rainfall, and the planting continues to thrive, demonstrating how nature-based solutions can deliver practical and lasing benefits.
The tour also provides an insight into the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh’s wider Nature-based Solutions programme and its Plants with Purpose initiative.
Through research and real -world testing, the programme investigates how plants can help reduce flood risk, regulate temperatures and restore biodiversity in urban environments, as cities adapt to the impacts of climate change, this work is helping build the evidence needed to create greener, healthier and more resilient communities
Whether you’re passionate about climate action, conservation or sustainable gardening, the Nature-based Solutions tour offers a unique opportunity to explore how plants can help create healthier and more resilient communities.
As well as learning about the science behind these projects, visitors will discover practical ideas that can be applied in gardens, neighborhoods and urban spaces, demonstrating how nature can play a vital role in addressing the environment challenges of today and tomorrow.
Caitlyn Johnstone one of the nature-based solutions scientists explains, “The ecosystem is incredibly connected, and plants are changing the world around them: soaking up floodwater, stabilizing land, providing food and shelter to insects and birds, improving human wellbeing, even actively cooling the air!
“When we learn from nature and apply the power of those plants to specific problems, we improve our world in so many ways.”
Exciting summer camp with a difference is now open for booking 
