Category: Uncategorized

Acas top tips for employers managing hot weather at work

Workplace expert Acas has offered some recommendations to help employers manage workplace challenges due to hot weather.  

Acas Chief Executive Niall Mackenzie said: ““The warmer weather will be welcomed by many, but for some staff getting into work, or those working in warmer environments, it can be uncomfortable.

“Some workers with certain health conditions or disabilities may be adversely affected by the heat. The hotter weather can also impact public transport, which can hinder workers travelling to work. 

“Acas has some top tips for employers to help ensure their businesses remain productive during the heatwave while keeping staff happy too.” 

By law, employers have a ‘duty of care’ to make sure working temperatures are reasonable for their staff. This includes at the workplace and working from home.

Acas’s recommendations for hot weather working include: 

Workplace temperatures should be reasonable  

There is no legal maximum working temperature. The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) advice is that the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings must be reasonable.  

The HSE offers advice on how to carry out a thermal comfort risk assessment if staff are unhappy with the temperature:  http://www.hse.gov.uk/temperature/index.htm  

Keeping cool at work  

Switch on any fans or air conditioners to keep workplaces comfortable and use blinds or curtains to block out sunlight. Staff working outside should wear appropriate clothes and use sunscreen to protect from sunburn. 

Stay hydrated  

Employers must provide staff with suitable drinking water in the workplace. Workers should drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration and not wait until they are thirsty. Employers could allow extra breaks for staff to get cold drinks. 

Dress code

Employers are not under any obligation to relax their uniform or dress code requirements during hot weather but where possible it may be advisable to for employers to relax the rules for wearing ties or suits. 

Getting into work 

If public transport gets adversely affected by the hot weather, this could affect staff attendance and their ability to get into work on time.

Staff should check timetables in advance, and employers should be flexible.  https://www.acas.org.uk/disruption-getting-to-work  

Vulnerable workers 

Workers with health conditions or disabilities may be affected more by hot weather.

Employers should assess for any risks and discuss what they need to reduce or remove that risk. This might include providing fans, portable air-cooling units or more frequent or longer breaks. 

Employers must make reasonable adjustments for workers with disabilities. https://www.acas.org.uk/reasonable-adjustments  

For further advice, please see:

https://www.acas.org.uk/extreme-temperatures-in-the-workplace

PM: Government ‘turning progress into results for working people’

Keir Starmer has set out how the government is delivering real progress now while rebuilding Britain’s foundations for the future. But does anyone believe him?

  •  PM says “our plan is working” as government delivers results on costs, migration control and growth 
  • Net migration down sharply to its lowest since 2021, inflation down faster than expected to 2.8%, and UK the fastest-growing economy in the G7 in the first quarter of the year  
  • “Great British Summer Savings” to help families afford more time together this summer 

The Prime Minister has set out how the government is delivering real progress now while rebuilding Britain’s foundations for the future.  

Recent figures show the plan is working: 

  • Net migration has fallen by almost three quarters to its lowest level since 2021. 
  • Inflation has dropped faster than expected to 2.8%. 
  • The UK is the fastest growing economy in the G7, with growth beating expectations at 0.6% in the first quarter. 

Together, this progress is strengthening the UK’s resilience in an uncertain world – easing immediate pressures on families while putting the economy on a more stable footing for the long term. 

That progress is being felt more widely across the country, as the government rebuilds the public services working people rely on: 

  • Homicide is at its lowest levels since the 1970s, knife crime is down by 10%, and we have taken more than 63,000 knives off our streets. 
  • NHS waiting lists are at their lowest level for three and a half years, with the largest single month performance improvement in 17 years.
  • There are 4,000 additional teachers across secondary schools, special schools and further education. 

With families still feeling the squeeze – and global instability continuing to drive uncertainty – the government is going further to help households with the cost of living, so people can enjoy the everyday moments that make life better. 

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “We now have the fastest growing economy in the G7, net migration has fallen, and NHS waiting lists are at their lowest level in three and a half years.  

“Our plan is working. And as summer begins, we are going further to bring down the cost of living and make life easier for families, so they have more room to enjoy it. 

“This government will keep pushing forward to deliver the change the country voted for.” 

Building on that progress, the Prime Minister and Chancellor have acted to ease pressure on families, announcing further cost of living support including VAT cuts on hospitality, free bus travel for children aged 5 to 15 in England throughout August, and targeted tariff reductions to bring down the price of everyday essentials. Together, these measures will help families go further while supporting high streets and local businesses. 

That action is being underpinned by growing economic strength. GDP has increased every quarter since 2024, forecasts have been exceeded in the first quarter of this year, and the IMF has upgraded the UK’s growth outlook – all clear signs that economic stability is returning and resilience is being rebuilt. 

The government is also driving that resilience by backing businesses to invest and expand, including a landmark trade deal with the Gulf Cooperation Council – the first such deal by a G7 country – and new legislation to give small firms stronger protection from late payments and the certainty they need to grow.

This comes alongside action to make work pay and back working people – with the National Living Wage increased, 30 hours of funded childcare delivering savings of up to £8,000 per child each year, and stronger rights for 11 million renters through the Renters’ Rights Act. 

At the same time, the government is restoring control and strengthening security – closing more than half of asylum hotels and taking further action to tackle the criminality that undermines communities. 

Alongside this, the government is rewiring the state to support delivery, with a delivery team in every department, led by a senior civil servant, and performance incentives strengthened so that senior leaders are rewarded for driving results. 

This week, the government confirmed senior civil servants’ pay rises will be directly linked to performance to reward the doers, not the talkers. As a package, this is the biggest change to senior civil pay in decades. 

This is a government taking a different path – not returning to a status quo that failed working people, but building a stronger, fairer Britain. 

From lowering costs and backing families to restoring control and driving growth, the government is delivering the security and stability people expect – and laying the foundations for long-term change.

SECURITY? Peter Mandelson scandal

STABILITY? Internal civil war forcing unneccesary by-election

Letter: Remembering Quintinshill

Today (22nd May) marks the anniversary of the worst rail disaster in British history, the Quintinhsill Rail Disaster, which will be marked at an annual Memorial Service at Rosebank Cemetery in Edinburgh on Saturday.

Taking place on 22nd May, 1915, at the height of the First World War, the event occurred at the Quintinshill signal box near Gretna Green. A train packed with nearly 500 members of the Leith Battalion of the Royal Scots, travelling from Larbert, collided with a local passenger service at Quintinshill.

Straight afterwards, a Glasgow-bound express train smashed into the wreckage at Quintinshill, setting off a devastating fire which engulfed the troop train. In total, around 226 people were killed (215 of whom were soldiers) and a further 246 people were injured.

Some bodies were never recovered, having been wholly consumed by the fire, and when the bodies of the men of the Royal Scots were returned to Leith, they were buried together in a mass grave in Rosebank Cemetery.

As we mark the 111th anniversary of this disaster, it is heartening to see continued recognition of this event, which I suspect few are aware of.

Yours faithfully

Alex Orr

2/3 Marchmont Road

Edinburgh EH9 1HZ

Celtic’s title victory: The Last Word?

SCOTTISH FA STATEMENT (issued yesterday):

We note the contents of Heart of Midlothian’s statement yesterday and accompanying letter signed by the club Chair, Calum Paterson. In the interests of transparency, we are happy to set out the facts.

Regarding references to a ‘premature ending of the match’, the Scottish FA’s Chief Governance Officer, Gary Booth, the Head of Refereeing, William Collum, and VAR Manager Martin Atkinson reviewed the audio-visual footage of the period in question on Monday at the club’s request, with Mr Paterson in attendance.

While it was the agreed intention for this meeting to be conducted privately, recent statements have compelled us to consider the public interest in providing clarification and chronology.

To that end, we are happy to publish the relevant audio-visual footage:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=XIIWKE-g4IU%3Fsi%3DHLYks3knLWr_Rmqc

It was made clear at that meeting that the match official, Don Robertson, took the correct action in ending the game.

We note there has been speculation regarding the blowing of a final whistle. The Laws of the Game require the referee to signal the end of the match, but do not prescribe the method of that signal. 

In the context of what unfolded – which is verified by the footage and the Match Incident Report submitted to the Scottish FA – the match official clearly communicated that the match was ended and not abandoned.

In addition, the match clock does not stop when a goal is scored. The footage shows that when the match official confirms the game has ended, the clock is at 53.07 [98.07], more than the minimum additional time of eight minutes signalled.

It was also apparent from the audio that this decision was taken following dialogue with the Hearts Head Coach, who had intimated concerns over player safety.

For the avoidance of doubt, Law 5 of the IFAB Laws of the Game state that ‘the decisions of the referee regarding facts connected with play are final’.

We fully support the decisive action taken by Don Robertson and his team to end the game.

The Scottish FA was responding to Wednesday’s statement from Hearts, who requested a prompt response:

Heart of Midlothian Football Club would once again like to thank our incredible supporters for their magnificent backing throughout this season, and to provide an update in relation to the events which unfolded at Celtic Park on Saturday.

As previously noted, the Club is investigating events before, during and after the match, and will offer Police Scotland our full support as they continue with their enquiries.

We have also written to the SFA and SPFL setting out our observations and questions regarding the circumstances surrounding the premature ending of the match, and expressing our concern that a troubling precedent has been set whereby a pitch invasion can effectively determine the duration of a football match, rather than the match officials. We have asked them for a prompt response to the points we have raised.

The incursion of spectators onto the field of play must never be condoned under any circumstances, and the seriousness of the potential consequences must be fully understood by supporters and clubs alike.

We are aware of highly irresponsible comments made publicly this week, which appear to seek to defend those who entered the pitch on Saturday and undermine the gravity of the situation.

Those remarks carry dangerous implications, and we call upon the football authorities to ensure that this matter is addressed with the seriousness it demands, and with the full cooperation of all involved.

This has been an excellent season for Heart of Midlothian. However, it represents only the very beginning of our plans for long-term sustained success. We look ahead to next season with confidence, supported as ever by the exceptional backing of our fans, sponsors and partners.

SO WE THINK IT’S ALL OVER? I DOUBT IT! – Ed

Local Paramedic to run Edinburgh Marathon in full suit of armour

Edinburgh City Paramedic, Jay Watt, is running in this weekend’s Edinburgh Marathon to raise money for SAMH, clad in a full suit of metal armour.

Jay has been running the Edinburgh Marathon every year since 2011 in a new costume to raise money for local and children’s charities. Previous years’ costumes have included Buzz Lightyear, aliens, and a bunny suit, raising money for The Yard and The Teenage Cancer Trust, amongst others.

Speaking about his latest challenge, Jay said: “In my job, I have encountered patients struggling with their mental health, so this year I wanted to raise awareness of the support SAMH give and raise money to help them continue their important work.

“This is my 20th marathon, and I’ve run in big mascot costumes before, but this year I wanted to break through the stigma of mental health and let people know it’s okay to have a chink in your armour.”

In addition to running the marathon, Jay has been putting the suit through its paces by skiing, boxing, kayaking, and more. He has had some help from a Scottish blacksmith, Kev Paxton, to ensure his suit can withstand each challenge.

Jay said: “Kev has helped me adjust the suit so I can do these activities in it and raise as much awareness as I can.

“By taking part in these sports and fitness activities, I am looking to encourage a positive vibe about mental health and encouraging people to reach out.”

Follow Jay’s journey and donate to his fundraiser here: 

https://www.justgiving.com/page/jay-watt-6?fbclid=IwY2xjawR6UwNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF2THpPak1NRUtXMzFEM3Zrc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPNTE0NzcxNTY5MjI4MDYxAAEeEBNPDXJ6JmNWNClTw1K_8aDpgLquv-7udeB17cUE3ihSc37gTnW2rUjFZm4_aem_JBv0cfBcER4Nr4Vm4Nq9YA

Watchdog concerns over staffing levels at St Leonards custody centre

Police Scotland has been urged to review staffing levels at one of the country’s busiest police custody centres.

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) and Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) carried out a joint inspection of the police custody centre at St Leonards Police Station, in Edinburgh.

Staff at the custody centre described it as ‘significantly understaffed’ and told inspectors that gaps in staffing levels meant the care provided to detainees was not to the standard they would like to see, or that detainees deserve.

Inspectors found that staffing pressures could compromise the completion of routine tasks including the provision of showers for detainees and time spent with them.

Local policing officers taking detainees to the custody centre said there were rarely enough custody staff available to run the three charge bars at the police station.

They said this commonly resulted in queues of arresting officers with their detainees and had a knock-on impact on operational policing as officers remained delayed at St Leonards rather than returning to frontline policing.

HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland, Craig Naylor, said: “HMICS and HIS have now jointly inspected ten police custody centres across Scotland, and during this latest inspection we identified a number of issues that we have previously highlighted elsewhere – including issues around staffing levels.

“We recently made a recommendation to Police Scotland that they examine staffing levels and make arrangements to ensure that appropriate staff resource is in place to maintain safe and effective custody centre operations.

“While we have not repeated this recommendation, it has relevance for the St Leonards custody centre.

“Consideration should be given to reviewing the rationale for the existing staffing model to ensure it remains suitable and fit for purpose.”

Inspectors said the national custody staff model which is used by Police Scotland – with one sergeant and one staff member per ten detainees – did not meet the needs of such a busy custody centre.

St Leonards has 34 cells and serves as the main police custody centre for Edinburgh, Midlothian and East Lothian.

Records show 7,157 people were held in custody at St Leonards police station during 2024-2025.[1]

Staff reported limited ability to take breaks.

They also highlighted challenges associated with sickness absence, delays in body armour provision that restricted the deployment of new members of the custody team, and with some staff being on restricted duties which meant they were unable to assist at the charge bar.

Limited management visibility was also raised by staff, with some expressing concern that Police Scotland was not responding effectively to pressures within the custody environment.

HMICS and HIS inspectors visited the St Leonards custody centre in September last year, as part of their review to assess the treatment of, and conditions for, any individuals being detained.

The joint review found child detainees who were brought to St Leonards custody centre were managed appropriately, with none placed in cells and the longest detention period under five hours.

Inspectors said this was a significant improvement from previous inspections.

However, the inspection found there were issues around the recording of information on the National Custody System, including details relating to wellbeing observations of detainees, their meals, healthcare interactions, care planning and legal rights.

Care plans and handovers were found to routinely lack case-specific details, while records frequently relied on ‘generic, copy-and-paste entries’ which diminished their value.

The inspection team said the physical condition of the custody cells at St Leonards was good, but they identified safety and operational concerns related to the recent addition of a new detainee holding room opposite the charge bar area.

The report said the narrow layout often resulted in congestion when accommodating multiple detainees and their escorting officers.

Inspectors stated: “Staff described incidents since the opening of this facility in which disorderly or incapacitated detainees obstructed exit routes, leading to unwanted physical contact and, on one occasion, a physical assault on a member of staff who was rendering assistance.”

Inspectors also found that while the recently upgraded charge bar facilities were bright and spacious, the layout resulted in limited confidentially during detainee processing, with conversations audible to others.

The joint custody report made 10 recommendations for improvement, including a number of healthcare-specific recommendations addressing infection prevention and control, training and the management of medicines.

The recommendations were directed at both Police Scotland and NHS Lothian who provides healthcare services in the custody centre.

[1] The number of arrested persons includes individuals who have appeared in custody on more than one occasion within the reporting period.

Report: https://hmics.scot/publications/custody-inspection-report-edinburgh/hm-inspectorate-of-constabulary-in-scotland/#content

Thousands dismissing the signs

Everyday symptoms could signal serious autoimmune condition

This Coeliac Awareness Month (May), Coeliac UK is warning that thousands of people in Scotland could be living with an undiagnosed autoimmune condition, after new research reveals many are brushing off key persistent or recurrent symptoms as part of everyday life.

24% of adults in Scotland say that they wouldn’t speak to their GP at all about the symptoms of coeliac disease. Meanwhile, nearly half (40%) of people in Scotland dismiss persistent tiredness as normal, and 30% say the same about brain fog or difficulty concentrating – despite these being common warning signs.

Coeliac disease affects 1 in 100 people; only 36% of people with coeliac disease are diagnosed, yet awareness remains worryingly low.

Symptoms ‘hidden in plain sight’

Despite its prevalence, coeliac disease can affect the whole body – but many of its most common symptoms are overlooked and often mistaken for everyday issues or other conditions.

While issues like bloating or diarrhoea are more widely recognised, others – including fatigue, anaemia and neurological symptoms such as brain fog – are frequently dismissed or misattributed.

New YouGov research commissioned by Coeliac UK highlights the critical awareness gap in Scotland:

  • Over half of UK adults (56%) aware of coeliac disease don’t realise coeliac disease causes symptoms beyond digestion
  • Myths and misconceptions remain widespread. More people attribute symptoms to stress or lifestyle rather than a serious medical condition. 21% blame diet/lifestyle, 13% blame stress and 14% think it’s part of ageing, over a medical condition (21%).
  • Only 11% of people know how common the condition is in reality

Coeliac disease is not a food intolerance or lifestyle choice. It is a serious autoimmune condition where the body attacks its own tissues when gluten is consumed, damaging the gut and preventing nutrients from being properly absorbed.

This has real consequences. On average, it takes 13 years from the onset of symptoms for an adult to be diagnosed – more than a decade of potentially avoidable ill health.

Left untreated, coeliac disease can lead to serious long-term complications, including osteoporosis, infertility, chronic gut ulcers, increased risk of infections, and neurological damage.

Hilary Croft, Chief Executive at Coeliac UK, said: “This isn’t a lifestyle choice or a popular food trend – it’s a serious autoimmune condition. We’re seeing people normalise symptoms and ignore their body’s warning signs. Signs that could point to coeliac disease.

“The result is that many people end up waiting for over a decade before they find out what’s causing their pain and discomfort. Fatigue, brain fog or ongoing digestive issues shouldn’t just be dismissed as part of a busy life or getting older.”

This Coeliac Awareness Month, Coeliac UK is urging people not to ignore persistent or recurrent symptoms, and instead to take action and seek medical advice. Their free online self-assessment, Is It Coeliac Disease, helps people understand their risk and start conversations with healthcare professionals.

Hilary continued: “Take action today, and check whether your symptoms could be coeliac disease, with the Coeliac UK self-assessment.”

For nearly 60 years, Coeliac UK has advocated for people affected by coeliac disease by raising awareness, improving diagnosis pathways, funding research and working to ensure safe and affordable access to gluten free food.

Jenny Gilruth is Deputy First Minister

Jenny Gilruth takes on “greatest honour of my life.”

Jenny Gilruth has been appointed Deputy First Minister by First Minister John Swinney.

Ms Gilruth described it as “the greatest honour of my life” as she accepted the role.

Ms Gilruth will support the First Minister in ensuring the Scottish Government delivers on the priorities of the people of Scotland.

Her Cabinet portfolio will be confirmed in due course.

The First Minister said: “Jenny Gilruth has already shown she can deliver for the people of Scotland, not least in averting damaging teachers strikes earlier this year.

“Now, as my government takes on the emphatic mandate we were given by the people, she will play a central role in making sure we deliver on people’s priorities.

“This will be a Scottish Government working for Scotland.  We have pledged that we will support people with the cost of living, ensure easier access to the NHS and deliver a fresh start with independence.   That is exactly what we will do, and I am pleased that Jenny will bring her drive and determination to that task.”

Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth said: “Being asked to serve as John Swinney’s Deputy First Minister is the greatest honour of my life.

“We are coming into government refreshed by the faith people have placed in us and determined to deliver on the job they have asked us to do – supporting people through the cost of living crisis, giving people easier access to the NHS and delivering a fresh start with independence.

“That is our task and it is one I will dedicate myself to delivering as Deputy First Minister, in a Scottish Government working for Scotland.”

Amount donated in Scotland to charities falls to £910m

People in Scotland donated an estimated £910 million to charity last year, declining from £1.1bn in 2024, according to new research by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF).

CAF’s research finds that the number of people giving to charity has been declining. Last year, 58% of people in Scotland donated or sponsored to support charities. Against the backdrop of household financial pressures, one in five (22%) people in the UK report they don’t donate to charity because they cannot afford it.

CAF’s UK Local Giving Report looks at levels of charitable giving, community engagement and local pride in every UK constituency. 

More than a third (38%) already engage in their local community in Scotland, but one in six (17%) would like more opportunities to get involved. More than half (51%) of people in Scotland have a sense of local pride, increasing to 65% in Mid Dunbartonshire which has the strongest sense of satisfaction and belonging.

The report highlights the virtuous circle that when people engage in their local communities, they are more likely to donate to charity and feel a sense of local pride.

Mid Dunbartonshire also gave the highest percentage of household income to good causes with an average of 1.14%. This compares to Aberdeenshire North and Moray East, where people donate 0.64% of their household income.

Mark Greer, Managing Director of the Charities Aid Foundation, commented: “Charities are at the core of our communities. Through their work up and down the country, they strengthen local areas and support those in need.

“When we are facing a sustained trend of declining donations, part of the solution to unlocking greater giving lies in understanding the power of place and community. It might seem obvious, but places matter to people.

“This report shows that when people are engaged in a local area, they tend to give more. It tells us that the people in areas with low levels of engagement and giving aren’t disinterested – they need and want more opportunities.

“We need targeted investment and collaboration from government, philanthropists and businesses to revitalise local cultures of giving and encourage community connections, helping to strengthen charities and the places they support, for the future.”

Ten most generous constituencies in Scotland based on proportion of income donated to charity:

Mid Dunbartonshire1.14%
North East Fife1.14%
East Renfrewshire1.03%
Arbroath and Broughty Ferry1.00%
West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine1.00%
Na h-Eileanan an Iar0.99%
Inverclyde and Renfrewshire West0.99%
Stirling and Strathallan0.99%
East Kilbride and Strathaven0.99%
Paisley and Renfrewshire North0.98%