£12.4 million to help change choices about work

  • £12.4 million awarded to six innovative new projects to understand barriers to getting into work.
  • Projects include investigating the impact of endometriosis on women’s work choices and how programmes to reduce obesity and type 2 diabetes can improve workforce participation.
  • Funding will help overcome barriers facing those who need the most support getting into work    

Six ground-breaking projects including an investigation looking at how endometriosis impacts women in the workplace have been awarded £12.4 million, the UK Government has announced today (Tuesday 12 September).

The projects comprise the first round of the Labour Market Evaluation and Pilots Fund, and take place over the next two years. The results will help to transform the government’s approach to the jobs market and drive forward research into best practice in employment.

While the UK’s employment rate is higher than a number of other advanced economies, the government is committed to ensure that those who most need help getting into the workplace are supported.

The Chancellor announced a range of interventions to address this at Spring Budget 2023 – including a significant expansion of childcare support, making 30 hours of free childcare a week available to parents from children aged 9 months.

The Labour Market Evaluation and Pilots Fund is part of that and will be used to test new approaches and generate better evidence to help specific groups back into work or to work longer hours.

Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Victoria Atkins, said: “Our jobs record is incredibly strong, with high employment that means millions of people are benefiting from work. But for some, that’s not happening.

“We need to look for solutions that are tailored to help people thrive in the jobs market. This analysis is the first step towards that – looking at specific health conditions or living arrangements to find out what works to help people work.”

Minister for Social Mobility, Youth and Progression Mims Davies MP said: “The vital opportunities and confidence employment gives, helps to transform lives. This is why we are determined to support all those who want to progress to do so, while also driving down inactivity and importantly growing the economy.

“This key new funding for our pilots will enable us to support even more people to move forward in work, including vitally those in supported accommodation and more disadvantaged communities, to help people to break down any barriers to work, so more people can fulfil their employment potential.”

National Statistician, Sir Ian Diamond, said: “The ONS welcomes the opportunity to shine light on this important area with these projects.

“This new analysis will provide crucial insight for decision makers in helping to understand how health conditions impact on people’s working lives and what interventions can help people stay in work.”

One of the projects includes a first-of-its-kind Office for National Statistics (ONS) evaluation which will investigate the impact of endometriosis on women’s participation and progression in the workforce.

Endometriosis can affect around 1 in 10 women, with symptoms including chronic pain and fatigue which can disrupt daily routines, fertility and mental health and time off work may be needed for coping with symptoms.

Previous work has shown that women with the condition often take this into consideration when making career choices, including the likelihood they will need to take significantly more sick leave. This project will improve understanding and help inform government plans to support women with the condition in their careers.

A second project by the ONS will evaluate whether programmes to reduce the risk of developing type two diabetes and obesity improve people’s ability to join the labour market. 

Around 3.8 million people in the UK have type 2 diabetes and 2.4 million are at high risk of developing the disease which can have a strong effect on quality of life, including the ability to work. The evaluation will include reviewing the impact of the Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (DPP), a large scale nine-month, evidence-based lifestyle change programme aimed at people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

There will also be a new pilot to address barriers to work faced by those aged 18-24 living in supported housing, which is accommodation provided alongside care, support or supervision to help people live as independently as possible in the community and can act as a pathway to transitioning into work.

To support young people in making that transition, DWP and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) have developed a Proof of Concept that will test financial support and simplification of the benefits system for 18-24 year olds living in supported housing who move into work or increase their working hours.

This will help them to build their employment prospects further, work towards becoming financially independent and progress into move on accommodation in a planned way. 

Funding will also be allocated to two HMRC projects to evaluate the impact of Tax-Free Childcare on parents’ work choices and women’s return to work after maternity leave. In addition, funding will be provided to DWP to trial employment support and rent incentives to move people out of work or on low earnings into work or onto higher earnings.

Techscaler programme creating entrepreneurs and innovators

Hundreds of start-ups supported in first year of programme

Almost 400 of Scotland’s tech start-up businesses have been supported during the first year of the Techscaler programme.

A total of 387 fledgling firms received assistance from the £42 million Scottish Government project – the most comprehensive of its kind in Europe – which provides free mentoring and advice to early stage business owners.

The seventh Techscaler hub will open in Dumfries during this financial year, joining others already operating around the country and underlining the Scottish Government’s commitment to innovative businesses.

The 2023-24 Programme for Government includes an additional £15 million to support entrepreneurs from all walks of life.

First Minister Humza Yousaf visited the Techscaler hub in Stirling to meet start up business owners and learn more about the programme.

The First Minister said: “Growing businesses are fundamental to a thriving Scotland, and the Scottish Government I lead is committed to doing whatever we can to help businesses unleash the enormous economic potential of accelerating a fair, green and growing economy. 

“That is why our Programme for Government is investing in the entrepreneurs of the future, building on the valuable work already taking place within Techscalers.

“Tech start-ups right across Scotland now have access to world-class education and mentoring and opportunities for peer learning and networking through the Techscalers – a hugely impressive programme which has made Scotland one of the most tech start-up friendly places in the world.

“We are taking action now, in partnership with business, to help stimulate sustainable and fair economic growth across Scotland.”

Inspiring a new generation of tech entrepreneurs – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

Supporting a start-up nation – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

Kickstarting new businesses – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

Dementia care specialists to host Open Day event

ONE of Scotland’s most luxurious care homes will open its doors to the public this week with an exclusive tour around its facilities.

Located in north Edinburgh, Cramond Residence is offering people the chance to view its high-end care home on Friday 15 September from 3pm.

Fronted by a guided tour, guests will able be able to enjoy home baking and a ‘cuppa’ as they learn more about the benefits of the home; from its care package offerings to its bespoke digital care systems – ensuring that all residents have their individual needs met.

Client Liaison Manager Christian Daraio said: “This Open Day offers a unique opportunity for individuals and families to explore the top-notch care and facilities offered by the residence.

“If you or a loved one are considering residential, respite, or recuperative care, the Cramond Residence Open Day is a must-attend event.

“Visitors can expect to immerse themselves in the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the residence, enjoying a cup of tea and sampling delightful home baking, while also having the chance to ask any questions they might have.

“This event also provides a chance to meet the dedicated team as well as engage in conversations with our current residents.”

Cramond Residence is divided into nine individual homes, each named after an area of Edinburgh, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among residents.

With private dining and living rooms in each home, socialising and forming lasting connections are a natural part of life at Cramond Residence.

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the main communal areas, including a spacious dining rooms, a well-stocked library, a private ‘fine dining’ room, a cinema, a physiotherapy area, and a hairdressing salon.

Additionally, Cramond Residence offers cutting-edge facilities, such as high-tech therapy baths, to cater to the diverse needs of its residents.

The stunning gardens and summer house also invite attendees to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Cramond Residence is proud of its commitment to providing a high quality of life to its residents and invites the community to witness it firsthand. There is no need to book in advance; simply come along on the day.

For further information about Cramond Residence, call 0131 336 1064 or visit the care home’s website at cramondresidence.co.uk.

To get in touch directly, please email enquiries@cramondresidence.co.uk.

Children’s cycle training hits new record in the Lothians

Bikeability Bantaskine primary, Falkirk

Schools in the Lothians have helped to contribute to a new national record in on-road cycle training in the last academic year, with East Lothian coming out on top in the area.

Figures collated by Cycling Scotland reveal that in the 2022-23 academic year, East Lothian successfully delivered on-road cycle training in every primary school in the area; one of only nine local authorities in the country to achieve 100% delivery.

Overall, almost two-thirds of Scottish schools participated in on-road cycle training in the last academic year, setting a new national record.

In total, figures collated by Cycling Scotland reveal that in the 2022-23 session, more than 60,000 children took part in Bikeability Scotland training. This is in stark contrast to the nearly three in four adults in Scotland who have never received any formal cycle training.

Bikeability Bantaskine primary, Falkirk

Bikeability Scotland, the national cycle training programme for school children, helps to increase road safety awareness in young people, equipping them with the skills and confidence to make everyday trips by bike more safely. The programme is free for pupils and is funded by Cycling Scotland, the national cycling charity, through grant funding from Transport Scotland.

When Bikeability Scotland was introduced in 2010 only 31.5% of primary schools delivered on-road cycle training. Since then, the programme has grown significantly, with the last academic year seeing a 20% increase in participation from the previous year.

Apart from Glasgow, every participating local authority in Scotland has increased or maintained their delivery of school cycle training in the last year. Nine local authorities delivered Bikeability in every school.

Bikeability Scotland level-2 on-road training session on streets near Holy Family Primary School in Lenzie.

David Collins, Bikeability Scotland Manager, said: “Learning to cycle is an essential life skill so it’s phenomenal to see record numbers of young people gaining the skills and confidence to travel by bike. It proves that investment delivers results, and we really hope to see these numbers continue to grow into the future.

“The training that schoolchildren receive through Bikeability Scotland unlocks a whole range of benefits that will serve them throughout their lives, creating greater transport independence and supporting healthier, more environmentally friendly lifestyles. The positive impact of Bikeability Scotland on bike ownership and amount of cycling is greatest in schools with a higher proportion of pupils eligible for Free School Meals.

“Our research highlights the importance of teaching at school, to maximise the number of people reached who can use the training now and later in life. Countries with the highest levels of cycling, such as the Netherlands, still provide national cycle training schemes for school children.

“Together with building a network of safe, dedicated cycle lanes and preventing dangerous driving, Bikeability Scotland training is essential to support children to cycle.”

Burnbrae Primary School in Midlothian were Highly Commended in the Bikeability Scotland ‘School of the Year’ category earlier this year.

Primary six children at St Marnock’s in Barrhead participate in Cycling Scotland’s Bikeability programme to increase their cycling skills ability and road safety awareness.

Harry, a P7 pupil from Williamston Primary School, West Lothian, commented on the training: “I thought we would just be doing different games or different activities on the bikes.

“It was more like what you would actually do on the road or in real life. Teaching you those skills that you actually need. And I think that’s what we really did when we did Bikeability.”

Jon Purdie, class teacher at Burnbrae Primary School said: “Bikeability has been a fantastic way for our pupils to learn and grow outside of the classroom environment and is a superb opportunity for those who struggle with academic learning to achieve and see themselves in a positive light.”

Bikeability at St Marnocks primary, Barrhead.

More information, including which schools are currently offering the training, along with more guidance and support for schools, parents, instructors and local authorities, can be found on the Bikeability Scotland website.

Halloween at Conifox Adventure Park

Conifox Adventure Park in Edinburgh has announced its series of Halloween events, with spooky days out and dazzling fireworks evenings making fun for all the family this October.

From Saturday 14 October, families can ‘creep’ it real at the Conifox Pumpkin Patch where they’ll get to pick their own pumpkin to take home and carve. Adults and children alike will love the themed photo backdrops available around the park, where they can take cute photos to keep as momentos for years to come.

And there are even prizes up for grabs – kids can delight in finding all the enchanted creatures around the Adventure Park, collecting the special letters and spelling out a secret password to win a yummy surprise.

The Halloween Fireworks kick off from Friday 20 October where the spectacular show-stopping display will leave attendees seeing stars in the beautiful autumn night skies. Those who like their Halloween events on the spooky side will love The Witches Labyrinth and the Dark Forest Maze, and the whole family will be entertained by the amazing flame-throwing talents of Labyrinth Circus or the Rave’N Dance Disco.

Professors Snotbutt and Crinklebottom will be giving lessons in the Broomstick Flying School and the Pumpkin Patch will also be open in the evenings, with pumpkins included in the ticket price.

Kids and adults alike can take a whirl on Taylor’s of Edinburgh Funfair, try their hand at axe-throwing, marshmallow toasting or get their faces painted as a range of spooky characters for an extra cost.

Halloween Fireworks are on Fridays and Saturdays from 20 – 28 October, with a special Halloween night on Tuesday 31 October. Tickets are available at www.conifox.co.uk from £15 for adults and £22.50 for children. Babies under one year old go free.

Halloween Days at Conifox Adventure Park are on Saturdays and Sundays from 14 – 29 October. Tickets are available at www.conifox.co.uk from £5 for adults and £10 for children. Babies under one year old go free.

Stolen car found in Granton

Following Police Scotland’s previous appeal on two cars stolen from outside a property on Mill Road, Stow in the early hours of Wednesday 30 August, please note:

The Volvo XC60 was traced in a car park in the Granton area by road policing officers on Saturday, 9 September.

Enquiries are continuing into this incident and Police re-appeal to anyone with information that may assist to contact 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting incident number 0441 of Wednesday, 30 August, 2023.

Green light for Safer Drug Consumption pilot?

Minister welcomes statement from Lord Advocate

An announcement by the Lord Advocate, that it would not be in the public interest for people using a pilot Safer Drug Consumption room to face prosecution for possession within the facility, has been welcomed by the Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Elena Whitham.

Dorothy Bain KC’s indication that she would issue a public statement of prosecution policy removes an obstacle to establishing the first official Safer Drug Consumption Facility in the UK.

It follows her independent consideration of a detailed proposal for a pilot developed by Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) and Police Scotland, facilitated by the Scottish Government.

Today’s news means Glasgow HSCP can take plans to establish the facility to the Glasgow City Integration Joint Board for approval.

Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Elena Whitham said: “I welcome the position the Lord Advocate has taken.

“Glasgow authorities may now progress their proposal to set up a facility which can operate within the existing legal framework. While the service would still be limited to some extent, due to the reserved Misuse of Drugs Act, we are confident it would save lives.

“This is not a silver bullet. But we know from evidence from more than 100 facilities worldwide that Safer Drug Consumption Facilities work. It is now time to see this approach piloted in Scotland.

“It’s vital this pilot has the full confidence of the general public as well as those who use the facility, and the leadership of Glasgow and Police Scotland will help ensure it is introduced as quickly as possible.

“Through our £250 million National Mission, we are doing everything within our powers to tackle drug deaths in Scotland. However, the number of deaths is still too high and we must use every means at our disposal as we face future challenges, including the increasing threat from synthetic opioids.”

Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie said: “Police Scotland is committed to working in partnership to reduce the harm associated with problematic substance use and addiction.

“Our approach to any initiative aimed at tackling these harms will be to establish how best policing can support it within the confines of the law.

“It is important to note that existing legislation will not be changing and, while we may take an overall supportive policing approach, police officers will still be bound by their legal duty to uphold the law and will not be able to simply ignore acts of criminality which they see occurring.” 

Susanne Millar, Chief Officer for Glasgow’s Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “We welcome the position from the Lord Advocate and the positive response on plans for a Safer Drug Consumption Facility to operate in Glasgow. 

“A large body of evidence already exists from around the world which demonstrates that Safer Drug Consumption Facilities can save lives, as well as reducing the spread of blood-borne viruses and cutting levels of publicly discarded injecting equipment.”

Power to the People!

Unleashing the Power of the People: Holyrood Committee urges bold moves to enhance public participation

A Holyrood Committee which has been considering how the public engages with the Scottish Parliament has published a new report which makes a series of recommendations on removing barriers to participation, embedding deliberative democracy and establishing regular ‘Citizen’s Panels’ to support the scrutiny work of the Parliament.   

The Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee (CPPPC) undertook a year-long inquiry into Public Participation, recognising that the views of some groups and marginalised communities across Scotland weren’t being heard enough in the Parliament.  

The inquiry focussed on what more could be done to bring the Parliament closer to the people and how to improve wider public participation in parliamentary scrutiny.  

To assist the inquiry, the Committee established its own “Citizens’ Panel” – a group of 19 people from across Scotland who were asked: “How can the Scottish Parliament ensure that diverse voices and communities from all parts of Scotland influence our work?”  

The Panel met over two weekends in late 2022 and made 17 recommendations which were published in the Committee’s interim report.  

Following this, the Committee concluded that the Parliament should use Citizens’ Panels more regularly to help committees with scrutiny work as they give the public a greater voice and can help achieve consensus on difficult issues. 

The Committee has recommended that the Parliament should hold two further Citizens’ Panel pilots this session, one undertaking post-legislative scrutiny and the other looking at a live political issue.  

Following these panels, the Committee will then review how well they worked before seeking to suggest a more permanent model that the Parliament can adopt after the 2026 election.  

The Committee recommends that, each time a Panel is set up to help a committee with an inquiry as recommended, the subsequent report should be debated in the Parliament Chamber, with Panel members invited to watch from the public gallery. 

As well as considering how future Citizens’ Panels might work, the Committee has considered other ways that people can find out what the Parliament is doing, and how to get involved. Some of the ideas it looked at came from the recommendations made by its own Citizens’ Panel.  

The Committee agreed with the need to reduce the barriers to public participation with the Parliament and supported additional recommendations including:  

  • paying people back if they have to take time off work or pay for childcare to engage 
  • translating information into other languages, or making it easier to read 
  • making it easier for people to engage in the evenings or at weekends, or by using online tools  
  • considering a review of citizenship education in schools 

Throughout the inquiry, the CPPPC examined various mechanisms for citizen engagement and looked at how “Citizens’ Assemblies” at varying levels of government were being implemented and operated in other European countries including Belgium, France and Ireland.  

Committee members also considered suggestions for broader Parliamentary reform put forward by the Panel including changes to the Code of Conduct for MSPs, an evaluation of the Presiding Officer’s authority to ensure Ministers give adequate responses to questions, and the possibility of dedicating weekly parliamentary time for the public questioning of Ministers. 

Commenting, Convener of the Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee, Jackson Carlaw MSP said: “Over the course of the past year, we’ve heard time and time again that the Parliament doesn’t hear enough from some groups and communities across Scotland. This report is therefore a significant milestone in our pursuit of a more inclusive parliamentary process.  

“The recommendations, particularly the introduction of increasingly regular Citizens’ Panels and the embedding of deliberative democracy in the work of the Parliament, underscore our commitment to amplifying diverse voices.  

“This report sets a strong foundation for a more participatory and collaborative democracy in Scotland, and we hope it will be welcomed by the Citizens’ Panel that was integral to its development, as well as Parliamentary colleagues from across the political spectrum.” 

Citizens’ Panel member, Jaya Rao, from the North East said: “Participating in the Citizens’ Panel and visiting the Scottish Parliament was a truly enlightening experience.

“Interacting with diverse individuals and witnessing the democratic process first-hand has deepened my appreciation for our shared commitment to a better future for Scotland.”

Citizens’ Panel member, John Sultman, from Glasgow added: “This experience has shown me how much difference turning up and speaking up can make.” 

Citizens’ Panel member Alan Currie, from Glasgow. said: “Our seventeen recommendations were taken seriously by MSPs and the Committee, due to the facilitators, experts and presentations, which enabled us to learn more about not just the Parliament, but the concept of deliberative democracy, improving parliaments ability to reach and engage the public.”

The full report and recommendations can be found on the Scottish Parliament website.  

Alongside this the report is being published in a longer version and a summary version, in multiple languages, in BSL and Easy Read, reflecting the range of groups who engaged in the inquiry and demonstrating the importance of making the Parliament’s work accessible to all. 

Embedding-Public-Participation-in-the-Work-of-the-Parliament-1Download
Citizen-Panel-Case-StudiesDownload

MOËT & CHANDON JOINS THE EDINBURGH COCKTAIL WEEK LINEUP

Luxury French Champagne brand joins The Cocktail Village lineup for 2023 

  • Edinburgh Cocktail Week publishes official guide for 2023
  • 22 brands taking part across 10 days at the UK’s biggest cocktail festival 
  • The guide showcases all of the £5 cocktails on offer as well as cocktail maps for the 100 participating bars around the city

With just a month to go until Edinburgh Cocktail Week kicks off, organisers revealed today that Moët & Chandon is the final brand to join the stellar lineup at next month’s Cocktail Village. 

Moet & Chandon, in collaboration with the team from Eve at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, will offer a selection of three Champagne cocktails. Moët & Chandon celebrates life’s memorable moments, and the bespoke cocktail selection has been curated to celebrate the festival’s fifth anniversary, running from Friday, 6th – Sunday, 15th October from 12 noon-11pm daily.

The announcement coincides with the publication of this year’s Edinburgh Cocktail Week guide which includes a rundown of all the £5 cocktails on offer at 100 bars taking part throughout the city during the 10-day festival. The guide can be accessed here.

This year marks Edinburgh Cocktail Week’s fifth birthday. To celebrate, the event has partnered with 100 of Edinburgh’s best cocktail bars, speakeasies and neighbourhood pubs to offer delicious £5 Signature Cocktails.

To get exclusive access to these cocktails, customers simply need to buy one of the festival wristbands and show it at the bar when ordering.

Wristband holders can find all the cocktails within the official guide and maps to help plan their day out and navigate the best cocktail routes across the city. 

No matter which wristband type is purchased – weekday or weekend – wristbands are valid at all participating bars for the full ten-day duration of the festival so event goers can enjoy multiple days out tasting their way around the best bars in Edinburgh.

The celebrations also extend to the highly popular Cocktail Village at Festival Square, the social epicentre of the festival, which will be bigger than ever before. Entry to the Cocktail Village is free with a festival wristband and inside cocktail-lovers will find 22 pop-up bars serving amazing cocktails from £5.

Pop-up bars serving cocktails from £5 include Aperol Spritz, Grey Goose, Patron, Engine Gin, Tia Maria, Hoxton Spirits, Boe Gin and Malibu, as well as a luxurious selection of premium, full-priced cocktails from the Moët & Chandon bar.

There will also be a mouth-watering selection of street food from Duck & Waffle, Pizza Geeks and Taberu Japanese Kitchen, and a live music stage with a jam-packed programme of local musicians and special headline performances, including a Spice Girl Tribute band, to get the party going. 

For the discerning cocktail drinker, Edinburgh Cocktail Week has a collection of award-winning ‘Prestige Cocktail’ bars to visit, where you can enjoy elevated cocktail experiences curated by the city’s top mixologists at the likes of Panda & Sons, Hey Palu, The Waldorf Astoria, Commons Club and The Devil’s Advocate. 

Gary Anderson, Managing Director of Edinburgh Cocktail Week said: “What better way to toast our fifth birthday than with Moët & Chandon champagne?

“We are utterly delighted to announce that Moët & Chandon will be joining us in the Cocktail Village next month and we look forward to raising a celebratory glass with wristband holders.

“We’re incredibly proud to call Edinburgh the home of the UK’s biggest cocktail festival and would like to thank all our customers and partners for their continued support of the festival – it’s amazing to see so many familiar faces year after year.”

Roddy Smith, Chief Executive of Essential Edinburgh Business Improvement District said: “Essential Edinburgh is delighted to again be the primary partner to Edinburgh Cocktail Week.

“ECW is now eagerly anticipated and well established in the city’s event calendar, and does a fantastic job in promoting our superb hospitality sector in the city centre. 

“We look forward to another hugely successful event both in the Cocktail Village and around every one of the bars and restaurants taking part. I can’t think of a better way to spend an early October evening than sampling wonderful cocktails in and around our city centre.”

A full list of the brands and bars taking part can be found on the Edinburgh Cocktail Week website and in notes to editors below.

Wristbands are on sale now at www.edinburghcocktailweek.co.uk. 

Wristband options for 2023 are as below (inclusive of booking fees):

  • Weekend 1 – £10.00 (valid Friday 6th – Sunday 8th Oct)
  • Weekday – £8.00 (valid Monday 9th –  Thursday 12th Oct)
  • Weekend 2- £10.00 (valid Friday 13th – Sunday 15th Oct)
  • Ten Day – £14.00 (valid Friday 6th – Sunday 15th Oct)

All wristbands are valid at all 100 participating bars for the full 10-day duration of the festival. Wristbands are valid at the Cocktail Village for the dates detailed above. 

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