TUC: UK’s parental leave and pay system needs an overhaul

New TUC survey finds low level of statutory paternity pay leaves families struggling financially – and stops 1 in 5 dads/partners from taking paternity leave at all

  • Low-income households and self-employed workers most likely to miss out on paternity leave 
  • 1 in 5 dads/partners who manage to take time off end up working during leave 
  • Union body calls on ministers to increase statutory paternity pay and overhaul parental leave system 

More than half (53%) of families struggle financially when dads/partners take paternity leave, according to a new TUC poll published today (Friday). 

The survey also reveals that half (50%) of parents don’t feel they were able to take enough time off work as paternity leave to support their families. 

And one in five (21%) parents told the TUC they didn’t take any paternity leave at all. The biggest reason for this – for more than one in four (27%) parents – is that they can’t afford to reduce their income. 

Statutory paternity pay is currently £172.48 a week, or 90% of your average weekly earnings (whichever is lower), and paternity leave is one or two weeks.  

Missing out 

The TUC poll found: 

  • Low earners: Household income has a big impact on take up of paternity leave. Nearly nine in 10 (86%) of parents where the household income is over £60,000 take statutory paternity leave provided by their employer, but this falls to two-thirds (65%) of dads/partners with a household income under £25k. And only one in seven (14%) dads/partners with household income under £25k take a more generous form of paternity leave than just the statutory – compared to more than one in three (35%) where the household income is over £80k. 
  • Self-employed: Only one in three (31%) self-employed dads/partners took time off when their partner had a baby. Self-employed workers currently aren’t eligible for any statutory paternity pay. The TUC warns this reduces their ability to take time off work for the arrival of a new baby. 

The poll also revealed that nearly one in five (18%) dads/partners are still doing some work whilst on paternity leave – rising to almost one in three (30%) part-time workers. 

More than one in five (22%) do this because of the demands of their workload, and a similar percentage (19%) feel pressured to do this by their employers. 

Government action needed 

The TUC is calling on government to completely overhaul the current parental leave system. 

The union body wants ministers to: 

  • Increase statutory paternity pay: Statutory paternity pay needs to increase to at least the level of the real living wage, to make it feasible for dads/partners to take time out to care for their new-borns. 
  • Extend parental leave: Both parents need a stand-alone right to their own individual period of well-paid parental leave – which is not dependent on the other partner sacrificing some of their leave (as it is in the current shared parental leave system). 
  • Give parental leave and pay rights to all from day one: Parental leave and pay rights should be accessible to all, regardless of employment status – including those who are self-employed, agency workers or on zero-hours contracts. Qualifying periods for parental leave and pay rights should be scrapped and they should be available from day one in a job. 

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “It’s not right that so many dads can’t afford to take time off work when their babies are born.  

“The arrival of a new-born is one of the most special moments in life. No parent should miss out on these precious first days. 

“The UK’s parental leave and pay system needs an overhaul.  

“Without better rights to well-paid leave, too many new parents will still miss out on spending time with their babies. And mums will continue to take on the bulk of caring. 

“Ministers should give all dads better-paid paternity leave – and create a new right to well-paid parental leave just for dads, that doesn’t rely on mums giving up some of their maternity leave.” 

Boyack: Redeem unclaimed energy vouchers before it’s too late

Following concerns raised by the advocacy group Energy Action Scotland over the number of households with pre-payment meters who have not claimed their voucher entitlement from the UK Energy Bill Support Scheme that ended in March 2023, Scottish Labour MSP Sarah Boyack is urging people in Edinburgh to redeem their vouchers before they expire on 30th June 2023.

In Edinburgh, 34 per cent of vouchers have yet to be claimed, with the approximate value of the unclaimed support in Edinburgh being at  around £1,374,120.

Households with non-smart (traditional) prepayment meter need to actively redeem the vouchers that have been sent by post, text or email.

Once the voucher from the energy supplier is received,  people will need to take it to a Post Office or PayPoint shop to add it to the gas or electricity top-up key or card.

Commenting Sarah Boyack MSP said: “If you live in a household with older, non-digital pre-payment meters, you have been issued with vouchers by post, text or email to support you with the rising energy costs.

“These vouchers are valid for 90 days and expired or lost vouchers can be re-issued through the energy supplier.

“However, all vouchers expire on 30th June when the scheme ends.

“If you are entitled to energy vouchers, now is time to redeem them. They may not resolve the cost of living crisis, but during these hard time, we need all support we can get.”

Have your say on Waterfront plans again

The creation of a £1.3bn connected and sustainable new ‘coastal town’ at Granton Waterfront has reached its next major phase. The Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) to transform Edinburgh’s largest brownfield site has now been published.  

The plans have been developed in partnership with Cruden Homes (East) Ltd. They include plans for over 700 net zero homes, of which at least 35% will be affordable, capacity for a primary school, commercial units, active travel routes and other sustainable transport infrastructure as well as attractive public and open space.

The Council would like to find out what people think about the plans for Phase 1 and have organised in-person events: Tuesday 13 June from 4pm to 7pm and Saturday 17 June from 11am to 2pm at the Granton Station building, 1 Granton Station Square.

People will also be able to share their views online.

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An online event will be held on Thursday 22 June from 6pm to 7.30pm and a ‘You Said, We Did’ event will be held in person on Wednesday 23 August from 4pm to 7pm at 1 Granton Station Square.

The City of Edinburgh Council Leader, Cammy Day, said: “It’s great to see that plans have now been submitted for the largest regeneration project of its kind in Scotland at Granton Waterfront. The PAN is for the first phase of this ambitious and exciting £1.3bn regeneration project for the city.

“Sustainable regeneration like this is so important as we transition towards a greener economy in our Capital. We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity here to build a 20-minute neighbourhood completely from scratch with affordable net zero homes, shops, cultural and leisure and education facilities all close by.

“We’ve been consulting with people at every step of the way during this project so please be a part of this transformation of the north of the city and give us your views either at one of our events or online.

“This will help us to make sure we get it right for those who will be living in, working, and visiting this new area as well as everyone currently living in the many established communities nearby.”

Further information: 

Childline delivered over eight thousand counselling sessions to children in Scotland last year

  • Childline delivered 8,599 counselling sessions to children living in Scotland in 2022/23
  • Aberdeen and Glasgow Childline bases delivered 29,741 counselling sessions to children across the UK in 2022/23
  • 195,542 counselling sessions were delivered by Childline across the UK in 2022/23
  • These figures are being released by the NSPCC as people across the nation come together to Celebrate Childhood Day on Friday, June 9
  • Schools and nurseries in Scotland are taking part in the Childhood Day Mile
  • The Scottish public have already generously donated at Childhood Day collections and events

The NSPCC has released new figures today showing its Childline service delivered over 8,000 counselling sessions to children in Scotland last year, as people across the nation come together to play their part in the charity’s fundraising day – Childhood Day (June 9).

Last year at least 8,599 of the counselling sessions delivered by Childline were with children and young people who were living in Scotland. 

While almost 30,000 (29,741) sessions were delivered to children across the UK by a counsellor based at the NSPCC’s Glasgow and Aberdeen Childline call centres.

In total, over 195,000 Childline counselling sessions were held with young people from across the UK over the past year (2022/23), and the charity is determined to continue to be there for any child who wishes to speak to them about their worries and concerns.

The top five main concerns for children were mental and emotional health and wellbeing; family relationships; friendship issues; bullying and school/education problems.

The NSPCC launched its flagship fundraising and awareness day, Childhood Day, three years ago, to bring communities together and highlight the vital role everyone can play in helping to keep children safe from abuse and neglect.

This year, the charity has already seen displays of support in Scotland including collections at Morrisons in Inverurie and outside the Bruce Springsteen concert in Edinburgh, which brought in donations of £1,288.

Staff and volunteers from Glasgow Childline also raised £1,472 by doing a sponsored ‘Silly Hat Walk’ along the River Clyde in Glasgow on Sunday, June 4. This will enable Childline counsellors to deliver 368 counselling sessions to children and young people.

While staff and volunteers from Childline also raised £3,084 by taking part in the Aberdeen and Glasgow Kiltwalks.

Schools and nurseries in Scotland are also getting involved in the Childhood Day Mile including the Apple Tree Nursery in Rothesay, they are walking from the beach to the tearoom and back again, while Small Isles Primary School on the Isle of Jura and Keills Primary School on Islay, have children taking part in fun obstacle courses to complete the mile as well as football dribbling and scoring challenges. The children have also planned a whole school conga dance around the playground!

All funds raised will go to the NSPCC to help support the vital work in helping to protect children and young people. Individuals are also getting involved with the Mile in fun and creative ways, as well as taking part in volunteering to help raise donations and spread the word about Childhood Day.

Childhood Day Mile

Even if you don’t have responsibility for a child in your life, the NSPCC believes that strong communities are a key piece of the puzzle when it comes to safeguarding children.

This year the charity encouraged schools and the wider public to do their bit to support Childhood Day by taking on the Childhood Day Mile and has seen huge amounts of support across the UK.

How to Support

Whilst Childhood Day is an opportunity for everyone to get involved and raise money whilst having fun, it is also important to recognise the need for Childhood Day and the work done by the NSPCC. Half a million children across the UK suffer from abuse and neglect, which is equal to roughly seven children in a classroom experiencing abuse before they turn 18.

The NSPCC fights tirelessly to change this, and the charity’s work helps shape a better future for children in which they are safe from harm.

Jo Swinhoe, Director of Fundraising at NSPCC said: “We’re thrilled to be celebrating Childhood Day today and to see the huge amount of support across the UK.

“It’s been wonderful to have so many participants getting involved in the Childhood Mile and other fundraising efforts, and the NSPCC would like to thank every single person who has donated or volunteered.

“This special day helps us to continue to support children and protect them from abuse as we work to ensure as many children as possible have a safe and joyful childhood.”

It’s never too late to show your support for Childhood Day and the amazing work being done up and down the UK by the NSPCC. You can find out more about how to get involved with Childhood Day here.

The NSPCC is urging anyone with concerns about a child, even if they’re unsure, to contact the NSPCC Helpline to speak to one of the charity’s professionals. People can call 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk.

Children and young people can contact Childline about anything that may be worrying them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by calling 0800 1111 or a 1-2-1 chat is available online, visit: www.childline.org.uk.

Sponsors

Lidl GB and Sky Cares, Sky’s community outreach programme, are sponsoring the NSPCC’s Childhood Day for a second year as retail and media sponsors. Lidl GB has been partnered with the NSPCC for 6 years and are currently supporting young people with their mental health by raising money for Childline. Sky Cares has been partnered with the NSPCC for three years and are committed to supporting the communities where their customers and employees live and work. Both partners will be helping to raise awareness of Childhood Day, as well as holding their own activities with their colleagues and customers across Great Britain to help raise vital funds.

Edinburgh short-term lets regulations ruled unlawful

The City of Edinburgh Council’s licensing scheme for short-term lets operators has been deemed unlawful at the Court of Session.

Rosie Walker, partner and head of litigation at Gilson Gray, who represented the short-term let operators who brought the action, said: “The court found that the City of Edinburgh Council’s short-term let licensing policy was unlawful at common law and in breach of The Provision of Services Regulations 2009 for a number of different reasons.

“Most strikingly they found that it was not for the council, as licencing authority, to decide that a licence should not be granted just because a property is in a tenement.

“Our clients took the brave decision to bring this action against the local authority to protect their businesses and, more widely, to protect an industry that is very important to the Edinburgh economy.

“Short-term accommodation providers create a significant number of jobs in the city and deliver flexible accommodation that hotels and other operators simply cannot – particularly during important events like the Edinburgh Festival.

“The campaign was the largest crowdfunded legal case in Scottish history, underlining the strength of support for our clients. It comes on the back of years of engagement by the Industry with the Scottish Government and the local authority to try to put in place a workable regulatory framework.”

The court’s decision is a significant setback for the city council. Council leader Cllr Cammy Day said: “I’ve received today’s judgement and am pleased that we’ve been successful in defending large parts of our policy.

“While I’m obviously disappointed that the court didn’t find in favour of our policy on secondary lets, I make absolutely no apology for seeking to protect our residents.

“It’s no secret that we face unique housing pressures here in Edinburgh, with a small but densely populated city centre and fast growing population, and it’s crucial for us to strike the right balance between promoting our visitor economy while looking after the people that live here all year round.  

“Our residents have told us that, in many cases, STLs are hollowing out their communities, reducing housing supply and increasing housing costs. We can’t forget that many have endured years of disturbance and anti-social behaviour and we will continue to work hard to get this right.

“The court acknowledged our intention to find a solution to this and agreed that it was legitimate to use both planning and licensing policy. We welcome the clarity provided and will now consider our next steps in more detail.

“We remain committed to ensuring the whole city benefits from our thriving visitor economy but it has to be managed and it has to be sustainable – and I continue to believe that fair and effective STL controls would be an important step in the right direction.”

Nearly half of Scottish parents are struggling to maintain a work-life balance during cost of living crisis

  • The Balancing Act: Nearly half of Scottish parents (42%) admit their job prevents them maintaining a healthy work-life balance when it comes to their children, with 78% further admitting they feel trapped in their current career due to external factors
  • The Need for Change: Self-employment ranked as most attractive (27%) amongst Scottish parents looking for a new career to allow them a better work-parenting balance
  • New Career Aspirations: AA Driving School research reveals under pressure parents seek working-life changes

New research from AA Driving School shows that nearly half (42% and 51% across the UK) of Scottish parents find their job prevents them from finding a healthy work-life balance, due to childcare and cost of living pressures.

Increases to the cost of childcare have driven Scottish parents to work either additional hours in their current job (19%) or even take another job (12%) to financially support their family.

The Balancing Act

Data found that 22% of Glaswegians experience parent guilt every day (compared to 18% nationally), the top cause being the need to work additional hours which in Scotland was 50% to support their family financially.

More than half (52%) of UK parents agree that childcare costs influence their career decisions, with the age-old dilemma of ‘having it all’ truly impacting parents as nearly 3 in 5 (59%) feel guilty for working long hours instead of spending time with their children.

Nearly a quarter (24%) of Scottish parents admit they have missed their child’s sports day, parents evening (19%) and even their first steps (10%) due to work commitments.

The Need for Change

Against this backdrop, half of UK parents (49%) are ready to take the plunge and will look to explore a new career path this year to improve their work-life balance. With 60% of people in Edinburgh valuing flexible hours the most when seeking new career benefits, compared to the national average of 50%.

Among UK parents considering a change of employment, nearly third (34% and 27% across Scotland) would prefer self-employment if they were to change careers – ahead of retail (14%), healthcare (13%), education (19%) or other office work such as HR, IT and customer services (16%).

AA Driving School is encouraging Brits who are unhappy with their work-life balance to consider more flexible employment by becoming their own boss as an AA driving instructor.

Camilla Benitz, Managing Director at AA Driving School comments: “Inflexible 9-5 working models make it difficult for many parents to balance work and family life.

“Our research shows there is a greater need for workplace flexibility to assist UK parents balance financial, career and parenting needs. Many AA Driving School instructors have chosen this career to allow them flexibility around their families as well as having a long-term, rewarding career.”

Darren Churchill, an AA Driving School instructor since 2021 shares how being able to work flexibly and choose his  own hours has improved his work-life balance: “It was being put on furlough during the first lockdown that first got me thinking about a career change.

“I really valued the extra time I had with my children and I realised I didn’t want to give that up by going back to a 9 to 5 job. Having worked as a front of house manager for Ford previously, I was keen to stay within the motoring industry and becoming a driving instructor really appealed.

“It’s the best decision I’ve made as the flexibility it gives me with my children and family life is invaluable.”

For more information on how to become an AA Driving Instructor, please visit: Driving Instructor Training Courses | AA Driving School (theaa.com)

Very High Wildfire Warning across Scotland extended until Saturday

As another wildfire warning is put in place across Scotland, members of the public are being cautioned that even the smallest fire can spread uncontrollably and devastate entire hillsides.

A ‘very high’ warning for an increased risk of wildfires begins today (Wednesday, 7 June) and runs until Saturday, 10 June.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) warns that many rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by wildfires, which can cause significant environmental and economic damage.

Station Commander John Harvey said: “We know that many people will be hoping to enjoy the outdoors when the weather is good, but we urge everyone to make sure that they don’t increase the chance of wildfire. That means being aware of the risks and following the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

“Wild and grass fires can start by the careless disposal of cigarettes and barbecues or campfires left unattended.

“They then have the potential to burn for days and devastate vast areas of land, wildlife and threaten the welfare of nearby communities.”

Today’s warning comes as more than 30 firefighters recently tackled a large wildfire in Cannich, near Inverness, which began on Sunday, 28 May and remains ongoing .

SFRS works closely with land managers, communities and other safety partners to prevent these incidents from occurring.

SC Harvey continued: “During this time of the year, many firefighters across Scotland are preparing to actively tackle wildfires as they work to protect our communities.

“However, many of these fires are preventable so please read our safety advice and enjoy the weather responsibly.”

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh shines a light on up-and-coming artists

FREE ROOFTOP EVENTS – SUNSET SESSIONS

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is kicking off the summer in style with its exclusive series of free rooftop events – Sunset Sessions.

Hosted on the hotel’s stunning rooftop terrace that boasts unbeatable views of the city’s Old Town and Edinburgh Castle, the spectacular events will showcase Scottish musical talent, including Beth Karp and Kohla, who will bring the ultimate summer ambience as the sun sets over Edinburgh’s iconic skyline.

Launching on the 9th of June and taking place every Friday and Saturday evening from 7:45pm to 9:45pm throughout summer, the free events are set to bring Edinburgh’s music community together and provide a platform for up-and-coming artists.

The Sunset Sessions will offer locals and music lovers alike with an unmatched experience: providing views that can’t be seen from anywhere else in the city, local artist performances and refreshing drinks. 

Better yet, blankets will be on hand so guests can cosy up whilst enjoying their favourite performers. After the sun sets, guests can enjoy more live entertainment, drinks and delicious food at Eve and Commons Club which will both be open till late.

The Sunset Session events nod to Virgin’s musical roots, with Virgin Hotels founder, Sir Richard Branson, starting independent record label, Virgin Records, back in 1972.

David Moth, Virgin Hotels Vice President of Operations and Interim General Manager of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh said: “We are thrilled to launch the highly anticipated Sunset Sessions at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, as it promises to be an extraordinary experience for our guests.

“Our rooftop offers the absolute best vantage point to witness the sun as it sets over Edinburgh’s beautiful skyline and we’ve secured some of the very best up and coming musical talent from around Scotland to perform. We look forward to welcoming everyone to join us throughout the summer to enjoy unbeatable views, drinks and live entertainment”.

For more information, including the full line-up of performers, and to book free tickets please visit: https://virginhotels.com/edinburgh/events/

Sunset Sessions is just one of many events taking place at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, including a host of seasonal activations and brand takeovers throughout the year.

To stay up to date with the latest news and events, follow Virgin Hotels Edinburgh’s channels on social media here: 

  • Instagram @virginhotelsedi
  • Twitter @virginhotelsedi

Pet therapy brings paw-sitive benefits to Edinburgh care home

Four-legged friends provide companionship to elderly residents

AN Edinburgh home specialising in dementia care has launched a pet therapy programme to combat loneliness and improve general wellbeing.

A group of three different therapets and their handlers have been visiting Cramond Residence each on a monthly basis to provide companionship and encourage residents to be more active throughout the day.

Elaine Vallance, Lead Lifestyle Coordinator at Cramond Residence, said: “Our residents thoroughly enjoy therapets’ visits and we always know when they are in the building as residents all have a big smile on their faces.

“They all offer a calming presence when in the building, their visits always leave everyone in high spirits, excited for the next visit – the simple act of stroking a four-legged friend can slow down the heartbeat and reduce blood pressure.

“Pet therapy can provide a calming effect and help alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation.

“Our visiting therapets are among the 500 registered therapets around Scotland, currently providing emotional support to elderly residents who cannot maintain the upkeep of a pet full-time.”

According to Alzheimer’s Society, caring for an animal can provide a sense of purpose and be a helpful stress relief source to individuals with dementia who may be struggling with depression.

The home understands the importance of interacting with animals and the benefits this has on emotional, physical and social wellbeing.

The furry friends visiting the home have proved major hits alongside the varied activities programme at Cramond Residence which includes day trips, gardening and arts and crafts, all designed to keep residents stimulated and engaged.

Launched in 2018, Cramond Residence offers uncompromising nurse-led care, as well as specialist services such as respite and dementia care. The care home currently has 74 residents spread across nine luxuriously-appointed homes.

Residential life is full of activities, freshly prepared meals and top-class facilities, ensuring that all residents enjoy a rich and satisfying life at the care home. The facilities provided include a cinema, functional exercise room, a games room and also a fine dining experience offering residents the opportunity to invite their family members in for a meal.

Each resident also receives a personal care plan from health care professionals which is continually assessed and revised, ensuring that residents have access to the best possible level of care.

Cramond Residence offers tours of their quality accommodation and facilities in the north of Edinburgh. The tour allows potential residents and their loved ones to see the residence for themselves, meet the team and discuss any additional requirements.

To find out more, call 0131 341 4037 or visit https://cramondresidence.co.uk/

PDSA charity shop damaged in fire: calls to visit nearby store on Nicolson Street

Following the tragic news that a fire broke out in the building above the South Bridge PDSA charity shop on Saturday 3 June, the vet charity is calling on local supporters to visit their neighbouring charity shop, located on Nicolson Street.

The charity is pleased to confirm that all South Bridge staff and volunteers are safe following the fire. But with the South Bridge shop closed for the foreseeable future the charity needs local support more than ever before.

Fiona Lawrie, Cluster Shop Manager at PDSA said: “Our South Bridge shop only opened last October but it’s quickly become home to a wonderful team of staff and volunteers, as well as many local supporters, and we are very thankful that no one was hurt in the fire.

“We’re waiting to assess the damage, which means we don’t know when we’ll be able to re-open. But we’re hoping the local community will continue to support us by visiting the nearby Nicolson Street shop to help raise funds for local poorly pets.”

PDSA Nicolson Street is located at: 85 Nicolson Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9BZ. All donations to PDSA Nicolson Street are very appreciated during this time.

As the UK’s largest veterinary charity, PDSA strives to improve pets’ lives. In 2022, PDSA provided 2 million veterinary treatments, and saved the lives of 141,000 pets with life-threatening conditions.

PDSA prevents the suffering of animals and relieves the effects of poverty on families and communities nationwide, with 48 pet hospitals across the UK.

For more information, please visit PDSA’s website.