The TUC is spearheading a #SickPayForAll campaign.
The union body says that as we move into winter, cases of coronavirus are surging rapidly. It adds that no one should be faced with both illness and the fear of being plunged into debt.
The TUC says however that 2 million people do not even qualify for sick pay.
Its petition demands the government scrap the minimum earnings threshold for statutory sick pay, increase the weekly level of sick pay to at least £330 per week, and give employers the resources to afford sick pay for their workers.
The TUC argues that even for those who do qualify, the current payment of £95.85 a week is not enough to pay the bills. Four in 10 workers would be forced into financial hardship.
“At a time of skyrocketing cases, fixing statutory sick pay can prevent the spread of the virus and ensure millions can get paid to quarantine safely at home,” the TUC #SickPayForAll petition notes.
It adds: “No one who self-isolates should worry about putting food on the table. No one should feel forced to go to work instead of recovering from the virus. Everyone has the right to decent sick pay.”
· 55% say economy currently takes priority over the environment
· Scotland ranked first in the UK when considering the environment since pandemic began
A whopping 95% of Scottish consumers say that since the Covid-19 outbreak, it is more important than ever to take care of our planet and the environment, a European-wide study by drink can recycling initiative, Every Can Counts, has found.
The stats show that Scots are leading the way in the UK for feeling the importance of recycling in current times.
The majority (94%) of survey respondents in Scotland said it is an urgent task to tackle recycling, while 96% said that considering recycling and its importance for the planet is an obligation of all citizens and consumers, not just world leaders. Despite this however, the survey also discovered that in these uncertain economic times, 55% of Scottish consumers say that the economy is currently a priority over the environment.
In the wake of Sir David Attenborough’s latest film, A Life On Our Planet, as well as his joining Instagram at 94 and achieving one million followers in record-breaking time, it seems environmental issues are finally coming to the fore.
Within the film’s poignant and hard-hitting introduction, Attenborough says, “The natural world is fading. This film is my witness statement and my vision for the future. The story of how we came to make this, our greatest mistake, and how, if we act now, we can yet put it right.”
It seems this seed has been well and truly planted in the minds of Scots with 73% stating that, during the pandemic, they have recycled more than ever, suggesting that the increase in time spent at home has made it easier for people to do their bit and recycle more. Only 48% however, said they often or always recycle when at work and less when out and about at 45%.
Commenting on the figures, Rick Hindley, Director of Every Can Counts says, “The figures imply that given the time and correct resources, we’re all more than capable of recycling everything we can.
“It’s when we’re out and about or at work that it becomes more difficult. The findings from the survey also suggest that Covid-19 has prompted us to consider our own fragility as human beings and look at the way we treat the planet, our home.
“The Covid-19 outbreak has of course brought about devastating effects. However, as we can see from these survey results, one positive is that people are beginning to sit and up and take notice of the vital environmental issues we are facing. We do not have forever to rectify the damage that has been done to our planet. The time is now.
“Recycling – and especially recycling drink cans given that aluminium is infinitely recyclable – is something we can all do to help the planet. Over the past five years, the UK recycling rate for drink cans has increased by 16% to an impressive 76%. Our vision is to get that to 100%.”
Scottish respondents echoed this call to action with a massive 92% saying they would like to do more when it comes to recycling and 84% feeling that more needs to be done in general to encourage recycling amongst consumers.
Of the 12 UK regions surveyed as part of the wider European study, Greater London, Yorkshire & Humberside, the South West and South East came up top when quantifying the importance of recycling with scores of 80% plus, closely followed by Scotland and the West Midlands with scores of 79%.
It appears that the challenges of Covid-19 have further inspired Scots to care for the environment. 95% of Scots agreed that Covid-19 has made taking care of the planet and recycling more important than ever, the highest level of agreement recorded across all 12 UK regions, shared with the East of England.
Below: UK regions ranked in order of agreeing with the following statement: After Covid-19 it is more important than ever to take care of our planet / environment and recycle.
Shop smart, shop local – give the gift of a happy dance, by shopping with East Lothian independents this Christmas
The gift of a happy dance. That’s what you will be giving the owners of Buck & Birch, Seilich and Yummikeys, if you shop with them this Christmas.
Three East Lothian businesses with three real-life stories; stories that took them from kitchen-table ideas to beloved Scottish names, all with the support of a local community.
And what do they want this festive period? For you to keep it East Lothian.
Stocked, sold and in many cases, created locally, each brand offers a touch of Scottish magic, intertwining a respect for their hometown with products that keep customers returning again and again.
These labours of love not only supply the best of the best, but continue to support their East Lothian by connecting and collaborating with other businesses, hiring local talent and promoting seasonal produce. Buck & Birch. Seilich. Yummikeys. The only brands to be shopping if you want to give back to your highland home.
So, what can Santa bring you from East Lothian this year… ?
Boozy bounty from Buck & Birch
The ethos of Buck and Birch is to go back to the source, hand harvesting ingredients when they are at their best, just like the old days. The founders are driven by passion and inquisitiveness, constantly exploring the full potential of the enigmatic ingredients found along Scottish shores, and in the local woodlands and hedgerows.
For those who want a luxurious taste of the wilds of Scotland, the Aelder Amarosa Gift Set (£25 for 2 x 200ml bottles wrapped up in a classic box) contains two delectably fruity liqueurs to liven up any cocktail.
Aelder Elixer Elderberry Liqueur and Amarosa Aromatic Rosehip Liqueur give the sweet and spicy edge to your Christmas day.
For the gin connoisseur? The Botanist Gin Wild Cocktail Collection (£29).
A collaboration with Botanist Gin, the Wild Gin Cocktail Collection offers a limited-edition range of three pre-bottled cocktails, just ready for the drinking. Inspired by their shared knowledge and passion for the place they call home, flavours in The Ramble, The Amigroni and The Plants & Quincidence will never fail to transport you back to your Scottish roots.
Something sweet from Seilich
Skin-saving botanists, Seilich grows all plants themselves in a meadow in Scotland, creating lotions, sprays and balms utilising flower waters from native produce. Harvested organically, at least 50% of each product comes from the Seilich meadow and the rest from other vegan, organic and natural sources. The first company to gain Wildlife Friendly certification in the UK, each item is nourishing and made to suit every skin care addict, ensuring there is something sweet-smelling for everyone on your list.
Perfect for those dipping their toe into the natural beauty world, the Complete Cleansing Set (£23) offers everything needed to create the most luxurious cleansing routine. A Wild Carrot and Camomile Cleansing Lotion and Peppermint and Camomile Gel Cleanser are paired with a sumptuously soft Tabitha Eve Organic Bamboo Flannel, to leave your face glowing and rejuvenated. Use the zingy gel morning and night, followed by the soothing cleansing lotion and finish off with a hot cloth to ensure that your favourite part of wearing make-up, will be taking it off.
Combining Wildlife Friendly floral waters with moisturisers and botanical extracts of oat and comfrey, the divine Face Mist Set (£28) not only smells incredible but offers three skin-friendly additions to your regime. Soothing, hydrating and refreshing, each face mist can be used morning or night to add a delicate sheen and boost your skin’s moisture levels. Containing Rose and Mallow Face Mist, to nourish, Mint and Yarrow to refresh and Wild Carrot and Camomile to calm, the hardest part will be choosing which one to spritz!
Yuletide calm from Yummikeys
Created following a bill for lost car keys, Yummikeys is taking on the world of single-use plastic, one family at a time. With over 90% of toys ending up in landfill, founder Elspeth Fawcett’s mission was to make a toy that was not only un-put-downable for baby, but also a treasured keepsake for parents; a family heirloom to be loved from generation to generation. Safe, recyclable, engravable and most importantly, FUN, the stainless-steel teethers have garnered awards and attention along the way.
A set of three stainless-steel animal Yummikeys interlocked with bright silicone beads, these cooling accessories are perfect for the ‘obsessed with car keys’ stage, but without all the worry. Safe, hygienic and not the predecessor to a large motor bill if lost, these keys offer hours of fun and are perfect for newly emerging teeth. For mamas who want to cherish the memories of baby for a little bit longer, keys can be engraved with name and birthdate too. Dishwasher proof and recyclable – Christmas music to our ears. £24.50 (£34.50 engraved).
Made with mum in mind, each Ultrasound Scan Necklace is delicately engraved with your personal ultrasound image; a cherished keepsake of the time when it was just you and them. Carefully designed, each elegant disc, which comes with one scan engraving as standard, is available in silver plated stainless steel or rose and yellow 18ct gold plate (all £39.50 each).
On the back, optional dates, names and number of weeks can be added (£10 for up to 20 characters) and each necklace has the option to add more discs (£30 per), meaning you can hold all your babies close to your heart.
Get all wrapped up, shop local and have a very, merry East Lothian Christmas!
I wanted to share with you a letter, written from the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), as well as UK Hospitality and the Advertising Association, to the Prime Minister highlighting our concerns regarding the proposed online advertising ban consultation, announced last week.
It is co-signed by a number of our leading companies and household brands, but we are really concerned about the large numbers of small local businesses that form the backbone of our industry who will be damaged or even put out of business by this proposal.
From a local businesses’ perspective, the currently proposed advertising bans, especially online, will have large impacts on what can and cannot be advertised to a local community.
For example, under the suggested bans, it could mean that local wedding cake businesses would not be able to advertise their creations or market their products on social media platforms such as Instagram due to be classified as a product ‘high in sugar, fat and salt’.
It could also restrict or ban the promotion of a charity bake sale on a local online forum, a local butcher may not be able to promote its finest bacon and a baker would not be able to share their latest creations such as Bakewell Tarts, Cornish pasties, Scotch Eggs or Welsh Cakes.
For a newer business, which we know are already facing enormous pressure in the current climate, it may limit their ability to promote newer products. How can they raise awareness of the company or their products to consumers if they cannot promote it using advertising mechanisms?
Those signing the letter represent more than 800 food and drink manufacturers and 3,000 leading UK brands. The food and drink industry alone is the largest manufacturing sector in the UK, worth more than £28bn to the economy, employing almost 500,000 people.
Please find our letter attached in full (see below).
Best wishes,
Rachel Bickerstaffe
Corporate Affairs Administrator Food and Drink Federation
This winter will be one of the most difficult in living memory with lockdown and increasing unemployment forcing more people to spend time in homes they can’t afford to heat and potentially ending up in hospital. Many people will use more, pay more and owe more, while earning considerably less.
Yesterday was Fuel Poverty Awareness Day and Scottish Gas Networks is raising awareness of how we can make sure our communities stay safe and warm this winter.
This includes our Help to Heat scheme, which supports those struggling to make ends meet by providing funding to connect some households to our gas network for free. In some cases, we can also fully or partially fund a gas central heating system.
According to National Energy Action (NEA), the same health conditions impacted by cold indoor temperatures will place people at greater risk of contracting COVID-19.
Coping strategies which people normally use to get through the cold winter months, such as only having one heated room for the family to socialise in, could also increase the spread of infection.
This not only threatens even more lives but hampers collective efforts to reduce infection and prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed. Some households also take risks by using unsafe heating sources such as a cooker or outdoor patio heater to get warmed up, which can cause carbon monoxide poisoning or start fires.
It’s important to us that our communities are safe and warm this winter and we want to help people to reduce their heating costs.
Heating a home with electricity is proven to be three times more expensive than it would be with a gas central heating system, so could you or someone you know benefit from a free connection to our gas network?
Mr R, a father of two from Winchester, received funding for a gas connection and A-rated central heating system from SGN’s Help to Heat Scheme. Mr R said: “I found the scheme while my heating was being temperamental. When we found out we could get the funding me and my wife were very happy, it was a huge relief. The heating system install was actually rushed through because eventually our old oil boiler just broke.”
The family had their brand new energy efficient heating system installed during the coronavirus pandemic, with emergency work continuing to ensure they weren’t left without heating.
“The contractors were great, I was really happy with the installation, it all ran very smoothly. I was really happy with Felicity on the phone, she took control of my install and I’m thrilled with the outcome, it worked out brilliantly!”
To find out if you or someone you know is eligible for a free gas connection and gas central heating from our Help to Heat scheme, visit sgn.co.uk/HelptoHeat, or call YES Energy Solutions on 0800 015 5174 to speak to a Help to Heat advisor.
You can also email our team at HelptoHeat@sgn.co.uk with your name and contact details.
If you’re already connected to our gas network, you can receive free independent support to assess your energy bills and consumption.
We work with established partners to help you to reduce your utility costs and help you to stay safe and warm this winter. Find out more at sgn.co.uk/extra-help
More than 53,000 health and social care staff have received psychological support from the National Wellbeing Hub since it was launched in May, Health Secretary Jeane Freeman announced yesterday.
Established during the first phase of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the hub supports all health and social care workers, including unpaid carers, who need help due to COVID-19, alongside a new 24/7 National Wellbeing helpline.
The hub helps people facing challenging situations at home or at work and includes digital programmes designed to help manage stress and reduce anxiety.
Trained practitioners at NHS24 offer callers to the helpline a compassionate and empathic listening service based on the principles of psychological first aid, as well as advice, signposting and onward referral to local services if required.nvnvnv
THANK YOU to Scotland’s health and social care staff.
You’re doing a great job looking after us, let us support you too.
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “We are all deeply grateful for the continued hard work, commitment and professionalism of those working in health and social care services. With a second phase of COVID-19 and additional winter pressures, I know our frontline workers continue to face increased anxiety and fatigue due to the unprecedented public health challenge we continue to face.
“The Hub has already helped more than 53,000 people and I hope all health and social services workers in hospitals and in the community make use of the high quality resources and advice available on managing stress and anxiety, fatigue, sleep, relaxation and exercise. For those who need one-on-one support, our wellbeing support line continues to provide around the clock help.
“I would also encourage everyone, especially those who receive health and social care support, to remember the challenges facing key workers and continue to thank them for their incredible work.
“We are continuing to monitor the impact of the pandemic on our valued workforce and will do our best to ensure that appropriate support services are put in place to help them.”
To access the helpline, health and social care staff should dial 0800 111 4191.
The National Wellbeing Hub is designed to be the first point of contact for all employed health and social care staff but also for their families, as well as unpaid carers and volunteers looking for support.
Edinburgh’s Christmas lights are switched on with a specially lit 18 metre Christmas Rainbow on the Mound to accompany the Tree gifted by Norway.
The Christmas Rainbow symbolises both Edinburgh’s celebration of Christmas and gratitude for front line workers
Edinburgh’s Lord Provost and Norway’s Honorary Consul General switched the lights on following an online meeting between the Lord Provost and Vestland County Convenor, Jon Askeland.
Edinburgh looks very different this Christmas to any other year in recent memory. However, despite the lack of any live activity, City of Edinburgh Council and its Edinburgh’s Christmas producer, Underbelly, wanted to mark Light Night, the traditional switch-on, which is usually seen by thousands of locals every year, with something different to mark 2020 – the Christmas Rainbow.
The illuminated rainbow, which sits at over 18 metres wide on the Mound and adjacent to the Christmas Tree gifted to Edinburgh by Vestland in Norway, gives thanks to Edinburgh’s and Scotland’s front-line workers who have given so much during the recent pandemic and so provides a one-off festive celebration for Edinburgh.
The Christmas Tree and the Christmas Rainbow were switched on by The Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Frank Ross and the Honorary Consul General for Norway, David Windmill on Friday the 27th November, which succeeded an online meeting between the Lord Provost and the Vestland County Convener Jon Askeland.
Charlie Wood, co-director of Underbelly for Edinburgh’s Christmas, said: “There is no denying that Christmas this year will be a tough time for most. Many have lost loved ones and lots of us will be unable to spend the holidays with friends and family due to the Covid-19 restrictions.
“This was one of the reasons that we wanted to continue the tradition of the Edinburgh’s Christmas light switch on, in a safe and physically distanced way, and, most especially, why we wanted to mark what has been such a negative year with the Christmas Rainbow and the Christmas Tree, as symbols of colour, of light, of celebration, of positivity and of gratitude.”
Frank Ross, Lord Provost said: “Our annual Light Night signals the start for the festive season for me, but this year, like most things, we are doing it differently.
“Whilst we can’t come together as a city for Light Night, I hope this year’s Christmas rainbow helps us enter the festive spirit, spread some happiness whilst celebrating and paying tribute to those in in our communities, NHS, key workers, volunteers and businesses who have gone above and beyond in this most challenging of years.
“With our partners Underbelly, we are committed to do all we can to bring Christmas spirit to the Capital and keep some of our traditions. Our priority throughout remains people’s safety and making sure everything we deliver is Covid-secure.
“The Christmas lights will be switched on throughout the city in the coming days and we hope this helps to create a festive atmosphere and I sincerely wish that we can all have the happiest Christmas we can.”
David Windmill, Honorary Consul General for Norway said: “In a year when there has been so much change and difficulty for us all it was important for Norway to maintain its tradition of gifting the Christmas tree to the City of Edinburgh.
“This beautiful tree in the centre of the city reflects the gratitude of the people of Vestland on the west coast of Norway for help and support in the past and also the hope that this time next year we shall be celebrating the joyous and traditional Christmas in Edinburgh that we all know so well.”
Police are appealing for information after a man was seriously injured in a disturbance within a property at Craigentinny Road.
The incident happened around 9.10pm on Thursday night (26 November).
A 22-year-old man suffered serious injuries during the incident and was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment – his condition is described as stable.
Officers are investigating and are particularly keen to identify four people seen in a vehicle leaving the area in the direction of Portobello after the incident.
Detective Sergeant Keith Taylor of the Edinburgh Violence Reduction Unit said: “We are working to establish the full circumstances of this violent attack.
“Our enquiries so far suggest this was a targeted incident and there was no risk to the wider public.”We would urge anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity around Craigentinny Road during Thursday evening to get in touch as soon as possible.
“We would be particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have private CCTV or dashcam footage.
“Anyone who can help is asked to call 101, quoting incident 3352 of 26 November, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Using fruit, fabric scraps, and utilising Facebook marketplace are all frugal ways for Brits to save money decorating their Christmas trees this year.
Penny-pinching gurus from NetVoucherCodes.co.uk have revealed some inventive ways to decorate trees for free and bring the family together by creating and crafting decorations.
Using scraps of paper and old magazines is one way to bring your tree to life but will also help to keep more money in Brits’ own pockets.
Taking inspiration from years gone by, using dried fruits such as orange slices are also a great way to add colour and also fragrance to the tree.
NetVoucherCodes.co.uk have recently surveyed 4,566 people and a fifth (20 per cent) have already put their Christmas tree up, and a further 33 per cent plan to have their festive decorations up before the end of the month.
A spokesperson for NetVoucherCodes.co.uk said: “After the year we’ve had, people need something to lift their spirits and to look forward to. There’s been a massive increase in people getting their trees up in November this year.
“Brits might think they’re out of festive luck, but the good news is, there are plenty of ways to decorate your Christmas tree for free.
“You don’t need a lot of expensive decorations to have a beautiful Christmas tree this year. It is so easy to enjoy a beautiful tree without spending a penny.”
Beautiful, fragrant and budget-friendly, this tip is an old-fashioned way to decorate the tree. If you have fruit that is starting to turn and go bad, then dry it! Most fruits can be dried but cranberries, apple slices, and orange slices are most traditional and they can be dried in a dehydrator or oven. Once dried, they can then be strung with thread and a needle to create a sweet decoration for your tree.
Use scrap paper
Growing up, many of us will remember making paper snowflakes as a kid. Why not get the scissors out and make them again? Use scrap paper or leftover magazines to make colourful snowflakes or snowmen.
Or you can cut out pictures you like from magazines of scenery, celebrities, or just pictures of items you are interested in. You can use dental floss or string to hang them from your tree.
Use old fabric scraps
If you have fabric scraps sitting around, such as old or damaged clothes, or bedding then you can always tie them into bows to use on the tree. This is so simple. Just cut them up and tie them to the tree.
Check online marketplaces and trading sites
The internet is full of free and for trade sites. Facebook marketplace and Gumtree are often the go-to sites, and this time of year, lots of people are giving items away such as old decorations. Make sure you are Covid compliant when picking up items you source through Facebook, but it is a free way to pick up some nice second-hand decorations.
Look in your garden and local parks
Chances are your garden and the local park is full of natural items that would make pretty decorations for your tree! Curly branches, pine cones, acorns, and flowers would all bring your tree to life this Christmas. You can even use some glitter or paint to add some personality to the decorations.
A debut poetry collection, a collaborative funk and soul album, and the publication of four new books by female authors are among the Edinburgh-based creative projects and research and development initiatives sharing in over £820K of National Lottery and Scottish Government funding through Creative Scotland in the latest round of Open Fund awards.
Award-winning poet Sam Buchan-Watts has received funding towards debut collection Path Through Woods, which draws on the writer’s experience of working with asylum seekers and oral histories. The funds will also support Sam to widen the audience for his work by building on relationships with small publishers.
Sam Buchan-Watts said: “This funding has made possible the development and completion of my first book-length poetry collection, centred on the means of listening to vulnerable subjects.
“I am enormously grateful for the work Creative Scotland does to make writers and artists feel valued – especially in a time when many struggle to stay buoyant, spiritually and materially.”
Funk and soul band James Brown is Annie have also received funds to create a collaborative album with award-winning jazz and folk artists.
Featuring eight original tracks written during lockdown, the album will be produced by platinum-selling Scottish musician Hamish Stuart. Hamish is best known as the frontman of Average White Band and has previously worked with artists including Sir Paul McCartney and Aretha Franklin.
Polygon have also been awarded funds to publish four new works from female authors at various stages of their careers.
Iain Munro, Chief Executive, Creative Scotland said: “The Open Fund is enabling creative people and organisations to explore ways of working that is helping them to adapt and respond to the current changing circumstances brought about as a result of Covid-19.
“From researching and developing new work and practices, to exploring safe ways to reach and engage audiences, these projects reflect the resilience, innovation and determination of Scotland’s creative community in the face of extremely challenging circumstances.
“Made possible by the generosity of National Lottery players, who raise £30 million for good causes across the UK every week, and the Scottish Government, these awards are helping to sustain the immense value that creativity adds to our lives.”
