Lifeline support for business confirmed

Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop has confirmed that grant funding for the newly self-employed suffering hardship and SMEs in distress will be available ‘in the coming days’.

The £100 million fund to support the self-employed and SMEs announced last week will be broken into three separate funds as follows:

• £34 million Newly Self-Employed Hardship Fund, managed by Local Authorities, will be allocated to the newly self-employed facing hardship through £2,000 grants
• £20 million Creative, Tourism & Hospitality Enterprises Hardship Fund, managed by the Enterprise Agencies in partnership with Creative Scotland and VisitScotland for creative, tourism and hospitality companies not in receipt of business rates relief
• £45 million Pivotal Enterprise Resilience Fund, managed by the Enterprise Agencies for vulnerable SME firms who are vital to the local or national economic foundations of Scotland

The Scottish Government is also providing £1 million to top up Creative Scotland’s Bridging Bursaries in the not-for-profit sector.

Speaking in parliament, Ms Hyslop also confirmed that the grant funding will be open for applications by the end of April, and that recipients will receive funds in early May. She said: “This funding is intended to relieve the hardship of individuals and smaller firms that are ineligible for support from the UK Government or are not in receipt yet of the funds they need to survive.

“Our hospitality, tourism and creative sectors have been decimated by this crisis and previously profitable businesses have seen demand dry up overnight.

“However, because of the decisions the Scottish Government has taken, thousands more self-employed people and small businesses will be able to benefit from support compared with elsewhere, and we have been able to help sectors of the economy that are not being supported in other parts of the UK.

“As well as dealing with this immediate crisis, we must look to the future. We must ensure that those businesses with a part to play in strengthening resilience in Scotland’s economy survive this crisis and thrive in future, which is why £45 million is being allocated to those firms.

“We continue to engage with businesses on a regular basis to understand their needs and press the UK Government to deliver for them.”

Following this afternoon’s announcement, Creative Scotland’s Chief Executive Iain Munro commented:  “We welcome today’s Scottish Government announcement of £100 million funds to support the self-employed and SMEs.

“Creative Scotland will work hard with partners to ensure that those who are eligible in the creative sector can access the new funding as far as possible.

“Today’s announcement also includes the extra £1m from the Scottish Government which we announced yesterday to supplement the Creative Scotland Bridging Bursary Fund and has enabled us to double the budget, providing much needed financial support for freelance creative professionals most deeply impacted and disadvantaged by the cancellation of work due to the COVID-19 emergency.”

Krispy Kreme drive thru to re-open for emergency services personnel

To help show its deepest appreciation and support for the work critical workers are doing in the battle against COVID-19, Krispy Kreme has re-opened it’s production to safely serve doughnut donations to frontline and wider community heroes.

As an extra thank you, nine Krispy Kreme drive-thrus in the UK began re-opening last week, to NHS, police and fire service staff. 

From Thursday (23rd April) the Krispy Kreme drive-thru on Lochside Avenue, Edinburgh will gift NHS, police service and fire service staff with a complimentary hot drink and Original glazed doughnut 3-pack upon identification.

With this small gesture, the team behind the project sincerely hopes to bring even a brief moment of much needed lightness to those working tirelessly during the pandemic.

Proudly pledging to “serve half a million smiles” the brand has already started safely delivering half a million Original Glazed doughnuts via contactless drops to hospitals, charities, food banks, police stations, carers and other community heroes and key workers.

Further building on its mission, Krispy Kreme is recruiting a team of eager volunteers from its active staff, to deliver surprise, contactless doughnuts in their local neighbourhoods.

Meanwhile fans and customers are invited to support from home and ‘dough it forward’ by nominating deserving, unsung local heroes to receive a ‘doughnutty’ thank you. People can nominate their heroes by contacting servingsmiles@krispykreme.co.uk or via the brand’s social channels.

Krispy Kreme CEO Richard Cheshire, said: “Our mission to create smiles and bring joy has never been more important. We know we aren’t saving lives, but we hope to do something as small and simple as making someone smile. It’s our way of saying thank you to people far and wide who are working so hard to keep our nation moving, safe and well at the moment.”

Krispy Kreme has implemented a number of new processes and safety standards with their manufacturing team to protect their team members and customers., including social distancing at every step of the operation, running reduced lines of doughnuts and staff on site, appointing Covid-19 officers to oversee adherence to these processes and implementing a contactless delivery process.

The reopening of manufacturing has allowed Krispy Kreme to launch its wide reaching community plan.

More information on the Serving Smiles project can be found at https://www.krispykreme.co.uk/serving-smiles.

Over 250 care homes receive vital PPE thanks to rapid response specialists

AN EMERGENCY rapid response specialist has supplied vital PPE to over 250 care homes across the UK within 24 hours of receiving a request for the ‘lifesaving’ equipment.

Voyage Care, which has 259 learning disability care homes throughout the UK, put out a call for additional suppliers of PPE.

ECO, which has set up a full COVID-19 emergency rapid response solutions operation, responded by supplying 70,000 surgical masks within 24 hours.

Lyndsay Beal, an operations manager at Voyage Care, said: “As the country struggles to source enough PPE, we wanted to expand our approved suppliers and to add to our stocks quickly. 

“ECO had it transported to me within 24 hours. It’s good quality equipment, at a good price – they haven’t increased prices during this difficult time. It’s exactly what we needed and I’m pleased to be working with ECO. This equipment is a lifesaver.

“We have over 10,000 staff all over the UK, and keeping our staff and the people we support safe is our number one priority.

“We are following all the government guidelines. So being able to ensure we have a sustainable supply of PPE is really important for us, our staff and the people we support.

“We are also working with our procurement team to look at sourcing our hand sanitiser from ECO as well, which will also help us.

“I must praise our staff at Voyage Care as well. They have been fantastic through this and teams have all come together to support each other like one big family.”

The team at ECO, with bases in Cumbria and Scotland, are experts in rapid response solutions and pride themselves on ‘getting stuff done’.

ECO has set up a full COVID-19 rapid response solutions operation with a range of anti-virus sanitiser, PPE including masks and visors, testing kits, testing pods, medical beds, and emergency buildings.

It has already answered the call to help a factory, which has a government order for manufacturing vital material for visors for the NHS, to continue production 24/7 by supplying anti-virus sanitiser and an on-call emergency sanitising team.

Eddie Black, managing director of ECO, said: “When we heard thousands of care home staff and residents across the UK were struggling to source PPE we wanted to help.

“We have a secure supply of PPE, including surgical masks. We also have anti-virus sanitiser, and testing kits and testing pods, so we were happy to supply them what they needed.

“Care home staff all over the country – just like the NHS and other emergency workers – are doing an incredible job.

“If anyone needs our expertise, we will get our teams onto it immediately to achieve what needs to be done.”

Any organisation or business which would benefit from ECO’s help is asked to contact 01461 500 206 or email response@teameco.co.uk or visit www.teameco.co.uk for more information.

Seafield murder: man appears in court

Edinburgh Police have launched a murder inquiry following the death of a woman in Seafield.

Around 7.50am on Saturday, 18 April, the body of Jadwiga Szczygielska, aged 77, (pictured) was found within her home in Pirniefield Bank following a call to the Scottish Ambulance Service.

Roman Frackiewicz, 44, was arrested and charged in connection with her death, and he appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court earlier today. He made no plea and was remanded in custody.

Detective Inspector Bob Williamson, of the Major Investigation Team, said: “Our enquiries indicate that this was an isolated incident but we are keen to speak to anyone who may be able to help with our investigation.

“If anyone saw anything suspicious in the early morning of Saturday, 18 April, or who may have information that would help us then please call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 0756 of 18/04/2020 or make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Over 110,000 Universal Credit claims since coronavirus outbreak

Claims for Universal Credit in Scotland have increased from an average of 20,000 per month in 2019 to over 110,000 between 1 March and 7 April, highlighting the impact the pandemic is having on people’s finances.

That’s why the Scottish Government, in partnership with the Citizens Advice network, is launching a new campaign to raise awareness of the financial support available to people.

The campaign will provide information and advice on issues including rent and mortgage payments, energy bills, council tax, and benefits people may be entitled to.

People will be able to access this advice online, by phone or by contacting their local Citizens Advice Bureau.

Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “This huge increase in claims for Universal Credit demonstrates just how many people across the country are struggling financially due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“These are difficult and worrying times for everyone, with many people requiring financial support for the first time and even more pressure on those who were already struggling to make ends meet.

“It is welcome that people are claiming the support that they are entitled to from the DWP, and I would encourage people to look into what additional help is available. Even if you are not entitled to Universal Credit, there could be other assistance that you can access so it is worth checking.

“That’s why we’ve been working with the Citizens Advice network in Scotland to create this central source of information – with everything from guidance on benefits, right through to what you can do if you are worried about paying your mortgage or rent.”

DWP entered into a new partnership with Citizens Advice in March last year, providing £39 million of funding to Citizens Advice and Citizens Advice Scotland to provide this service. DWP also funded Citizens Advice and Citizens Advice Scotland a further £12 million to set up delivery to ensure a smooth transition to the new delivery model. 

Citizens Advice Scotland Chief Executive Derek Mitchell said: “The Citizens Advice network in Scotland is known for always being there to help and the support we give will be more important than ever to help people avoid getting into crisis.

There may also be lots of people who have never used our services before and it’s crucial that they know our information and advice is there for them too.

“Our national network of Citizens Advice Bureaux is still operating for those who need it – if you have been financially impacted by the coronavirus outbreak your local Citizens Advice Bureau can help make sure you have access to all the income you are entitled to, as well as giving tailored advice about what’s on offer within local communities across Scotland.

“There’s increased demand for our advice on financial services, that’s why we’ve created dedicated COVID-19 content online so people get the information they need 24/7 and from the comfort of their own homes.

“We’ve also got a dedicated helpline for people who might not be able to access our services online. If you have been financially impacted by the coronavirus outbreak and require free, confidential, financial support, please visit cas.org.uk or call 0800 028 1456.

“Local Citizens Advice Bureaux are situated around the country. To find your local service, simply enter your postcode at cas.org.uk/bureaux”

Job retention scheme goes live

The UK Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme goes live today, with businesses able to claim up to £2,500 a month per employee towards staff wages.

The scheme is live 10 days ahead of schedule and will help hundreds of businesses across Edinburgh and the Lothians.

The job retention scheme, announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak as part of a package of support to protect jobs and businesses, allows employers to claim for a cash grant of up to 80% of a furloughed employees wages, capped at £2,500 a month.

Employers can apply for direct cash grants through HMRC’s new online portal – with the money expected to land in their bank accounts within six working days. 5000 HMRC staff have been allocated to operate the scheme.

Last week the Chancellor announced the scheme will be extended for a further month until the end of June, to reflect continuing Covid-19 lockdown measures.

Employers can access the scheme here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wages-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme

Lothians MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “This is welcome news for employees and employers who have had to shut shop during the Coronavirus lockdown.

“Without this much needed support many businesses across the region would have struggled to continue operating.

“The UK government and HMRC civil servants have done exceptionally well to get this scheme up and running so fast.”

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP, said: “Our unprecedented job retention scheme will protect millions of jobs across the country and is now up and running. 

“It’s vital that our economy gets up and running again as soon as it’s safe – and this scheme will allow that to happen.”

Scottish government issues new guidance to support home learning

New guidance to support the home learning of children and young people during the new term has been issued by the Scottish government.

It aims to build on the significant amount of positive work that has already been undertaken by teachers and education professionals across Scotland to support learning at home, as well as the advice and resources that are already available.

The guidance covers three main areas:

  • learning and teaching at home: this includes support for digital learning; children who are likely to be disproportionately impacted; and learners with additional support needs
  • parental involvement and engagement: this includes details of local and national support and how local authorities/schools will require a different approach to being updated on a child’s development
  • support for teachers and school leaders: including advice on learning resources; supporting pupils’ and staff health and wellbeing; and on leading colleagues and teams during this period

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “Given the unprecedented circumstances, we cannot predict when schools in Scotland will reopen. However, our focus is that while schools are closed, learning continues, and we all have a role to play.

“Local authorities, schools, teachers and practitioners know their learners really well and have shown extraordinary dedication and professionalism in adapting and making decisions in the best interests of the children and young people.

“While we do not expect teachers, parents and families to replicate schools or classrooms, we are committed to working with all partners in Scotland’s education system to protect pupils’ wellbeing, and ensure learning can continue in an appropriate way, wherever possible.

“The guidance is aimed at those working in our education system. We are working closely with the National Parent Forum of Scotland (NPFS) on further advice, aimed specifically at parents and carers, which will be published in the coming days.”

Education Scotland Chief Executive Gayle Gorman said: “Moving into the summer term, practitioners, learners and their families will be preparing for more learning at home. Education Scotland is working with partners, prepared and ready to support all who are working with our learners across Scotland.”

Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) General Secretary Larry Flanagan, said: “This acknowledgement of the work being undertaken by teachers and schools is welcome as is the commitment to provide further support to parents, pupils and teachers across an unprecedented period of extended closure.

“The EIS also welcomes the recognition that supporting the health and well-being of pupils and staff is a critical aim, as without that, maintaining engagement with education at any level becomes even more difficult.”

The guidance is aimed at those working in our education system. We are working closely with the National Parent Forum Scotland (NPFS) on further advice, aimed specifically at parents and carers, which will be published in the coming days.

Guidance: Supporting Pupils, Parents and Teachers – Learning During Term 4 is aimed at those working in Scotland’s education system.

The guidance has been developed by the Scottish Government and Education Scotland, with advice and input from COSLA, Solace, The Association of Directors of Education in Scotland (ADES) and professional associations.

Find Practitioner support for Online Remote Learning.

The Parentzone Scotland website continues to be updated with relevant information on home learning for parents.

BBC: School’s out … but learning’s not!

  • Over 200 teachers and a host of well-known faces to teach the nation’s kids, as BBC opens its doors for virtual learning.
  • BBC’s new Bitesize Daily service powered by over 200 talented teachers
  • Professor Brian Cox teaches key science topics including force and gravity
  • Manchester City footballer Sergio Aguero to get the nation’s kids counting in Spanish
  • Award-winning music stars Mabel and Liam Payne combine music and reading for secondary school kids
  • Doctor Who’s Jodie Whittaker drops into Bitesize daily lessons
  • Hundreds of lessons to be delivered over 14 weeks

The BBC today opens the doors to its biggest ever education offer, Bitesize Daily, and the teaching roll call looks mightily impressive, with a register full of familiar names.

Collaborating with teachers and education specialists, the impressive roster has been compiled in just four weeks and will offer 14 weeks of curriculum-based learning for kids across the UK.

Renowned physicist Professor Brian Cox will bring science lessons to life as only he can, as he covers topics including the solar system, force and gravity.

Famed for his precision and skill on the pitch, Manchester City’s star striker Sergio Aguero turns his attention to numbers, as he sets about getting kids across the country counting in Spanish! And former MP Ed Balls continues the number theme as he goes back to his political roots in economics to deliver a KS3 maths class.

EastEnders actor and direct descendant of King Edward III Danny Dyer delivers the facts on another historic king – Henry VIII – as he brings history to KS1 pupils, while Doctor Who’s Jodie Whittaker will also be dropping into Bitesize daily lessons.

Known the world over for his natural history documentaries, Sir David Attenborough is also set to be involved, helping youngsters to learn about the oceans, mapping the world, and why animals look the way they do.

Reading and music come together as Liam Payne, Mabel and a host of musical stars take part in a week long Musical Big Read – an extension to a weekly Book Club that will run throughout the 14-week term and see stars including Anita Rani and Oti Mabuse read books aimed at both primary and secondary age kids.

Both in front of and behind the camera, over 200 teachers have come together to help the nations kids keep learning whilst schools are closed. In week one students will meet Mr Burton (Educating Yorkshire), Ms Webb (Primary), Mr Brown (Secondary), Ms Armit (Secondary), Mr Mycock (Secondary) and Mr McPartlin of Britain’s Got Talent fame. They will all front daily lessons available from 9am each week day on BBC iPlayer and BBC Red Button.

A host of familiar faces are also signed up to keep students motivated and on track with inspirational messages of support and tips on how to stay focused.

The BBC is delivering the biggest Education offering in its history to ensure that kids across the UK have access to curriculum supported learning for the summer term, working closely with trusted education providers, teachers and partners. All elements of Bitesize Daily have been developed with teaching professionals.

Alice Webb, Director BBC Children’s & Education, says: “We’re proud that the BBC can bring together so many people to offer such a wide-ranging package of support to help children and parents right across the UK at such a challenging time.

“We said the BBC would be there for people through this crisis, and we meant it. It’s vital that every child is able to continue learning – and the lessons we’re putting on will make sure they have fun at the same time.”

BBC Bitesize Daily will deliver a tailored day of learning across BBC iPlayer, Red Button, BBC Bitesize website and app, BBC Four and BBC Sounds, with curriculum relevant offers across the UK.

Together, this comprehensive package is aimed at minimising disruption to children’s education and providing rhythm and routine in these challenging times.

NHS Louisa Jordan facility stands ready

Construction work has been completed at the NHS Louisa Jordan hospital at the Scottish Events Campus (SEC) in Glasgow. From today (Monday 20 April), the hospital will be equipped and clinically ready to treat patients during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, if required.

It is hoped the hospital will not be needed thanks to the public’s continued efforts to stay at home and the other measures that are being taken to increase the number of NHS Scotland beds.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “I want to offer my sincere gratitude and thanks to the contractors and NHS Scotland staff who have come from across Scotland to work tirelessly to transform the SEC into the NHS Louisa Jordan. You are an inspiration to us all.

“The decision on patients being accepted at the NHS Louisa Jordan will be reviewed on a regular basis. I hope this facility will not be needed as, alongside the public’s continued efforts to stay at home, NHS Scotland has already taken steps to increase the number of NHS beds.

“The exceptional efforts of everyone involved in creating NHS Louisa Jordan during this unprecedented public health emergency will ensure this national facility will be able to treat patients from across Scotland, helping to save lives and protect our NHS.”

Chief Executive of NHS Louisa Jordan Jill Young said: “Building the NHS Louisa Jordan has been an incredible effort. It has been a privilege to lead the project and I want to thank all those who have come from across the country to help us establish this national facility.

“The hospital stands ready to treat patients from across Scotland in a safe, effective and compassionate way, if required.”

The First Minister announced on 30 March that the NHS Louisa Jordan would be established to help ensure NHS Scotland has extra capacity to treat patients during the coronavirus (COVID-1) pandemic.

The hospital was named after Glasgow born First World War nurse Sister Louisa Jordan who died on active service in Serbia in 1915 as part of the Scottish Women’s Hospitals for Foreign Services.

The hospital has a capacity for an initial 300 patients and this can be expanded to more than 1,000 beds. 1036 bed bays have been built at the hospital.

Emergency Fund to provide a lifeline for unpaid carers struggling to cope with Coronavirus

  • There are an estimated 7 million unpaid carers in the UK providing care to family members and friends with long-term illnesses, disabilities, poor mental health or substance addictions.
  • Hundreds of thousands of carers are providing care round-the-clock, experiencing isolation and poor physical and mental health as a result.
  • Huge upsurge in queries from carers regarding concerns caused by Coronavirus.

Carers Trust is launching today an emergency appeal to help unpaid carers who are struggling to cope with the enormous impact of Coronavirus and self-isolation while still providing care and support to family members and friends.

All donations made online by the public will go straight into Carers Trust’s Carers Emergency Fund. The Fund will be used to ramp up Carers Trust’s existing grants programme, providing more small grants more quickly to those carers who need them most. It will provide grants of any amount up to £300 directly to carers, helping them overcome the hurdles that Coronavirus is throwing up on a daily basis.

Carers Trust has been receiving a huge upsurge in communications through its Network from carerslooking after people, young and old, whose lives have been made extremely challenging as a result of the Coronavirus lockdown. 

One Carers Trust Network Partner has reported a 100% increase in the number of emails it is receiving from carers since the outbreak of Coronavirus. The same Network Partner reports a 177% increase in people visiting its website (an average of 466 visitors per day). All communications from carers, whether calls or emails, are prompted by concerns about Coronavirus.

Examples of problems described by carers

These problems will be addressed through grants made available by Carers Trust to carers in need:

  • Lack of money for petrol from a carer whose 98 year-old father was released from hospital after 28 days battling Coronavirus. The carer did not want paid care workers coming into the house and risking re-infection. With her only income being Carers Allowance of £67.25 per week, however, she could not afford to make the 18 mile round-trip three times a day to care for him properly.
  • The lack of money to meet the cost of purchasing a small tablet so that an unpaid carer can keep in regular contact with the person they care for, reducing their loneliness and isolation and ensuring their health doesn’t deteriorate.
  • A carer had no money to buy a cooker after ordering one from Bright House just before they went into administration. She had no further funds to get one in any other way. The carer has three children with disabilities who need very particular foods.

Launching Carers Trust’s emergency appeal, CEO Gareth Howells said: “Unpaid carers are the backbone of our society, providing huge levels of care to family members that are some of the most vulnerable people in our society. But all too often the commitment and sacrifices they make go unnoticed.

“At Carers Trust we are constantly hearing about the daily struggles of unpaid carers and how their lives have now been thrown into turmoil as a result of Coronavirus.

“Some unpaid carers simply cannot find food because food banks have closed. Others are spending considerable amounts of money caring for their family members because it’s not safe for the social care workforce to do so.

“That’s why we are launching the Carers Emergency Fund. It will increase the number of grants we are able to make and ensure this happens as quickly as possible to ease the pressures on unpaid carers.”

“This Fund also shows Carers Trust’s determination to stand by these heroes, keeping them afloat so they can continue to care for their loved ones. I’d urge anyone able to do so to visit the Carers Trust website to donate and show their support for unpaid carers who really are the backbone of our social care system.”

Sir Trevor Pears CMG, Executive Chair, Pears Foundation, added: “The Coronavirus crisis has made an already difficult situation for carers far, far worse.

“That’s why we think it is so important to support the Carers Emergency Fund which will significantly increase funds that can speedily be turned into grants for carers. These grants will serve as a real lifeline at this time of crisis, getting financial support swiftly to vulnerable unpaid carers.”