Fifteen Scottish firms are among more than 350 UK companies to have been “named and shamed” by the UK government as national minimum and living wage offenders yesterday. Andthat lenghty list could have been even longer – HMRC is currently investigating more than 1,500 open cases. Continue reading Mininimum wage abuse employers named and shamed
Edinburgh Leisure offers employment and training opportunities for young people
Edinburgh Leisure is reaching out to young people aged 15-24 years, who have a passion for sport to register their interest for a forthcoming ‘2 Your Future Project’, which aims to give young people employment and training opportunities in sport.
Jack Martin, Positive Destinations Project Development Officer at Edinburgh Leisure explained: “The project is a fully funded opportunity that provides a combination of sports based activities and tailored employment support for your people not currently engaged in education, employment or training or young people at high risk of falling into this category.
“We’re looking for young people between 15-24 years, who have a passion for sport and who would be able to commit to the project for up to 16 hours per week over an eight-week project.”
The project will be delivered between March and April 2017 at Gracemount Leisure Centre, but city-wide travel to alternative Edinburgh Leisure venues will be expected over the programme.
‘2 Your Future’ provides a number of opportunities including: sports coaching experience in football and athletics; SCQF Level 4 in Sports Leadership qualifications; quality, structured sports coaching sessions and the opportunity to participate in sport and physical activity; the opportunity to volunteer and experience being part of a major sporting event; Active Start Multi-Skills training; Emergency First Aid at Work training; Positive Coaching Scotland training; advice and guidance on further education and training opportunities; and increased confidence and self-esteem.
One participant rebuilding their lives through ‘2 Your Future’ is Ryan Aird. Ryan suffered an unexplained cardiac arrest in 2012 whilst at Meadowbank Sports Centre and was saved by the quick response of the team at Edinburgh Leisure.
Although he started a Mechanical Engineering course at Heriot Watt University in 2013, he dropped out after a year in 2014, before finally starting a ‘2 Your Future’ course last summer. He is now employed as a freelance sports leaders course tutor, helping groups of young people learn new skills for the job market, using the power of sport.
“The confidence I have gained from participating in ‘2 Your Future’ has been immense,” said Ryan. “It’s given me a totally different career path than the one I originally embarked on when I started at university. Through sport I have managed to transform my life and hope that I can go on to inspire and motivate others to personally develop and transform their lives too.”
Prospective candidates for the next ‘2 Your Future’ course are asked to register their interest by filling in the project’s registration form available on the Edinburgh Leisure website and return the form by Thursday 2nd March.
All those who register their interest will be invited to attend an Information Day on Friday, 3 March from 10am-2pm, where they will get a full project overview, meet the ‘2 Your Future’ tutors; and take part in a discussion with the tutors on their suitability to gain a place on the project.
For further information about the project, please contact: Jack Martin, Positive Destinations Project Development Officer – jackmartin@edinburghleisure.co.uk
The great divide between rich and poor in Scotland has widened, according to the latest Scottish Government report. The richest 1% of the population now owns more than the poorest 50%, the Wealth and Assets in Scotland, 2006-2014 has highlighted. Continue reading To have and have not: inequality gap widens
Too difficult, too boring and too time consuming, just some of the excuses we’re making to avoid walking for fitness. Continue reading Edinburgh: get walking!
How can the city council make cycling and walking easier at Dean Park Crescent? Have your say!
https://consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/sfc/design-cycle-walk-dean-park-crescent/ …
Dean Park Crescent consultation summary sheet
Ben Macpherson MSP has encouraged the City of Edinburgh Council to apply for a share of the Scottish Government’s £11m fund to deliver energy efficiency improvements to homes, businesses and public buildings and community projects. Continue reading Ben Macpherson encourages city council to go for share of energy efficiency fund
The Scottish SPCA is seeking a new home for Morph the snake who is looking for someone to love. Valentine’s Day came and went but sadly the lovesick snake is still seeking a soulmate! Continue reading Morph the snake’s looking for love!
St John and the City has continued to roll out life-saving defibrillator devices across Edinburgh with 17 machines installed on Edinburgh Trams yesterday.
Continue reading Defibrillators installed on Edinburgh’s trams
Police in Edinburgh are investigating a series of incidents where three men have impersonated police officers.Six incidents have been reported to police, with one occurring last Friday, another on Saturday and four taking place on Monday this week.
In all cases they have targeted tourists with a view to extracting money from the victim, with two incidents resulting in the theft of money from visitors.
The first incident happened at around 1.20pm on Friday, February 3, in the Grassmarket. A Chilean man was approached by a man who asked him to take his photograph in King’s Stables Road. Both men were then approached by two male suspects claiming to be police officers who demanded to search them.
After this, the two suspects got into a silver or grey Seat hatchback and drove away. The other male who was also searched walked into the Grassmarket and was lost to sight. It was later discovered that a three figure sum of money had been stolen from the Chilean man.
The second incident happened around 5.30pm on Monday, February 13, in Market Street. Two Chinese tourists were approached by two men who showed them a form of ID and stated that they were undercover police officers. They asked to search the tourist and subsequently stole a four figure sum of cash.
There have been several descriptions given to police, however in all cases they are described as men of Southern European origin who operate in groups of either two or three.
They also deliberately target people who look like foreign national tourists and operate in tourist areas.
The other incidents have occurred in Chambers Street, Castle Street, and in the Calton Hill area.
Police Sergeant Mark Hamilton of West End Police Station said: “These men are purposely targeting tourists who are visiting the City Centre in a bid to steal money from them.
“Impersonating a police officer is not only inappropriate, it is illegal. We would advise that if you are stopped by someone claiming to be a Police Scotland officer, request their collar number and ask to see a warrant card.
“All our officers are happy to provide this information to the public and it should be offered readily.
“I would ask that anyone with information regarding these incidents contact us immediately, and would also urge those visiting the city to be aware of this activity and report any suspicions to police.”
Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The incidents occurred as follows:
Friday, February 3, around 1.20pm in the Grassmarket. A three figure sum of money was taken as a result of this encounter.
Saturday, February 11, around 4pm, in Castle Street. Nothing was taken.
Monday, February 13, around 2.15pm, in the Calton Hill area. Nothing was taken.
Monday, February 13, around 3.25pm, outside the National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street. Nothing was taken.
Monday, February 13, around 4.50pm, in the Calton Hill area. Nothing was taken.
Monday, February 13, around 5.30pm, in Market Street. A four figure sum of money was taken.
