Ethical products ‘too expensive’, say Scots

Almost half of shoppers in Scotland put off buying ethical products due to being too expensive 

  • 48% of respondents were put off by “too expensive” ethical products
  • 24% of consumers “never” think about the people who produce their food
  • 50% of shoppers are not aware of exploitation of food and drink producers in developing countries

Almost half of shoppers in Scotland are put off buying ethical products because they’re too expensive, new research has revealed.  The survey, commissioned by the Fairtrade Foundation ahead of Fairtrade Fortnight also found that 13% of consumers don’t buy ethical products because they “don’t trust claims” made about ethically-sourced products.   Continue reading Ethical products ‘too expensive’, say Scots

Holyrood committee to explore impact of poverty on school attainment

What is the impact of experiencing poverty on the attainment of young people at school? This is one of the questions the Scottish Parliament’s Education and Skills Committee will be exploring in a new inquiry. Continue reading Holyrood committee to explore impact of poverty on school attainment

Minimum Unit Price awareness campaign kicks off

Owners of the 5,300 convenience stores across Scotland will be the focus of a new awareness-raising campaign on the introduction of a minimum unit price for alcohol. This is the first stage in a large-scale campaign to ensure retailers and customers are ready for the implementation of the new legislation on 1st May.

It comes as the Scottish Government is set to recommend a minimum unit price to the Scottish Parliament.

Health Secretary Shona Robison said: “Minimum unit pricing will tackle the scourge of cheap, high-strength drink that causes so much damage to so many families and is going to save the lives of thousands of Scots.

“Retailers are the key to ensuring the legislation is implemented, which is why it is crucial we raise awareness of this change in the law early and give people time to get prepared.

“These materials will allow shop-owners to access a valuable bank of information to educate themselves and their staff ahead of the change on 1 May.

“Our consultation on the price of a unit of alcohol recently closed, and I am looking forward to presenting our recommendation to the Scottish Parliament next week.”

Posters, leaflets and adverts in trade magazines will be distributed from next week highlighting the changes to alcohol licences from 1 May.

Online resources will be available shortly after to provide guidance for retailers on issues like calculating the minimum unit price of a product, enforcement, and money-off vouchers.

PTSD also takes its toll on families: public event at Napier University

A PUBLIC event will explore the impact of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder on the families of members of the armed forces. Edinburgh Napier University has assembled an expert panel including a former Commando, an actress, a journalist and an academic researcher to assess whether enough is being done to support the loved ones of those living with the condition. Continue reading PTSD also takes its toll on families: public event at Napier University

Scottish Affairs Committee to investigate delivery charges

The Scottish Affairs Committee is to hold a one off session to investigate delivery charges for online purchases. Tuesday’s session will feature major online retailers, delivery companies and organisations that have looked into delivery charges,  including Ofcom and Citizens Advice Scotland.  Continue reading Scottish Affairs Committee to investigate delivery charges