Altmann: Older workers ‘still have so much to offer’

oldEconomist, policy expert and consumer champion Dr Ros Altmann CBE has been appointed by the Westminster government as its new Business Champion for Older Workers.

The appointment, announced today by DWP Minister Steve Webb, marks the latest step in the government’s drive to support over-50s in the UK labour market.

Dr Altmann – a former director-general of Saga and independent expert on later life issues – will be tasked with making the case for older workers within the business community and challenging outdated perceptions.

The move follows the government’s publication last month of Fuller Working Lives – A Framework For Action, which set out the benefits to individuals, business and the economy as a whole of people aged over 50 staying in work.

Dr Ros Altmann (pictured below) said: “I am so pleased that the government has shown it recognises the importance of encouraging people to stay in the labour market, rather than giving up before they need to. This will bring benefits all round – to individuals, to business and to the economy as a whole. A big part of my role is to work with employers to understand the significant benefits of retaining and recruiting older workers.

“I am really proud to be taking on this new role and look forward to championing over 50s in the workplace. This fast-growing section of society has so much experience and talent to offer and could play a vital role in future growth. Everyone can benefit from ensuring their skills do not go to waste. I also look forward to challenging some of the outdated and downright inaccurate perceptions of later life workers who still have so much to offer.”

rosDWP Minister, Steve Webb MP, said: “In appointing a Business Champion for Older Workers I wanted a powerful voice; someone respected amongst the business community, with a track record of speaking up for consumer rights without fear or favour. In Dr Ros Altmann that’s exactly what we have.

“Older workers have a huge amount to bring to any workforce and are a vast, untapped talent in the UK labour market. The business case is compelling and I am delighted that Ros will now be taking a lead in going out and making that case directly to the business community.”

There are currently around 2.9 million people aged between 50 and state pension age out of work in the UK. While the UK employment rate for this age group is around 60% and growing, many other countries achieve rates of around 70% or higher – so there is clearly significant potential for more older people to participate in the labour market for longer.

Demographic changes present major opportunities for employers to harness the benefits of taking on older staff, but also pose a serious threat to businesses which continue to believe they can rely solely on a young workforce. In the next 10 years, there will be 700,000 fewer people aged 16 to 49 in the UK labour market but 3.7 million more people aged between 50 and state pension age.

Minister for Women, Nicky Morgan MP, said: “Experienced and mature workers are a valuable asset to the UK economy. Many women with caring responsibilities come with a lifetime of knowledge and skills. If we don’t retain them – British business loses out. We need to provide extra support and help employers challenge outdated perceptions to see the real strengths of this important section of the workforce. I am delighted that Dr Ros Altmann has been appointed and with her breadth of experience, she will be a great advocate of this work.”

olderBaroness Greengross, Chief Executive of the International Longevity Centre-UK, said: “We are living longer than ever before, yet far too many people fall out of the workforce early. Without more older workers active in the workplace there are significant risks for UK plc that we will not have the workforce or skills we need to be a competitive nation. Businesses must wake up to the challenge of extending working lives.

“Helping people work longer requires leadership and it is wonderful to see the announcement of Ros Altmann as the new Business Champion for Older Workers. I have no doubt that Ros will do all she can to nudge, encourage and indeed push companies to maximise the potential of older workers.”

One employer which has long recognised the benefits of a diverse workforce is coach operator National Express. Almost 1 in 3 (30%) of its 1,700-strong workforce are over 50.

The company’s HR Director Jenifer Richmond said: “For us, taking on and retaining older workers isn’t about compromising or bowing to political correctness – it makes sound business sense. We really value being able to have a good mix of older and younger employees as these often make up our best performing teams. Mixing with and learning from older staff is often the best way in which our younger employees and apprentices can learn, as well as being a great example of being reliable and having a positive work ethic.

“It is also the case that our customer base is diverse in age, and it is important that we have a workforce that reflects that. As National Express continues to grow and expand as a company, the contribution made by our older workers very much forms part of the plan.”

The wider economy also stands to benefit. Research conducted by the National Institute for Economic and Social Research has found that if everyone worked one year longer, GDP could increase by 1% (equivalent to £16 billion in 2013).

And there are also significant gains to be made for individual households, with an average earner working one year longer having the potential to boost their pension pot by around £4,500, in addition to earning an extra year’s salary. Conversely, an average earner retiring 10 years early could see their pension pot shrink by a third.

Those who leave the labour market early will not only lose out on the earnings they could enjoy, but also have less chance to build up later life savings, and their pensions will have to last longer. Work brings the benefits of extra income, higher potential pension later on and more production in the economy which can help create extra jobs in future too. There are also well-recognised benefits to people’s health and wider wellbeing when they are working.

Move over, Messi – it’s body slam time!

W3L2014promo1 - CopyWhat a summer of sport. Wimbledon, the World Cup, the Open Golf and Commonwealth Games still to come – and now along comes another spectacular sporting event even closer to home … wrestling!

The City Night Club is the venue for an afternoon of American Wrestling for all the family next Saturday (19 July) when the World Wide Wrestling League rolls into town!

WWWL promoter Michael Musgrave explained: ” We are a Scottish based promotion that has worked hard for over ten years to put on top quality events featuring the very best wrestlers from around the world. Our previous events in the city – at Southside Community Centre – have been met with positive reviews and we are looking to carry the family audience over to City Night Club to benefit from their lighting and production facilities, which we hope will improve our presentation and experience for our fans.”

He went on: “We want to make sure parents understand that whilst City is a night club, our event will be held in the afternoon and is 100% suitable for children. To help mark the occasion of moving to a new venue we are bringing in TNA Impact Wrestling star Doug Williams for this event – Doug can be seen on TNA Impact Wrestling every week on Challenge TV.”

Former TNA X Division champ Doug Williams faces the masked Scottish “luchador” El Technico in a match sure to entertain the city’s wrestling fans, and also on the card will be a Ladder Match featuring Edinburgh’s own Nathan Black taking on Glasgow’s Dickie Divers. W3L Heavyweight Champion Nathan Reynolds (Dundee) will also defend his title against former W3L Heavyweight Champion Mike Musso (Fife) on a top class card.

The event promises to be an afternoon of Bodyslamming action not to be missed!

World Wide Wrestling League

City Night Club, Edinburgh

Saturday 19 July 19th

Doors open: 14.30 , Bell: 15.00

Tickets: General Admission £12, Concession £10, Family of Four £35 – Available www.W3Lwrestling.com, Sportsters or Ripping Records.

visit www.W3Lwrestling.com for more information

edinb slider july 14

 

PEP celebrates quarter century

DSCF9491How do you pack twenty-five years of history into a two hour time slot – and leave time for lunch too? It was a Herculean task for for Pilton Equalities Project, but like so many challenges they’ve faced in the past the local project passed the test with flying colours!

Staff past and present, volunteers, service users, friends and community colleagues celebrated PEP’s 25th anniversary at Edinburgh College Granton Campus on Friday.

Introduced by PEP chairperson Joan Turner, health professionals Jane Jones and Christa Wynn-Williams, former PEP worker and community activist Roberta Blaikie and current manager Helen Tait took their guests on a whistle-stop tour: from the beginnings in Royston Wardieburn and The Health Hut as Pilton Elderly Project right on to the present day as the multi-faceted Pilton Equalities Project – quite a journey!

As well as speakers there were displays of PEP memorabilia and photographs and guests also had the opportunity to renew auld acquantances and reminisce over a buffet lunch.

Many happy returns PEP – and here’s to the next 25 years!

and here’s 25 pictures … well, nearly!

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Police warn of ‘bank’ phone call scam

imagesPolice are warning members of the public to be alert to phone calls from criminals who claim to be working for banks. The fraudsters frighten victims into believing their bank accounts have been hacked – and then persuade them to transfer their savings into new ‘safe’ accounts. 

The fraud works like this:

A phone call is received from a male pretending to be from their bank’s Fraud Department. He informs the victim that there has been suspicious activity on their bank account and asks them to call the helpline telephone number on the back of their bank card in order to verify his position at the bank.

The alarmed victim does this – but unbeknown to him/her, the caller keeps the telephone line open (there will be no dial tone). The phone call is then  ‘answered’ by a female and she was then ‘transfers’ the victim over to another male who claims to work in the bank’s Fraud Department.

He advises the victim that that their finances are at risk of fraud and they must transfer their money into ‘safe accounts’ immediately; he then manipulates the unsuspecting victim into transferring their savings into these new ‘safe accounts’.

A call of this nature is upsetting, and that’s what the fraudsters rely on – they stress the urgency of the need to act NOW to protect your funds and they don’t give victims the time to think.

If you have even the slightest of concerns or are suspicious in any way, hang up and use a mobile phone to call your bank – always call back from a different phone. 

MYDG host annual Youth Work Games

MYDG host their annual Youth Work Games 2014

YWG12Sixty-five young people, by the banks of Loch Tay and the very enthusiastic staff and volunteers from Muirhouse Youth Development Group (MYDG), Granton, Citadel and State Street proved to be the perfect concoction for this year’s youth work games.

MYDG’s annual event brings together youth organisations from across North Edinburgh and Glasgow to compete in 10 events over the two-day residential hosted by our sponsors Wildfox events just outside Aberfeldy, at Kindorchit by Loch Tay.

This year the event took place in early July with a Commonwealth Games theme; the group were raring to go and the beautiful sunshine added to the enthusiastic spirits of those participating.

The first of the events was the cross-country run, followed by the tandem bike ride, then into some wetsuits for a swim and canoe in Loch Tay.

Evening entertainment was the amazing Corra ceilidh band with the participants creating a massive strip the willow right out the marquee and into the field, dancing the night away! As bedtime loomed none of the young people showed signs of tiredness, but went to their separate tents to tell stories and laugh until the wee hours of the morning!

As the sun rose on the second day so did the young people, sleepy but excited about the day ahead. With a buzz in the air, breakfast was eaten and the last events were well underway. Swamp football, tree climbing, archery, long jump and tug of war with the finale as a particularly fun assault course, involving balloons and blindfolds.

The swamp football proved to be one of the favourite events as the young people and leaders slid around the grass in an attempt to score some goals, additional water from the loch was brought in to make it extra soggy! With over 65 young people, volunteers and staff members all contributing to the games it was a great to see the teamwork camaraderie and sportsmanship throughout the two days of the games: everyone encouraged each other to participate and showed good teamwork, keeping energy up and motivation high for every event.

Pilton Youth and Childrens Project (PYCP) went on to win the games overall, with the other teams from other organisations claiming medals in each event. Bridging the Gap (from Glasgow) won the sportsmanship award for their enthusiasm and all round spirit throughout the whole event.

It was great to see relationships build up across various organisations and young people. Plans are beginning to take shape for an even bigger and better event in 2015, so watch this space!!

MYDG will be hosting a mini Triathlon on the 22nd July and a Commonwealth opening ceremony event on the 23rd July – for more information contact Katie Tuff 0131 332 3356.

Katie Tuff

Be inspired at Craigroyston

Craigroyston Community High School is organising a week of arts activities with a sporting theme later this month.

The Commonwealth Games Summer Arts Programme runs from 21 – 25 July (10am – 4.30pm daily) for young people aged 11- 18.

Murals, sculpture, printmaking, jewellery and dance – all with a Commonwealth Games twist!

For more info or to book your place call 0131 477 7801.

Inspire

Ticket to Balerno!

Kitten discovered on bus

Ticket at BalernoThe Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after a kitten was found on an Edinburgh bus earlier today. 

Scotland’s animal welfare charity was alerted by Lothian Buses after the feline was spotted by a lady on the number 3 service.

The black and white kitten, estimated to be around seven weeks old, is now in the care of the Scottish SPCA’s Edinburgh and Lothians Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Balerno. He has been nicknamed Ticket.

Animal Rescue Officer Connie O’Neill said, “A member of the public alerted the bus driver after she spotted Ticket wandering around the bus with no owner in sight.
“We think it’s very likely Ticket was abandoned but we also can’t rule out the possibility someone may have been transporting him and left him behind when they got off the bus.

“If anyone recognises this little guy or knows who he belongs to, we’d urge them to get in touch. Ticket is in good condition and is really friendly. If we’re not able to return him to his owner, we’ll find him a loving new home.”

Abandoning an animal is an offence under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 and anyone found guilty of doing so can expect to be banned from keeping animals for a fixed period or life.

Anyone with information is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.

Scotland needs ‘radical approach’ to tackle fuel poverty

gasSingle markets in electricity and gas covering the whole of Great Britain should continue if Scotland became independent, a new report has said. First Minister Alex Salmond has welcomed the report from the independent Expert Commission on Energy Regulation and said that Scotland needs a ‘radical approach’ to tackle fuel poverty.

The commission, which examined possible regulation of energy markets in an independent Scotland, says independence would give Scotland new powers to tackle fuel poverty, high energy costs and prices. It also highlights that a single GB energy market is the best option for consumers in Scotland, England and Wales.

The Commission’s report will be discussed by industry experts at a meeting of the Scottish Energy Advisory Board (SEAB) in Aberdeen today. Speaking ahead of the meeting the First Minister, said:

“This is a detailed and authoritative report and I am grateful to Robert Armour and his fellow Commissioners for their time, expertise and dedication. The Commission rightly recognises that independence will give Scotland new powers to tackle fuel poverty and reduce the impact of high energy costs and prices.

“This Government will continue to build on all its achievements in delivering energy efficiency and cost effectiveness and continue to improve delivery to disadvantaged and vulnerable consumers. The report rightly highlights that independence will open up new possibilities which could better address Scotland’s energy needs, and recognises that it is in our common interest to share energy resources across our borders.

“Scotland is a resource rich country and it offers safe and secure supplies of electricity and gas, and can continue to assist the rest of the UK in meeting its legally-binding renewable energy targets.

“It’s clear that a strategic energy partnership between our governments after independence represents the best outcome for all concerned and the Commission has clearly identified examples from across Europe – in Ireland, Iberia and Scandinavia – which show that this can be done.”

The Commission, comprising energy industry, consumer experts and academics, and headed by senior counsel and former SCDI chairman Robert Armour, was set up last year to offer independent advice on energy in an independent Scotland. Robert Armour, Chair of the Expert Commission, said:

“In the event of independence there are undoubtedly issues that will have to be settled between the two administrations. We share a common integrated system and have a common interest in energy security. Looking to Europe and beyond we found working models of cross-border partnerships delivering jointly-regulated integrated markets that show single markets can work with goodwill and cooperation.

“Eradicating fuel poverty has proved an intractable challenge. We believe a more radical approach is now needed. We see an opportunity to better target delivery to disadvantaged and vulnerable consumers through accessing data already held on social need. In the future we will be able to take this approach further using the improved data that will come from the roll out of smart meters.

“Scotland’s natural potential makes it a cost-efficient place to develop renewable resources. We see a benefit to both Scotland and the rest of the UK in enabling this economically efficient development of renewable potential to continue.”

The Commission’s report highlights:

  • A continuing single GB energy market, which the Scottish Government has consistently supported, is the best outcome for consumers and investors in Scotland, England and Wales.
  • Working models of combined energy markets, built on partnerships between separate countries and Governments, exist across Europe.
  • An independent Scotland will need its own energy regulator, and that the Scottish Government’s combined regulatory model could successfully deliver this.
  • The existing costs of renewable support mechanisms at the point of independence should continue to be spread across GB as at present.
  • Importance of continued efforts and additional measures to tackle fuel poverty and energy efficiency.

Green Yes, the Scottish Green Party’s campaign for a Yes vote in the independence referendum, also welcomed the report recommending that an independent Scotland remain part of the GB-wide market for electricity and gas.

A Green Yes briefing on jobs points out that more than 11,000 people are already employed in the renewables industry and most firms are expecting to grow. Scotland has the offshore engineering skills to make marine renewables a success and create thousands more jobs in construction, grid development and research.

Alison Johnstone, Green MSP for Lothian and a member of Holyrood’s economy and energy committee, said:

“Energy is an issue that all countries are facing up to, and with our renewables potential Scotland has a chance to generate not just what we need but also energy for export to enable our neighbours to meet their low carbon targets. Encouraging the trading of energy not just within these islands but across the North Sea makes sense, and I see a Scottish Parliament with responsibility for energy policy much more likely to prioritise these issues.

“By contrast Westminster is locking us in to new nuclear with its massive costs and toxic legacy, and a dash for fracked gas that risks our local environment and our carbon budget. What today’s report from the Expert Commission on Energy Regulation underlines is that it’s sensible to co-operate on such a crucial issue but it’s vital that Scotland gets to decide the direction it wants to go in.”

Tackling the scourge of modern slavery

parlystatueThe Modern Slavery Bill was introduced in the House of Commons this week, but local MP Mark Lazarowicz believes the legislation doesn’t go far enough.

The bill would provide law enforcement with stronger tools to stamp out modern slavery, ensure slave drivers can receive suitably severe punishments and enhance protection of and support for victims.

The bill includes provisions to:

  • ensure that perpetrators can receive suitably severe punishments for these appalling crimes – including life sentences
  • introduce new orders to enhance the court’s ability to place restrictions on individuals where this is necessary to protect people from the harm caused by modern slavery offences
  • create an Anti-Slavery Commissioner to improve and better coordinate the response to modern slavery
  • introduce a defence for victims of slavery and trafficking compelled to commit an offence
  • create an enabling power for child trafficking advocates
  • introduce a new reparation order to encourage the courts to compensate victims where assets are confiscated from perpetrators
  • close gaps in the law to enable the police and Border Force to stop boats where slaves are suspected of being held or trafficked

Edinburgh North & Leith MP Mark Lazarowicz‘ says the Bill is a major step forward but should be tougher.  Speaking in Tuesday’s debate on the Modern Slavery Bill at Westminster, he praised the Bill as a major step forward but highlighted two areas where it needs to be strengthened significantly at UK level:

· Extension of the powers and funding of the Gangmasters Licensing Authority created by the last Labour Government,  and

· Increased transparency and accountability of companies for their supply chains.

Commenting after the debate, the local MP said: “Modern slavery can see people desperately seeking a better life trapped and exploited in ways as varied as sex trafficking, domestic servitude or agricultural workers whose meagre wages are docked to pay for sub-standard food and accommodation leaving them with debts they can never pay off.

“Vulnerable people, often with very few language skills, may simply not know where to seek help even if they get the chance and be fearful that they may be deported if they do escape.

“The last Labour Government first set out to tackle this modern evil by creating the Gangmasters Licensing Authority to root out abuse in agriculture and related industries: it’s been widely praised and its funding and remit should be increased.

“Companies should also be accountable for how their goods are produced in supply chains with annual reports setting out steps they took to verify and audit suppliers.

“Whilst enabling the prosecution of traffickers and slave-masters, the Bill must also advance the protection of victims: too often companies and consumers do not know and in the worst case may not even care how workers are exploited in producing the food we eat, the clothes we wear.”