Easter at Musselburgh a strong favourite with Virgin Bet

VIRGIN BET has been announced as the headline Easter Saturday Raceday sponsor at Musselburgh Racecourse – ahead of one of the biggest days of racing in the Scottish calendar.

Featuring the £100,000 Queen’s Cup and The Scottish Sprint Cup – regarded as Scotland’s fastest race – The Virgin Bet Easter Saturday Raceday will see some of the country’s top horses, trainers and jockeys converge on the East Lothian course on Saturday 30th March.

Bill Farnsworth, Racecourse Director with Musselburgh Racecourse, said: “In Virgin Bet we have a headline sponsor that matches our ambitions, to continue growing our Easter event and building its reputation as the pinnacle of horse racing in Scotland.

“We have a packed programme for avid racing fans. The £100,000 Virgin Bet Queen’s Cup, a Heritage Handicap staged over 1m 6f, is the feature race. With total prize money nudging £300,000, there is also a superb supporting card boasting contests such as the Virgin Bet Scottish Sprint Cup and Virgin Bet Silver Arrow, which are run over five-furlongs and seven-furlongs, respectively.

“Last year’s winner of the Queen’s Cup, Wise Eagle, went on to finish second in a Group 3 contest at Ascot while the 2022 hero Enemy was a close runner-up in a race in Saudi Arabia worth a whopping £1.2 million.

“The Scottish Sprint Cup attracts some of the fastest horses in the country, and twelve months ago, was won in blistering style by Silky Wilkie, who, just four weeks later, was just pipped by a short-head at Epsom on Derby Day. He was also second twice in Listed grade at Beverley and York.

“Musselburgh’s five-furlong track record was set in this race by 2018 winner Caspian Prince, who stopped the clock at 56.77sec, and meant he was travelling quicker than the cars on the adjacent road!

“Top jockey Hollie Doyle landed the 2019 renewal with Saheeq, who, like Caspian Prince, was trained by Mick Appleby.  Last year’s Silver Arrow winner, Gweedore, was successful for the second year running, and his Galashiels trainer, Katie Scott, reports that she is preparing her stable star for the hat-trick!”

The high calibre of flat racing will be captured and broadcast across the UK by ITV Racing, with the racing programme starting at 1:30 and the final race getting underway at 5:20.

Ric Leask, Marketing Director at Virgin Bet, said: “We are thrilled to announce Virgin Bet as the headline sponsor for Easter Saturday Raceday at Musselburgh Racecourse.

“We are passionate about delivering an unparalleled sports betting experience, and there’s no better way to showcase this commitment than by supporting one of the biggest days of racing in the Scottish calendar.

“Musselburgh holds a special place in the hearts of racing enthusiasts, and we are excited to be a part of the excitement and tradition that the Easter Saturday Raceday brings.

“This sponsorship reflects our dedication to being a leading player in the horseracing world, and we’re delighted to continue to be deeply embedded within the highlight moments of the sport.”

Aisling Johnston, Head of Marketing and Business Development with Musselburgh Racecourse, said: “Easter Saturday is one of our biggest annual events that has grown over the years, gaining the royal seal of approval along the way.

“Virgin Bet coming on board is helping us to be even more ambitious with our plans, so that we can put on the perfect holiday weekend event for all manner of racegoers. 

“This includes us expanding the off-track entertainment and hospitality offering. We believe it will be our best easter raceday to date.”

With the top-quality racing matched by a wide-ranging food and drink offering, plus an after-racing party, the event promises to be one of the biggest social gatherings in the Easter social calendar.

The Virgin Bet Easter Saturday Raceday on 30th March 2024 will open doors at 11:30 am and the first race is off at 1:50 pm (subject to change).

Book your tickets before midnight on the 29th of March and save £5.00 per person with under 17s going free when accompanied by an adult, T&Cs apply.

For more information and to book tickets now for Easter Saturday, visit: 

https://www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk/view-fixture/easter-saturday-30-03-2024

#tickets-header

Pupils take part in pioneering sustainability skills challenge

Forty-two pupils from Edinburgh and the Lothians put their sustainability skills to the test at Musselburgh Grammar as they took part in a pioneering programme aimed at developing the employability skills of the future.

Teams from Musselburgh Grammar, Preston Lodge High School, Lasswade High School, Craigmount, Balerno and Galashiels Academy took part in the Powering Futures Schools Challenge presentations, where they were tasked with finding innovative sustainable solutions to five real-world challenges facing businesses today.

The challenge-setters were Scottish Water, EV charging experts Urban Fox, BritishGas, Newsquest and The Scottish Government, with the challenge topics spanning reducing water consumption, netzero targets for sports clubs and schools, improving transport connectivity and creating trusted media on climate change.

The pupils were tasked with researching the challenges and collaborating to come up with creative solutions.

Drawing on guidance from industry mentors, they presented their creative solutions to a panel of judges including Paul McLennan MSP and Colin Beattie MSP, plus representatives from East Lothian Council, DYW Borders, FutureX, University of Edinburgh, Energy Training Academy, Musselburgh Windsor FC, Lantra, Energy3 and Social Bite at a showcase event for Edinburgh, Lothians and the Borders regions held at Musselburgh Grammar this week – earning a SCQF Level 6 qualification at the end of the process. 

Powering Futures was set up in 2020 to empower the young and future workforce with the skills, knowledge and abilities to help the transition to net zero.

The SCQF level 6 accredited Powering Futures Schools Challenge has seen 643 pupils from 43 schools across Scotland participate in 2023-2024 – with Powering Futures aiming to engage a million young people in the programme by 2030. 

MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands Gordon MacDonald said: “The Powering Futures Challenge is a fantastic opportunity for young people to shape and develop essential skills for their futures.

“It is an innovative collaboration between businesses and schools which enables participants to use their creativity, problem solving and teamwork to learn about sustainability and how this can be applied through specific projects.

“S5 and S6 Pupils from Balerno High School have been participating in this year’s programme taking on real-world sustainability challenges set by the sponsor, researching and collaborating on a solution, which ends with them presenting it to a panel of industry judges. 

“I want to wish them the best of luck and know all their hard work and commitment to the project will provide them with much valued skills as they embark on the world of work or further education.”

Jennifer Tempany, Co-Founder of Powering Futures, said: “We were delighted to have four teams from Craigmount and Balerno High School take part in the Challenge Programme.

“We are always blown away by the innovation and creativity shown by pupils as they tackle some relevant  challenges set by industry.

“By empowering young people through our pioneering Powering Futures Challenge Programme, we can help them develop the critical skills that employers are looking for in their future workforce as well as establishing those essential links between the businesses of today and the workers of tomorrow who will power Scotland’s net-zero future.” 

A New Deal for young workers?

New TUC analysis for our 2024 Young Workers Conference shows that more than 700,000 workers aged 18-20 across the UK are set to be left out of pocket as they are paid a lower rate of the minimum wage (writes TUC’s ALICE ARKWRIGHT).

On 1 April, the National Living Wage will go up to £11.44 per hour and be extended to workers aged 21 and over. But workers under 21 will still be paid less for the same work, simply because of their age and as many as seven in ten workers aged 18-20 could lose out. 

Over 700,000 18-20 year olds are paid less than this rate and they miss out on a huge £2,438 per year, or £47 per week, at a time when the cost of living is still sky high. This is completely unfair.  

Young workers have been let down time and time again by this Tory government.  

They have entered the labour market at a time when insecure work has exploded. Insecure work is characterised by low pay, less training and development, uncertainty in hours and fewer employment rights.    

16-24 year olds are over five times more likely to be on a zero hours contract than workers aged 25 and over.  

Despite only making up 11 per cent of the total workforce, young workers make up 40 per cent of the 1.18 million workers employed on a zero hours contract. 

And young women and young BME workers are more likely to be on them. 

Some young workers are not even being paid – a quick search of recruitment sites finds multiple internship adverts with no mention of pay, including one asking for 3 years’ experience.  

And three quarters of employees aged 16-24 miss out on key employment rights that most of us take for granted, such as protection from unfair dismissal and the right to statutory redundancy pay.   

Imagine working hard in a job for nearly two years – only to be let go with no recourse.   

Young people are always hit hardest during times of uncertainty, which they’ve faced time and time again in the last 14 years. Youth unemployment rose dramatically after the financial crisis and more recently during the pandemic. And we are seeing it rise again. The unemployment rate is highest for young BME and young disabled workers. 

A lack of decent work, training opportunities including good quality apprenticeships and careers services are keeping unemployment rates higher than they need to be and increases the risk of longer-term unemployment, which has significant scarring effects on young people’s future living standards and wellbeing. 

Since 2016/17 there has been a 37 per cent fall in the number of under 19s starting an apprenticeship. Many young people are put off them by the high incidence of low pay, low quality training and poor employment conditions. 

Every day we hear stories about sexual harassment in our workplaces. 2 in 3 young women have experienced harassment at work and they are particularly at risk of harassment from third parties such as clients, customers and patients.  

Last year, ministers promised to bring in a new law to put the onus on employers to keep their staff safe from this type of abuse. 

But instead, they buckled to Tory backbenchers, massively watered down the legislation and let down young women across the country. 

Alongside this failure to protect workers, this government have also introduced new anti-strike laws which mean a generation of young people could lose their right to strike.  

We must give young people a good start at working life. 

Labour’s New Deal for Working People stands in stark contrast to the Conservatives’ dire record on workers’ rights. It would: 

  • Ban zero-hours contracts to help end the scourge of insecure work.  
  • Ensure all workers get reasonable notice of any change in shifts or working time  
  • Give all workers day one rights on the job, scrapping qualifying time for basic rights, such as unfair dismissal, sick pay, and parental leave for all workers.  
  • Remove the discriminatory age bands from the minimum wage to ensure every adult worker benefits from fair pay.  
  • Ban unpaid internships; and  
  • Require employers to ensure workplaces are free from harassment, including by third parties. 

And Labour have committed to reform the National Careers Service and the failed Apprenticeships Levy into a ‘Growth and Skills Levy’ that works across all nations and regions. 

At Young Workers Conference, members from across our movement will debate what a better future for young people looks like and the need for this transformative New Deal. 

Disrupting Digital Dumpers

SEPA tackles online waste criminals with new digital pilot

As the number of adverts on digital platforms promoting illegal waste collection services hits an all-time high, Scotland’s environmental regulator is tackling environmental criminality in the online world.

The digital regulation pilot led by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has already identified that between 50 to 60% of businesses advertising on social media could be breaking the law by operating without holding the required waste carrier licence – and people handing over their waste may be contributing to flytipping and other waste crime.

Working closely with partner agencies, SEPA’s pilot work is already seeing results. So far seven social media profiles and all their associated posts have been removed from online platforms, protecting householders from inadvertently giving their waste and their money to criminals. SEPA Officers are also pursuing several lines of enquiry for follow up investigation as a result of identifying unlicensed operators on social media. 

The work, supported by additional funding from the Scottish Government, is being undertaken as part of the National Litter and Flytipping Strategy which sets out a refreshed approach to tackling litter and flytipping in Scotland.

Don’t give waste criminals a chance

Social media users will be familiar with adverts offering junk removal, waste clearances, man with a van and tip collection services. They may look professional and legitimate, but SEPA’s investigations have confirmed this is not always the case. 

Corrupt operators advertising their services online may dispose of the waste they collect through flytipping and burning, blighting Scotland’s environment. This activity can quickly escalate into more serious and significant waste crime impacting compliant businesses in the waste sector. 

There are several telltale signs that the business you are thinking of hiring may not be legitimate. The public should look out for online adverts that:

  • Offer cheap or same day waste collection – if it sounds too good to be true it probably is. Make sure you’re not pressured to decide.
  • Claim to be “SEPA insured” – SEPA do not provide insurance.
  • Claiming “waste is all recycled where it can be” – where are they taking the waste?
  • Don’t provide any way to contact them other than Direct Messaging.  

You can play your part by not falling foul of digital scammers – when choosing a service provider – always ask for their waste carrier number and check they are registered with SEPA, confirm where they will take your waste and pay a fair price for the service. You can also contact SEPA to check a Waste Carrier Licence number you have been given if you cannot find it online. 

If they are reluctant to give you information or you are in any in doubt, do not give them your waste. If you suspect they may be operating illegally, report it to SEPA online.

Jennifer Shearer, Head of Enforcement at SEPA, said: “Since the pandemic, we have seen a growing trend of waste collection and junk removal adverts moving online to social media platforms.

“These businesses can look very professional and legitimate, with engaging adverts and reviews of great services – but what we are finding is they are often illegal. Capitalising on householders looking for a quick, same-day service, these rogue traders are operating unlawfully, without the correct licences, and are often illegally disposing of the waste in Scotland’s environment. 

“Through our new pilot, we are finding new ways to detect, disrupt and remove illegal operators advertising on social media and taking further enforcement action when necessary. We are also highlighting to householders what they can do to protect themselves and the environment from the impacts of these illegal operators.”

Lorna Slater, Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity said: “Increased action to detect and disrupt flytippers – including unregistered waste carriers advertising online – is a key element of our National Litter and Flytipping Strategy.

“The Scottish Government is determined to tackle waste crime and the scourge of flytipping, so I am very pleased to see our funding is already delivering results through initiatives like this.

“I look forward to seeing further progress which will make an important contribution to keeping our streets, communities and countryside beautiful and protecting our environment and wildlife.”

In the coming months, SEPA will continue to identify profiles used to advertise online waste collection services and investigate if they are operating legally, allowing a better understanding of the scale of the problem as well as enabling appropriate regulatory and enforcement action to disrupt criminal activity. 

Police launch Motorcycle Safety Campaign 2024

POLICE Scotland’s annual motorcycle safety campaign urges drivers to look out for motorcyclists as riders take to the road this summer.

The campaign runs from March to September, covering a period that sees the highest number of motorcyclists killed or seriously injured.

Motorcyclists are one of the most vulnerable road users and are disproportionately represented in the number of people killed on Scotland’s roads.

In 2023/24, there were 151 road deaths and 27 were motorcyclists. Motorcyclists make up around one per cent of all road users yet account for 14 per cent of deaths.

Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, head of Road Policing, said: “We all have a responsibility to keep Scotland’s roads safe and motorcyclists are one of the most vulnerable road users.

“We know that most collisions involving a motorcyclist happen between March and September. You are more likely to see a motorcyclist on the road during this time and my message is look out for them, particularly at junctions and in rural areas.

“Failing to look properly or losing control can happen in a split second. Take responsibility and take care of each other on the road.”

Engagement and enforcement activity will take place throughout the spring and summer months using both marked and unmarked police vehicles.

Police Scotland officers, including those from the national motorcycle unit, will be carrying out intelligence led patrols to engage with all drivers and riders.

Stand Up comedy workshop for teens at Drumbrae Library

WEDNESDAY 27th MARCH from 6 – 7.30pm

Get your tickets now for our FREE Standup Comedy Workshop for Teens with Jay Lafferty! Book through Eventbrite with the link below!

Please be aware that this event is for teens only, not adults!

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…/stand-up-comedy-workshop…

Man jailed for string of sex crimes

A man has been jailed for a catalogue of sexual offences committed against four women in East Lothian and Edinburgh.

Gary Yuill, 45, was sentenced to 12 years in prison at the High Court in Edinburgh on Thursday after previously been found guilty by a jury of 21 offences, which included nine counts of rape.

The offences were committed against four women in Haddington, Dunbar, Wallyford, and Edinburgh between 2004 and 2021.

Police first began investigating Yuill following a report of rape which was received from a woman in May 2021. This subsequently led to other victims being identified and the scale of Yuill’s offending revealed. He was arrested and charged in June 2021.

Detective Inspector Laura White said: “Yuill subjected these women to horrific crimes and I would like to thank them for their cooperation as our investigations were ongoing. Hopefully today’s verdict will allow them to move on from this part of their lives.

“I would urge anyone who has been the victim of sexual violence to come forward and report it to us, regardless of the passage of time. We, alongside partner agencies, will support you through the process, investigate thoroughly and bring those responsible to justice.”

TUC: UK government must stop trade talks with Israel to support peace in the Middle East

On 18 March, the TUC wrote to Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch in response to the news that the UK continues to be in active trade talks with Israel (writes TUC’s Rosa Crawford). 

The government concluded the latest round at the end of February.

The TUC believes trade negotiations must be used to ensure respect for human rights and international law.

We have longstanding policy on Palestinian rights.

Since the UK launched trade talks on an updated trade agreement with Israel in March 2022, the TUC has consistently stated it does not believe the government should engage in these negotiations, given Israel’s persistent violation of international law, UN resolutions and systematic violations of Palestinian labour and human rights.

In light of the Israeli government’s military operations in Gaza in recent months where these violations have intensified, our letter calls for the government to:

  • end trade talks with Israel
  • end arms sales and military collaboration
  • end the UK’s trade in goods from the Occupied Palestinian Territories

On 26 January the International Court of Justice (ICJ) found it ‘plausible’ that Israel’s acts could amount to genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza and issued binding provisional measures.

The UK government has an obligation as a party to the Genocide Convention to take measures to prevent genocide.  It is therefore incumbent on the government to ensure Israel acts in accordance with the ICJ ruling.

Our letter follows the TUC’s General Council statement unequivocally condemning the shocking attacks on Israeli civilians by Hamas, calling for the immediate, unconditional release of all hostages unharmed, and calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.

In February the TUC wrote to the Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron calling for an immediate ceasefire accompanied by a political process. It expressed disappointment the UK government had so far failed to support such a ceasefire.

The TUC calls on the government to support genuine efforts towards a just, lasting and comprehensive peace that is consistent with international law, and is based on a two-state solution, which promotes equality, democracy and respect for human and labour rights.

Rare surviving Georgian fashions and majestic paintings go on display as The King’s Gallery reopens

A sword made for George IV’s historic visit to Edinburgh and other rare surviving items of Georgian clothing are among almost 100 works from the Royal Collection are now on show as part of Style & Society: Dressing the Georgians. 

It is the first exhibition to open at The King’s Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, formerly known as The Queen’s Gallery, following an 18-month closure for essential maintenance work.

Throughout the exhibition, the fashions recorded in portraiture are used as a lens to explore the many social, political and technological changes that characterised Georgian Britain. Paintings, prints and drawings by artists including Gainsborough, Zoffany and Hogarth are accompanied by a selection of clothing and accessories to tell the story of fashionable dress from George I’s accession in 1714 to the death of George IV in 1830. 

Style & Society: Dressing the Georgians takes a closer look at George IV’s 1822 visit to Scotland, the first by a reigning monarch in almost 200 years.

Visitors will see the set of accoutrements specially supplied to the King for the visit by George Hunter & Co, purveyors of Highland dress based on Princes Street in Edinburgh, including an ornate broadsword, made of blued steel inlaid with gold and decorated with Scottish emblems, a belt and a dirk.

Also on display is a full-length portrait of George IV by Fife-born artist Sir David Wilkie, showing the monarch in Royal Stewart tartan and wearing the accoutrements. 

The growing textile industries presented artists with fresh challenges as they strived to depict the latest fabrics. A rarely displayed, full-length portrait by Thomas Gainsborough of Queen Charlotte is paired with an embellished Indian muslin sacque gown on loan from Historic Royal Palaces, a close match in shape and style to the delicate white dress that glitters with silk netting and tasselled bunches of gold lace in Gainsborough’s painting.

An essential fabric for centuries in Britain, linen was used in a variety of ways in items from washable undergarments to delicate lace, and even shoes, as demonstrated by a pair of baby shoes which belonged to Princess Charlotte, George IV’s only child. 

The age of Enlightenment saw ideas about childhood evolve, and this materialised in childrenswear becoming more comfortable and practical. Benjamin West’s portrait of three-year-old Prince Octavius, the 13th child of George III and Queen Charlotte, shows him wearing a skeleton suit – a new style of children’s dress inspired by the functional clothing of working-class sailors. With a toy horse on the floor behind him as he carries his father’s cavalry sword, displayed nearby, it is as if the young prince is pretending to be a hardworking king.

Clothes and undergarments such as bonnets and stays were used to teach children good posture or provide protection. An embroidered bonnet thought to have been worn by Princess Charlotte is on display for the first time after being bequeathed to the Royal Collection in 2022 by a descendant of the then young Princess of Wales’s Preceptress (teacher), Miss Mary Hunt.

All four Georgian monarchs took great interest in military clothing, and the 18th century saw a proliferation of uniform styles.

A preliminary work by Sir Joshua Reynolds of Lord Eglinton, a respected military leader and patron of Robert Burns, demonstrates the finesse of 18th-century portraiture, with headdress feathers appearing to flutter in the Highland breeze.

A deep blue uniform jacket designed by George IV and captured in the monarch’s portrait by Sir William Beechey shows first-hand the richness of military dress.

Georgian jewellery was often highly personal, and much like clothing, was regularly repurposed – even by the royal family. Pearl-adorned buttons from a dress coat belonging to George III were reused to create an eye-catching necklace for the Duchess of Clarence, later Queen Adelaide, shown alongside items of Queen Charlotte’s impressive jewellery collection.

Anna Reynolds, curator of Style & Society: Dressing the Georgians, said: ‘The 18th century was an incredibly innovative period, and the Georgians were responsible for ushering in many of the cultural trends we recognise today.

“From the rising influence of practical working-class dress to the practice of recycling and reusing fabric wherever possible, fashion from this period tells a broader story about what was happening in society.

“It is fascinating just how much we can learn from the paintings, clothing, and accessories on display. And, thanks to our new scheme of £1 tickets, we are looking forward to sharing it with as many people as possible.’

Following a successful run in London, Style & Society: Dressing the Georgians at The King’s Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse is the first Royal Collection Trust exhibition to offer £1 tickets to visitors receiving Universal Credit and other named benefits.

The King’s Gallery will also continue to offer concessionary rates, including reduced tickets for Young People, and the option to convert standard tickets bought directly from Royal Collection Trust into a 1-Year Pass, allowing free re-entry for 12 months.

An accompanying programme of events at The King’s Gallery includes:

  • Style Natters: Free short talks for visitors will be held weekly on Thursdays at 11:00, each taking an in-depth look at a work of art in the exhibition.
  • Powder and Pomade: Exhibition curator Anna Reynolds will give a lunchtime lecture on Friday, 3 May on 18th-century wigs and hairstyles, an essential aspect of Georgian style.
  • Dressing Children in the 18th Century: Assistant Curator Lucy Peter will give a lunchtime lecture on Friday, 21 June exploring new ideas around childhood in the Georgian period, including attitudes towards education and the importance of playing outside.
  • Recycled Fashion: Family Workshop: The King’s Gallery’s Learning team will hold a fun family workshop on Saturday, 10 August exploring embroidery and other fashions in Georgian Britain. Children will have the chance to create a cape inspired by the exhibition, using recycled paper materials.

UNISON calls for above-inflation pay increase for local government workers

LOCAL GOVERNMENT PAY CAMPAIGN 2024/25

UNISON Scotland has called for a above-inflation pay increase for local government workers as it submitted its 2024/25 joint pay claim.

The unions – UNISON and Unite – submitted the claim earlier this year, although COSLA leaders are unlikely to respond before their budget allocations are finalised. UNISON has made it clear we want a deal agreed as close to the April 1, 2024 implementation date as possible.

Local government workers are continuing to struggle with the cost-of-living crisis and UNISON has warned there is a real risk that workers will find better-paid, less-stressful work elsewhere if their pay continues to lose its value.

UNISON says that an above-inflation pay increase is the only way to maintain the staff levels necessary to deliver services to the public, looking after the most vulnerable, giving children the education they need and keeping neighbourhoods safe.

The key elements of UNISON’s claim are:

  • A one-year settlement that runs for the period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025.
  • For those on the lowest pay – an above-inflation increase in line with the aspiration, agreed with UNISON in November 2023, to achieve implementation of a minimum rate of pay for all local government workers of £15 per hour by 1 April 26.
  • An increase of 7% to all spinal column points (or an increase of £1.60 to the hourly rate whichever is greater) and related allowances.
  • Urgent progress to be made on how we achieve a no detriment reduction in the working week to enable members to achieve a better work-life balance.
  • A review of the scope and level of the Distant Islands Allowance.
  • No less than parity with other local government bargaining groups.

You can read the claim in full here.

Lilian Macer, UNISON’s Scottish Secretary, said: “An above-inflation wage rise is the only way to maintain the staff levels necessary to deliver services to the public. Unless councils and schools can pay competitive rates, employees will find better-paid, less-stressful work elsewhere and new recruits will be thin on the ground.

“Our members tell us how every day how they are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and how they are struggling to make ends meet. Local government workers must be properly rewarded for the vital services they provide.

UNISON have signed a joint letter with Cosla and other unions to the Deputy First Minister, Shona Robison MSP, saying it is clear to both employers and unions “that funding levels for councils have not kept pace with increased demand for services.”

They say “Local Government is facing a cut in real terms to both core revenue and capital budgets. As a proportion of funding allocated to the Scottish Budget, the percentage for local government has declined.”

And that “this is impacted by both the growing need of services due to demographic pressures and the ongoing cost of living crisis.”

It is in everyone’s interest to achieve a sustainable settlement on pay at the earliest opportunity.

The letter states: “Scottish Local Government settlements must be sustainable alongside the significant budget challenges facing councils and it is vital that the approach to our workforce is fair, acknowledging the essential front-line services that are delivered every day.”

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