Workplace expert, Acas, commissioned YouGov to ask which changes in the Employment Rights Act 2025 will have the biggest impact on bosses and workers.
New rights on sick pay topped the polls for both, followed by new protections on unfair dismissals. Employers ranked new paternity leave rights as their third biggest while workers opted for the new changes on flexible working.
The valuable insights gained from the results will help Acas target its support for workers and bosses where they need it the most.
Niall Mackenzie, Acas Chief Executive, said: “It is clear from our polls that new worker rights on sick pay and protections from being unfairly dismissed from work are at the forefront in the minds of employers and workers.
“Acas will play a crucial role working with employers, workers and their representatives on the implementation of the Employment Rights Act and updating its advice and training.
“These reforms represent the biggest shake-up to employment law in a generation. Acas remain best placed as independent experts helping everyone at work throughout this period of change.”
The survey results revealed that:
43% of employers said that workers getting sick pay for the first day of illness rather than the fourth day would have the biggest impact on them and 36% of workers also listed it as their biggest impact too.
Workers being protected from unfair dismissal after six months in a job instead of two years was the second most-commonly chosen reform with 31% of employers and 30% of employees selecting this.
For employers, rights for paternity leave from the first day of employment was their third-most important reform (28%), while workers said making it easier to get flexible working arrangements at work (28%) was theirs.
New rules, brought in by the Employment Rights Act, regarding paternity leave and sick pay will come into force on 6th April 2026.
From 6 April, employees will be eligible for paternity leave from the first day of employment. Currently employees must have worked for their employer for 26 weeks before they are eligible.
From 1 January 2027, employees will be protected from unfair dismissal if they have worked for their employer for at least six months. Currently an employee must have two years continuous service to be able to claim unfair dismissal.
A dismissal may be considered unfair by law if there was no fair reason for the dismissal; the reason was not enough to justify dismissing them; or the employer did not follow a fair procedure.
In 2027 new measures will come into force intended to improve access to flexible working.
Flexible working can involve a change to when, where or how someone works. Employers and employees should follow the Acas Code of Practice on flexible working when handling a request.
Acas has an online roadmap of when all the new expected law changes in the Employment Rights Act are likely to come into effect, which includes webinars and training: Employment Rights Act 2025 – Acas
@KingsTrust are hosting an event for 18-30 year olds that are interested in starting their own business speakers, discussions on the issues/obstacles, networking and refreshments
Integration Joint Boards (IJBs), together with their NHS and council partners, must urgently take decisions on where to redesign, reduce or discontinue services.
Funding to Scotland’s 30 IJBs increased by over two per cent in 2024/25 to more than £12 billion. But this was insufficient to meet rising costs and demands, with many IJBs using dwindling reserves to help meet the almost £450 million gap between demand and available funding. This is not sustainable.
Increasing demand, rising costs and a growing number of people with long-term complex needs are placing mounting financial pressures on IJBs. The boards have reached a critical point, with a significant risk they will become financially unsustainable within the next 12 to 24 months.
Alongside savings and using reserves, IJBs have been relying on substantial additional funding from their partners in the NHS and councils. IJBs need to plan their finances more realistically to reduce this reliance, as health boards and councils face their own significant financial pressures.
Malcolm Bell, member of the Accounts Commission said: “The cost of delivering services is rising faster than available funding.
“Tackling this could include difficult decisions about redesigning or reducing services, and whether new or additional charges need to be made. Whatever decisions are made, service users, their families and wider communities must be consulted.
“But without radical change the services delivered by IJBs can’t be sustained. The gap between funding available and the cost of meeting demand is widening, and the gap of nearly £450 million cannot be bridged with savings alone.”
COSLA Health and Social Care spokesperson, Councillor Paul Kelly, commented: “The Accounts Commission report on Integration Joint Board finances for 2024-25 confirms the stark reality our Health and Social Care Partnerships face: that severe financial challenges continue to pose a risk to the sustainability of social care, which threatens the every day lives of our most vulnerable citizens and communities.
“The challenges also threaten the sustainability of our councils, who have continued to prioritise social care, with an additional £163m invested over and above Scottish Government funding in 2024-25. This level of additional funding is unsustainable for partners, but in many cases the only option given the diminishment of reserves held by Partnerships.
“The report makes clear the validity and need for our budget lobbying ask of an immediate investment of £750m in social care. We will continue to press the Scottish Government for this investment to avoid further cuts, reductions and increased charges in future.”
Edinburgh Leisure continues to strengthen access to multi‑sport opportunities for young people across the capital
As the largest provider of sport and physical activity in Edinburgh, Edinburgh Leisure is continuing to invest in inclusive, high‑quality opportunities for young people with the launch of a brand‑new Junior Golf Instruction Programme.
The new programme further enhances Edinburgh Leisure’s extensive junior coaching offer, which already spans a wide range of sports including Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Climbing, Dance, Diving, Football, Gymnastics, Judo, Netball, Swimming, Tennis and Trampolining.
The addition of golf reflects Edinburgh Leisure’s ongoing commitment to ensuring children and young people can access and experience a variety of sports across the city, regardless of background or ability.
Delivered at Meadowbank Sports Centre, Edinburgh Leisure’s fast‑growing coaching hub, the Junior Golf Programme will run indoors, making it accessible year‑round and ideal for beginners.
Meadowbank has seen significant demand across multiple junior sports in recent years, and the introduction of golf builds on this momentum, reinforcing the venue’s role as a centre of excellence for youth sport.
Notably, Gymnastics was successfully introduced to Meadowbank in Summer 2025, enabling the programme to expand its capacity and offer even more opportunities for young athletes.
Designed for children aged 7–12, the programme offers a fun, supportive introduction to golf, led by friendly Community Golf Instructors. Two six‑week courses are available:
Golf Minis (Ages 7–9): A playful introduction focusing on confidence, coordination and fundamental movement skills.
Fairway Flyers (Ages 10–12): Helping older children develop technique, coordination and an early understanding of the game.
Sessions began on 23 February, with Golf Minis running on Mondays from 3.30pm–4.30pm, followed by Fairway Flyers from 4.30pm–5.30pm. With February and March courses fully booked, be sure to follow Edinburgh Leisure social channels for upcoming sessions.
Angela McCowan, Sports Development Manager at Edinburgh Leisure, said: “As a city‑wide provider, our focus is on giving young people the chance to try different sports, find what they enjoy and build confidence through movement.
“The introduction of junior golf at Meadowbank strengthens our multi‑sport offer and helps ensure children across Edinburgh can access high‑quality coaching in a welcoming and inclusive environment.”
For those ready to progress beyond indoor sessions, Edinburgh Leisure also provides access to six golf courses across the city, including Craigentinny, Carrick Knowe, Silverknowes, Portobello, Braid Hills, and the Wee Braids, supporting young players to continue their sporting journey close to home.
Through its expanding junior coaching programme, Edinburgh Leisure remains committed to helping young people be active, confident, and connected, using sport as a gateway to lifelong physical activity across communities throughout Edinburgh.
HOLYROOD has approved the 2026-27 Scottish Budget, including a record £22.5 billion for health and social care and enhanced cost of living support.
The Budget Bill sets out funding of almost £68 billion with investment in Scotland’s infrastructure, direct support for household budgets and extra help for families.
The spending plans include:
continued investment in cost of living measures, including free prescriptions, free eye examinations, removal of peak rail fares on Scotrail – and freezing of remaining Scotrail fares
free tuition fees for young Scots, free school meals for thousands of children, including all pupils in P1 to P5, and free bus travel for under-22s and over-60s
an increase in the Scottish Child Payment and, from 2027-28, a premium payment of £40 per week for eligible children under 12 months
an almost £15.7 billion record settlement for local government to support the services communities rely on including social care and education
significant extra funding for universities and colleges, more than £5 billion to tackle the climate emergency and £4.3 billion transport funding
record investment of £926 million for affordable housing supply, record funding for police and fire services and an additional £10 million investment in community justice services
Finance Secretary Shona Robison said: “The Scottish Government’s Budget delivers for the people of Scotland – strengthening our NHS and providing real, practical support with the cost of living.
“It will improve access to healthcare, including funding for a network of 16 walk-in GP clinics open seven days per week, and builds on our game-changing work to eradicate child poverty, with an increase in the Scottish Child Payment.
“This Budget demonstrates our determination to improve lives across Scotland, and our plans mean that 55% of taxpayers can expect to pay less income tax than in the rest of the UK.”
WE CAN THANK THE LIB-DEMS, OF COURSE …
‘The £300m that we have secured in a whole host of areas shows just how serious we are about getting stuff done. With the Scottish Liberal Democrats, you get grown-up, sensible politics.
‘You can get more of that by backing us in May on your second, peach-coloured ballot paper.’
Celebrating the Third Year of the Festival City Stories project
Edinburgh Festivals and BUILDHOLLYWOOD Scotland celebrate third year of the Festival City Stories project
Showcasing the partnerships of Edinburgh’s Festivals and local community groups with new collaborative artwork from the Edinburgh Sketcher and a Dundee Street hoardings takeover
Edinburgh’s Festivals, BUILDHOLLYWOOD Scotland and local community groups have come together to celebrate the third year of the Festival City Stories project.
As part of the celebration, new artwork has been unveiled from renowned Edinburgh artist, Mark Kirkham, also known as the Edinburgh Sketcher. Attending events and workshops from across the Festivals’ work with local communities, organisations, charities and schools, he captured their projects through a series of sketches, which were transformed into postcards for the participants to share their own stories and experiences.
These sketches and postcard responses are now presented as a part of an artwork takeover across BUILDHOLLYWOOD Scotland’s hoardings on Edinburgh’s Dundee Street and Wishaw Terrace from 23 February – 8 March this year.
The artwork takeover was unveiled at the event at Edinburgh Printmakers which also featured stories and performances from people involved in year-round partnerships between some of the festivals and local community groups, schools and organisations.
Project participant Sally and Dance leader Albi Mendoza from Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival – Inclusive Latin Dance project at the Dundee Street hoardings takeover | Credit Iain MacKay
Projects featured include:
Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival – Latin Dance Inclusive is a community-based project that introduces young people with disabilities, alongside their parents, carers and families, to the joy of dance in a fun, friendly and inclusive environment.
Edinburgh International Book Festival – Paper Trails is Edinburgh International Book Festival’s multi-year communities project working to tackle literacy inequality and social isolation, in partnership with Edinburgh Libraries and Streetreads.
Noëlle Cobden, Edinburgh International Book Festival – Paper Trails project looks over Edinburgh Sketcher postcards for Festival City Stories at Edinburgh Printmakers | Credit Iain MacKay
EIBF activity so far has included poetry residencies in care homes with the Mobile Library, author talks at Muirhouse Library, an intergenerational storytelling project at Ratho Library and zine-making sessions at Liberton High School Library.
Edinburgh Art Festival – World AIDS Day marked World AIDS Day on 1 December 2025 with a celebration of the ongoing work of Ally Van Tillo: Leith resident, and pioneering activist in the Scottish fight against the AIDS crisis.
People gathered to watch a documentary, participate in a table discussion, and experience a musical performance before congregating outside for a torchlight procession.
Edinburgh International Festival – Welcome to the International Festival was a course tailored for international residents in Edinburgh, inviting group members to explore how experiencing different cultures connect us through workshops. These culminated in an international community meal featuring performances by International Festival performers.
Edinburgh International Children’s Festival – Creative Encounters – Election performance. Part of Imaginate’s landmark project, Creative Encounters,Election by Bishop May Down, commissioned by North Edinburgh Youth Arts Collective, imagined children as bigwig decisionmakers with the power to make real change. Three eleven-year-olds in oversized suits and fake moustaches delivered a political manifesto, offering a child’s perspective on what is valuable in the world.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe – Generation Fringe, formerly Fringe Young Ambassadors, works with young people from high schools around Edinburgh to explore careers pathways to the arts. The project aims to engage and inspire young people, introducing them to parts of the industry they might not have known existed, and provides opportunities to visit Fringe venues and arts spaces around Edinburgh.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival – BSL Apprenticeship Programme. Hosted by Deaf storyteller Tania Allan, the Festival set up the BSL storytelling workshops at the Blackwood Bar, to provide a welcoming space where the Deaf community can come together to share stories, humour, memories or anything they feel inspired to perform in BSL.
Edinburgh International Film Festival – In Conversation. Edinburgh International Film Festival’sdynamic programme offers audiences the opportunity to engage directly with filmmakers and creative talent, through In Conversation events and post-screening Q&As.
Belinda McElhinney, Chair, Festivals Edinburgh said: “Residents are the lifeblood of our festivals and so it’s great to have this opportunity to highlight the year-round partnerships between the festivals and their local communities, with thanks especially to BuildHollywood Scotland for their support and to the Edinburgh Sketcher who beautifully presents the many festival community projects in his unique creative style.”
Charlotte Black, General Manager, BUILDHOLLYWOOD Scotland has said: “It’s been a real pleasure to once again champion the many incredible stories behind our city’s leading festivals and their collaborations with our vibrant, creative communities, organisations and schools.
“Through the magic of the Edinburgh Sketcher and handwritten postcards from participants, these stories have been brought to life beautifully. Together, they form a series of rich visuals we’re proud to platform across our posters and billboard sites throughout the city.”
Mark Kirkham, The Edinburgh Sketcher has said: “I am so pleased to work with Festivals Edinburgh and BUILDHOLLYWOOD Scotland to create these sketches that showcase the great community work that many of Edinburgh’s festivals are doing as part of the Festival City Stories project.
“Seeing the work going on behind the scenes in my community and meeting the many people who are coming together to help others and to make lives easier for locals and visitors to the city has been a very positive and hopeful experience.
“I hope these sketches capture some of the energy of these happy occasions and lead to more people taking an interest and finding out more about the events the Edinburgh festivals are running within the city throughout the year.”
Mark Kirkham at the Dundee Street hoardings | Credit Iain MacKay
Survey shows stigma could be holding people back from seeking support
People may be missing out on social security support they are entitled to due to stigma around social security, new research shows.
Independent research commissioned by Social Security Scotland found that while nine in ten (91%) people agree anyone could need financial support when their circumstances change – four in ten (39%) say applying would make them feel less positive about themselves. This rises to almost half (48%) among 16 to 34-year-olds.
The survey also shows how negative portrayals could be fuelling this. Three quarters (75%) of people believe those who receive social security support are portrayed negatively by politicians and/or the media. Almost four in ten (39%) of people surveyed agreed people who receive social security are judged negatively by their family and friends.
Social Justice Secretary @S_A_Somerville visited Townhead Village Hall today to speak with @PovertyAlliance, @GDA__online and clients about the impact of stigma, social security and what this means to them.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Everyone should be able to access support without fear or shame, and these findings reinforce why we are delivering social security differently in Scotland — through a system rooted in dignity, fairness and respect.
“From the language we use to how we deliver our services – we designed our social security system based on feedback from people with lived experience. This has included using more compassionate language in letters, providing help in a format or language that best suits the individual and offering help with applications online, over the phone and in person. We all share responsibility for talking about social security with kindness – words matter.
“We’ll continue to work with clients and stakeholders to make further improvements and help break down the barriers that stop too many people getting the help they are entitled to.”
David Reilly, Communities and Networks Manager at Poverty Alliance added: “Our social security is a public good like the NHS – it’s there for everybody, especially those who need it most.
“There are 1.1 million people in Scotland who are struggling today on a low income – they have the same right to thrive as everybody else.
“But prejudice and negative stereotypes, often starting in our media and politics, then trickling down into our own communities and families – this unfair judgement can hold people back from reaching out and claiming what they’re entitled to – sometimes to the point of starvation and destitution. That’s simply wrong.
“Together, we can stand up for each other and reclaim the idea of social security as a basic human right, and a foundation that allows people to build better futures for themselves and their households.”
Stigma around benefits is still a barrier for many people across Scotland.
Julie shares her experience of accessing support for her family and why challenging stigma matters.
Karen Wylie, Policy and Participation Manager at Glasgow Disability Alliance (GDA) added: “GDA hears from our members that disability benefits are a lifeline not a luxury for disabled people.
“In our survey conducted in October 2025, we heard that stigma played a significant, prohibitive role in how and when people apply for benefits.
“Our members call for a change in narrative around social security so that it’s seen as a human right that not only covers the basics but also covers the additional costs of being disabled and enables people to live full and participative lives with choice and control.”
Professor Alexis Jay has agreed to chair a statutory Public Inquiry to examine Scotland’s response to group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation (CSAE).
In a statement to Parliament, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth confirmed the Scottish Government’s intention to establish a targeted independent Inquiry and establish a Scottish Truth Project.
The Inquiry will focus on the prevalence of group-based CSAE now and in the recent past, whether brought forward by survivors or relating to findings from the independent National Review being led by four Inspectorates.
The new Inquiry will be distinct from the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI), chaired by Lady Smith. The Scottish Government will ensure the new Inquiry does not duplicate the valuable work of the SCAI.
The scope of the Inquiry and its detailed terms of reference will be finalised and confirmed in due course, following input from Prof Jay.
The Education Secretary also announced that the Government intends to establish a Truth Project in Scotland, to enable victims and survivors of CSAE to share their experiences to help inform change and access support.
This afternoon, I made a statement to the Scottish Parliament outlining the @scotgov’s position on protecting children from harm.
I confirmed my intention to establish a statutory public inquiry to consider Scotland’s response to group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation. pic.twitter.com/JkvPcOY2hn
Ms Gilruth said: “Survivors of abuse want to see accountability and improvement delivered as quickly as possible, and that sense of urgency is shared by the Scottish Government.
“We are determined to act decisively to protect children from the horrendous harm of child sexual abuse and exploitation.
“I consider the establishment of a Public Inquiry to be essential, and from discussions I know Professor Jay wants to ensure that the Inquiry is carried out at pace. Announcing an Independent Public Inquiry today will not cure all which has come before, but it is a statement of intent from this Government that we will leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice for survivors of child sexual abuse.
“The work of the National Review and Police Scotland’s ongoing review of cases of group-based abuse will ensure that any improvements that must be made to practice or action to bring perpetrators to justice is taken as quickly as possible.
“The Truth Project, to be led by John O’Brien, will ensure that the voice of survivors is central to our collective efforts so that every action is informed by their experience and brings about the changes they have told me must be made.”
Professor Alexis Jay said: “The sexual and criminal exploitation of children entails abuse of the most horrific kind, usually at the hands of many perpetrators.The Public Inquiry will get to the truth of exploitation in Scotland in the past and the present, in order to prevent it in the future.
“It will examine the extent to which public authorities and other organisations effectively identify the risk of child exploitation and take action to protect children. I will engage with victims and survivors early, as the terms of reference are formed.”
Commenting on the Scottish Government announcement today of a public inquiry into grooming gangs in Scotland, Mary Glasgow, Chief Executive of Children First said: “Children First have long supported victims and survivors of child sexual abuse to fight for better systems of prevention, detection and protection. Scotland has a duty to confront the harm children have suffered and to put a stop to more children being abused.
“We now need to see full details of this inquiry so we can understand its scope and how it will ensure children’s voices and rights are placed at its centre.
“What cannot wait is urgent investment in specialist support like that provided by Bairns Hoose. This must be made available to every child who needs it so they can safely disclose harm and receive all the help they need to heal and reclaim their childhood.”
Edinburgh International Book Festival (EIBF) has announced that Life in a Scotch Sitting Room, Vol. 0 – its acclaimed original production created by Hamish Hawk and band, commissioned for the 2025 Festival – will tour major UK venues in spring 2026, marking a significant new chapter for one of the Book Festival’s most distinctive recent commissions.
First developed for EIBF, Life in a Scotch Sitting Room, Vol. 0 blends music, storytelling and performance into a sharply observed, darkly funny and deeply Scottish meditation on class, domestic life and identity.
Following its inaugural performance in August 2025, the production will now reach new audiences across the UK, with dates confirmed for Manchester, Bristol, London and Glasgow.
Tour dates (2026)
Wednesday 30 April – O2 Ritz Manchester
Thursday 1 May – The Lantern, Bristol
Friday 2 May – Bloomsbury Theatre, London
Sunday 10 May – Òran Mór, Glasgow
Tour dates were announced on Monday 23 February 2026, with pre‑sale access for the Hamish Hawk mailing list opening on Wednesday 25 February, ahead of general sale on Friday 27 February.
The tour announcement reinforces EIBF’s growing reputation as both the world’s leading festival of words and ideas and a commissioning force that nurtures bold, genre‑defying work with a life far beyond the Book Festival itself – a reputation recognised when it won ‘Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival’ at the Scottish Thistle Awards in late 2025.
Hamish Hawk said:““Life in a Scotch Sitting Room, Vol. 0 grew out of a very particular moment and place at EIBF, and it’s been extraordinary to see it resonate so widely.
“Taking it on tour feels like an expansion of that original invitation – into new rooms, new cities, new conversations.”
Jenny Niven, Director of Edinburgh International Book Festival, said:“Commissioning original work is at the heart of what EIBF exists to do. From the beginning, Life in a Scotch Sitting Room, Vol. 0 felt like a project with a life beyond the Book Festival – bold, playful, and rooted in a distinctly Scottish sensibility while speaking to much wider audiences.
“We’re thrilled to see this commission tour the UK and reach new stages and communities.”
The tour brings together music fans and theatre audiences, underscoring EIBF’s distinctive place at the crossroads of live performance, storytelling and contemporary culture.
With Hamish Hawk fresh from a sold‑out, show‑stopping Barrowland Ballroom gig, a headline support slot at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations, and a recent SAY Award shortlist nod, the Book Festival clearly joined forces early with one of Scotland’s most compelling rising artists.
