advice – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Acas urges employers to aim for gold medal team line ups for the Olympics

Workplace expert, Acas, has issued top tips today to help employers prepare for potential issues that could arise during the 2024 Olympics Games in Paris that start on Friday.

Paris 2024 will take place between Friday 26 July and Sunday 11 August 2024. Acas advises employers and small businesses to have agreements in place that cover requests for time off, sickness absence, website use during working hours or watching TV during this period.

Relais de la flamme des Jeux Olympiques de Paris 2024, Val-de-Marne

Acas Chief Executive, Susan Clews, said: “Paris 2024 will be an exciting event for many sports fans but staff should avoid getting disqualified for unreasonable demands or behaviour in the workplace during this period.

“For many businesses, maintaining a certain staffing level is critical in order to survive and sprint to that finish line. Employers should have a set of simple workplace agreements in place before the starting gun goes off for the Olympic Games. These agreements can help ensure businesses remain productive while keeping staff happy too, which are key ingredients for a gold medal winning team line up.

“Our top tips can help managers get the best from their team athletes by planning for potential hurdles, arranging team relay handovers if necessary and avoiding unnecessary false starts.”

Acas offers some top tips for employers to consider for the 2024 Olympic Games:

Time Off – Employers may wish to look at being a little more flexible when allowing employees time off during this period and employees should remember that it may not always be possible to book a holiday. The key is for both parties to try and come to an agreement. All requests for leave should be considered fairly. A consistent approach should be applied for holiday requests for other major sporting events too.

Sickness absence – Employers may want to remind staff that their sickness and attendance policies will still apply during the Olympics. Any unauthorised absence, patterns of absence or late attendance are likely to be investigated and could result in formal proceedings.

Flexibility – One possible option is to have a more flexible working day. Employees could come in a little later or finish sooner and then agree when this time can be made up.

Allowing staff to listen to the radio or watch the TV may be another possible option. Employers could also allow staff to take a break during popular events. Another option is to look at allowing staff to swap shifts with their manager’s permission.

It is important for employers to be fair and consistent with all staff if they allow additional benefits during the Olympics. Any change in hours or flexibility in working hours should be approved before the event.

Use of social media and websites – there may be an increase in the use of social media or websites covering Paris 2024. Employers may wish to remind staff of any policies on the use of social media and websites during working hours. The policies should be clear on what is and is not acceptable web use.

Young Brits warned of dangers of modern slavery abroad

Young people travelling to popular holiday destinations to work in bars and clubs have been given advice on the dangers of labour exploitation

Thousands of young people travelling to popular holiday destinations including Ibiza, Majorca and Menorca to work in bars and clubs have been given advice on the dangers of labour exploitation.

Border Force officers have been running Operation Karetu at 22 airports across the UK, targeting young people travelling to work in Mediterranean destinations who could be at risk of exploitation, criminality and illegal working.

The month long operation has so far seen officers engage with over 1,000 young Brits, providing them with leaflets and guidance on how to avoid the risks involved as unofficial public relations (PR) reps – work that involves touting people into clubs and bars.

Young holidaymakers who travel abroad every year to work in the hospitality industry risk being forced to work long hours for low wages. Risks include working illegally due to a lack of knowledge about EU employment regulations or being exploited by serious organised criminal gangs. 

Operation Karetu was initially launched in 2018 amid concerns over the welfare of young British nationals being exposed to different types of exploitation particularly labour and sexual exploitation. The Operation has had significant success and since 2022 there have been zero cases of labour exploitation reported to the British Consular in the Balearics.

However, many cases of Labour exploitation go undetected, and Border Force continue to run Operation Karetu every year as an important preventative operation to protect young people.

Home Office Minister, Seema Malhotra said: “Travelling abroad for a summer in the sun is an exciting prospect for thousands of young people across the country, but it’s important they’re able to do that safely.

“Operation Karetu is just one example of Border Force’s work to protect the British public, ensuring young people are kept safe from unscrupulous employers.”

This year’s operation was specifically targeting the Balearic Islands, which includes popular tourist destinations such as Ibiza, Majorca, and Menorca.

The operation began on 17 June and is running until 19 July this year, and is carried out in partnership with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the modern slavery charity, Unseen, and British embassies abroad.

Border Force carries out Operation Karetu annually as part of its Prevent and Protect strategies, to end involvement in exploitation and strengthen safeguards by protecting individuals, organisations and systems.    

Key advice from Border Force officers to people considering working abroad are:  

Working while a tourist in the EU is illegal. If you are not an EU national or legally resident in the EU, you need a job offer, work permit and visa. More information is available on Travelling to the EU and Schengen area – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
Check you have a visa and a contract before starting your job.  
Ask about accommodation and find out the rent/costs. Do this before accepting accommodation as part of a job offer.  
Keep hold of your passport at all times. If it is taken, report it to police. You can contact the local British Consulate for help and advice. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

The Border Force operation is supported by modern slavery charity Unseen, who operate the Modern Slavery Helpline. Anyone feeling vulnerable about their work or finances can contact the Modern Slavery Helpline, in confidence, on 08000 121 700. 

The operation is just one part of the work Border Force carries out to address modern slavery and trafficking. All front-line Border Force officers are trained to identify signs of modern slavery and make the necessary referrals. 

As Larry the cat gains a new housemate in Downing Street, a leading vet charity shares its tips on introducing pets to one another

As the Prime Minister and his family take up residence in Downing Street, the nation’s celebrated chief mouse-catcher, Larry, will no longer be the only kit-on-the-block, as JoJo, Sir Keir Starmer’s cat, moves in.

Welcoming new furry family members can be an exciting moment for any pet owner, but it’s important that they are introduced to everyone in the household – especially existing pets – in an appropriate and calm manner.

To help pet owners, national pet charity, PDSA, has shared its top tips on welcoming new and existing pets to one another to ensure a friendly first impression.

PDSA Vet Nurse, Gemma Renwick, says: “Cats are naturally solitary animals and, like Larry appears to feel at Downing Street, they are usually quite happy being the only pet in the household.

“However, there are some steps you can take should you be looking to introduce a second pet into the family to help create a peaceful and orderly transition.”

Create separate constituencies

“According to PDSA’s 2024 PAW Report, almost a fifth (17%) of cats that co-habit together don’t always get along, so it’s important to make sure you have prepared the purr-fect environment to create the best opportunity for both furry family members to stay happy and healthy. Setting up separate safe spaces (ideally in a quiet room) for each pet will provide each of them with a private place they can call their own and hide, should there be any disruptions in household politics.

“As well as each furry family member having their own safe place, make sure there are options for both of them to relax around the house without getting in each other’s way. Cats like to be up high so tiered cat trees or wall-mounted cat shelves provide an ideal escape route for your newly introduced puss and will help them feel safer settling into their home as they’ll be able to survey what’s going on in their party.

“In general, cats prefer to eat on their own and well away from their toileting area, so consider setting up separate food and water stations, well away from litter trays. Make sure they’re out of the reach of other pets to help stop them from becoming stressed. Consider a microchip feeder to prevent them from stealing each other’s food! Each cat will need a litter tray each plus one extra, again in separate areas of the house. If you are introducing a dog to an existing cat household, make sure you clean up your cat’s litter tray as soon as possible and that it’s out of your pup’s way.

Scent swapping

“In an ideal world, new and existing pets should be given a few days to get used to each other’s scent before they meet. If you’re bringing your pet home from a rescue centre or breeder, you may be able to take blankets with your current pet’s scent on. This can be introduced to your new pet so that they can familiarise themselves with your current pet’s smell before they arrive at their new home.

“Another way of ‘scent swapping’ is to collect your pet’s scent on a new cloth and place this in your new furry family member’s bed. To do this, take a clean, soft cloth and gently rub it around your cat’s cheeks via their scent glands, or under your dog’s armpits. This simple trick will help each pet get used to each other before they meet – a bit like having a phone call with someone before you greet them face-to-face.

Building a coalition

“When they first come home, if possible, keep both pets in separate safe spaces by using a baby gate, where each furry member of the household can have their own space to explore freely and start to familiarise themselves with their surroundings.

“Once your new furry family member is well-adjusted, allow your pets to become aware of each other from their individual safe spots. Use food to reward them for calm behaviour, along with plenty of fuss and praise. If you are using food as a reward, make sure that both pets receive equal amounts and that they’re not close together when eating – that way they won’t be worried about the other stealing their treats! Give them both time to adjust and settle – the time this takes can vary and will be based on the individual pets. You should notice them gradually getting used to each other in a calm and comfortable manner.

“Once your pets seem happy in each other’s company, you could remove the barrier while continuing to maintain safe spaces they can retreat to if needed. If you are introducing a dog and cat, it’s best to put your dog on a lead at first and ensure your cat has escape routes. Keep the area calm, avoiding unnecessary noise such as the TV/radio.

“Although your pets may seem comfortable with one another, remember to always keep an eye on their body language to make sure they are continuing to get along.”

For more information on introducing cats into households with existing pets, visit: www.pdsa.org.uk/StressInCats

BBQ food preparation advice

It’s common to fire up the BBQ in sunny weather. But, it’s important to follow food safety advice.

This helps to avoid contaminating your food and food poisoning.

Do

follow all instructions on the packaging – some foods can be cooked from frozen, while others need to be defrosted in advance
defrost meat thoroughly before cooking, ideally in your fridge
cook food in the oven before finishing on the barbeque to ensure it’s cooked all the way through
keep meat and ready to eat foods separate – like salad and bread
turn food regularly to cook it evenly
use separate utensils for raw and cooked meats
heat foods until steaming hot before eating
wash ready to eat salad bags and all foods that can be eaten without peeling

Don’t

do not use a sauce or marinade for cooked food that’s had raw meat in it
do not wash uncooked meat
do not eat hot foods that have been left out in the heat – especially foods like cooked rice, cooked meats, shellfish and dairy products

Avoiding bugs and germs outdoors

The summer months are an opportunity to get out and enjoy outdoor spaces. This can be brilliant for both your physical and mental health. But, be mindful that a small number of people each year are affected by infections caught outdoors.

Do

wear gloves while gardening, especially if you handle compost, as there can be Legionella bacteria
wear a mask if you’re working on anything dusty
wash your hands after doing outdoor activities
wash your hands thoroughly if you’ve been in contact with farm animals or the environment where they’re kept – like a gate, fence or building
be aware of when and where you can be bitten by ticks – ticks in Scotland can carry the germ that causes Lyme disease
take plenty of clean drinking water when you’re outdoors
use chemical treatments or boil water to make untreated water safe to drink

Don’t

do not drink untreated water – germs like E.coli can contaminate lochs, rivers and burns and can be harmful if swallowed

More than just a Store: National Pet Shop Day to celebrate services and solutions on the high street

Despite pet shops and stores having the trust of most UK pet owners, 62.50% of those based in Scotland are still opting to consult a vet for guidance on tackling common minor health issues such as fleas, as evidenced in Johnson’s Veterinary Product’s purchasing habits report.

It is this startling fact that has led Johnson’s to announce the launch of the UK’s first ever National Pet Shop Day, as a way of celebrating the huge breadth of support, products, services and advice that high street retailers are able to provide direct to pet owners who have concerns about their pet’s health and wellbeing.

Taking place on 13 July 2023, pet shops and stores across the UK will throw open their doors and invite pet owners to come in and discover more about how they offer viable, affordable options for dealing with commonly occurring minor healthcare ailments such as fleas, ticks or worms.

It is hoped the occasion will encourage pet owners to discover, or in some cases rediscover, the value that local pet shops can provide, marking the beginning of a positive, long-term relationship that will encourage owners to think twice when seeking help in caring for pets.

Paul Gwynn, Managing Director at Johnson’s Veterinary products, explained: “Pet shops and stores are the local health and wellbeing hubs of the pet world, but we find that many people are often so rooted to their longstanding routines, that they perhaps don’t even consider that they can also get experienced advice or assistance about a whole host of frequent minor pet health issues whilst picking-up their other pet essentials in store.

“There is a lot of value to be discovered by visiting local pet shops and stores and consulting experienced in-store staff, as they have a wealth of knowledge within their teams that has been built over many years, in some cases decades.

“They can often help to spot the signs of and give advice about issues such as fleas, ticks and worms, and therefore are well placed to provide practical advice and product solutions for both these, and a range of other, more general, wellbeing concerns directly in store.

“With National Pet Shop Day, we want to mark the ongoing, positive contribution that these pet shops and stores make to society, and in doing so provide animal lovers with the confidence that they can handle their pet’s conditions effectively and efficiently, without always breaking the bank. These retailers are far more than a point of purchase – they are the bedrock of the pet owning community and are always ready and willing to help.”

“We are confident that the day will be beneficial for everyone participating, representing an important first step towards building relationships between shops and pet owners, whilst opening the door to affordable pet care.”

For more information about National Pet Shop Day, or to search for retailers participating locally, please visit https://nationalpetshopday.com/

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Catch Up with a Cop at Stockbridge Market today

The next Catch Up with a Cop at Stockbridge Market will be held today – Sunday 30th June, from 1100 hours.

This 3 -weekly surgery is a chance to speak to your beat officer, report crimes/issues/intel, or obtain advice. People are also welcome to bring children along to meet a police officer and ask us questions.

It’s been a useful resource so far this year for many people, and the North West Community Policing Team would like to thank Stockbridge Market for hosting them.

E. coli advice issued amid rise in cases

UKHSA is working with partners to investigate a Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) outbreak

As of 25 June, there have been a further 19 cases associated with the recent outbreak of STEC O145 since the last update a week ago, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 275 in the UK.

All currently confirmed cases had symptom onset dates before 4 June. Although case reporting rates are declining, we expect to see more cases linked to this outbreak as further samples are referred to us from NHS laboratories and whole genome sequencing is conducted.

Confirmed case totals:

182 in England
58 in Scotland
31 in Wales
4 in Northern Ireland (evidence suggests that they acquired their infection in England)

Based on information from 249 cases to date, 49% were admitted to hospital.

Through surveillance, UKHSA has identified 2 individuals in England who died within 28 days of infection with the STEC outbreak strain.

Based on the information available from health service clinicians one of these deaths is likely linked to their STEC infection. Both individuals had underlying medical conditions. The deaths occurred in May.

Amy Douglas, Incident Director at UKHSA, said: “We’re pleased that fewer cases have been reported, however we still expect to see a few more cases linked to this outbreak as further samples are referred to us for testing.

“Symptoms of infections with STEC include severe and sometimes bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and fever. While diarrhoea and vomiting can have a range of causes, there are simple steps you can take to reduce your risk and the risk of infecting others.

“Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using disinfectants to clean surfaces will help stop any further spread of infection. If you are unwell, you should not prepare food for others while unwell and avoid visiting people in hospitals or care homes to avoid passing on the infection in these settings. Do not return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped.

“If you are concerned about your symptoms, follow NHS.UK guidance on when to seek help and the steps you can take to avoid further spread to family and friends.”

Darren Whitby, Head of Incidents at the FSA said: “Earlier this month, we confirmed that several sandwich manufacturers had taken precautionary action to withdraw and recall various sandwiches, wraps, subs and rolls after food chain and epidemiological links enabled us to narrow down a wide range of foods to a type of lettuce used in sandwich products as the likely cause of the outbreak.

“This remains a complex investigation and we continue to work with the relevant businesses and the local authorities to ensure necessary steps are being taken to protect consumers.

“Although we are confident in the likely source of the outbreak being linked to lettuce, work continues to confirm this and identify the root cause of the outbreak with the growers, suppliers and manufacturers so that actions can be taken to prevent a re-occurrence.”

For more information, see the interim summary report from the multi-agency investigation into outbreak STEC O145 identified in May 2024.

How to get a good night’s sleep

WHY SLEEP MATTERS

GETTING regular sleep can be the key to having stronger bones and healthier joints, a leading expert has said.

Dr Taher Mahmud, a consultant rheumatologist at the London Osteoporosis Clinic, says people often underestimate the importance of sleep in maintaining bone health.

He said: “I treat hundreds of patients each year suffering with bone or joint issues, and there is always one area they commonly overlook – sleep. Many of us sacrifice sleep in favour of productivity, but the truth is that getting enough rest can profoundly affect our overall well-being.

“While many people focus on diet and exercise as part of their health routine, sleep is equally crucial, and it plays a pivotal role in maintaining physical and mental well-being.

“It also plays a critical role in factors as wide ranging as a healthy immune system to weight loss.

“Quality sleep is not just beneficial—it’s essential for those managing conditions like osteoporosis and arthritis and plays a significant role in their prevention.”

Six health benefits of sleep

Enhanced Cognitive Function

One of the most important benefits of sleep is its impact on cognitive function. When you sleep, your brain consolidates memories and processes information from the day. This leads to improved learning, problem-solving skills, and overall mental clarity. Without enough sleep, your cognitive abilities can become impaired, affecting your performance at work or school.

Boosted Immune System

Sleep plays a vital role in supporting your immune system. During sleep, your body produces cytokines, a type of protein that helps fight infection and inflammation. Getting enough rest can help your body defend against illnesses such as the common cold and flu. On the other hand, chronic sleep deprivation can weaken your immune response, making you more susceptible to getting sick.

Weight Management

Believe it or not, sleep also plays a role in weight management. Lack of sleep can disrupt the balance of hormones that control appetite, leading to increased cravings for unhealthy foods. Additionally, sleep deprivation can slow down your metabolism, making it harder to lose weight. By prioritising sleep, you can support your weight loss goals and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Emotional well-being

Sleep has a significant impact on emotional well-being. When you are well-rested, you are better equipped to handle stress and regulate your emotions. On the other hand, sleep deprivation can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and depression. Getting enough rest can improve your mood, increase your resilience to stress, and enhance your overall emotional health.

Combating Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis, characterised by weakened bones, can be influenced by sleep patterns. Poor sleep quality and duration can increase cortisol levels, a stress hormone that can negatively impact bone density. Additionally, insufficient sleep can impair the body’s ability to repair and build bone tissue, exacerbating the risk of fractures.

Helping to manage the pain of arthritis

Sleep is crucial for managing pain and inflammation for those with arthritis. Poor sleep can heighten the perception of pain and lower pain thresholds, making arthritis symptoms more severe. Moreover, a lack of restorative sleep can lead to increased fatigue, reducing the ability to manage daily activities effectively.

Practical Tips for Better Sleep

We all know sleep is important, but for many the problem is how to get better sleep. But instead of worrying about a lack of sleep, Dr Mahmud has practical tips for better sleep which can be incorporated into a daily routine.

Establish a Routine. A sleep schedule, even on weekends, can help regulate your internal clock allowing you a structured sleep and making sleep a habit to which your body responds.
Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment. Light is the most important factor affecting sleep. It plays a central role in regulating circadian rhythm, the body’s internal clock. Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet and cool. It is also worth investing in a comfortable mattress and pillows.
Limit screen time. The blue light emitted from electronic devices suppresses the body’s release of melatonin, the hormone which makes us feel drowsy. For better sleep, avoid screens for at least an hour before bed.
Mind Your Diet: Avoid caffeine and heavy meals close to bedtime. Even six hours before you go to bed, caffeine can have a negative impact on your sleep.
Consciously wind down: Winding down before you get into bed can help you sleep and help you avoid tossing and turning as you try to drift off. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga before bed.

Advice for residents on returning postal votes or applying for a new proxy vote

The city council is issuing guidance so everyone is able to cast their vote in the General Election on 4 July.

If you applied for a postal vote by 7 June, then this has been posted out and should arrive soon if you haven’t already received it. If you applied for one between 8-19 June it will be sent out by this weekend. Further information can be found on our website.

Please fill your postal vote in as soon as possible once you receive it and post it back to us.

When filling out your postal vote if you’ve separated the statement from envelope A this isn’t an issue, please just send everything back. Don’t worry about using blue ink.

If you need a proxy vote, where someone votes on your behalf, the deadline for new applications is tomorrow (26 June) at 5pm. Guidance on proxy votes is available on our website.

If you are going to vote in person, this is the first UK General Election where voters must show a form of photo identification (ID) to cast their ballot.

A list of approved forms of ID and information on how to obtain a free Voter Authority Certificate are also available on the website.

The deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate to vote in the 2024 General Election is also tomorrow (26 June) at 5pm.

The Council’s website has a full list of candidates standing in Edinburgh’s five parliamentary constituencies.

Pet charities unite to issue hot weather warning to cat and dog owners

Cats Protection and Dogs Trust have joined forces to help owners keep their cats and dogs safe in the sun this summer.

The two leading pet charities say that despite their different quirks and behaviours, cats and dogs are equally as vulnerable when it comes to hot weather.

Alison Richards, Head of Clinical Services for Cats Protection, said: “We’re a nation of pet lovers and whether you’re a cat person or a dog person – or maybe a bit of both – you’ll want to keep your pet safe this summer.

“Many pets love to enjoy the great outdoors, but it’s important to bear in mind that very hot weather can put them at risk of illness and injury.”

Paula Boyden, Veterinary Director of Dogs Trust, says: “The sunshine might be great for us, however hot weather can cause problems for our canine friends.

“Dogs can’t regulate their body heat in the same way as humans, so extra care needs to be taken, especially when exercising or travelling in the car. In this weather, there is no safe amount of time to leave your dog alone in the car, even if you leave the window open.

“The good news is that steps can be taken to prevent our dogs suffering, such as only walking dogs in the coolest parts of the day, reducing their exercise, ensuring dogs have access to somewhere cool and shady to lay down and making sure they always have access to fresh water.”

The two charities have come up with a checklist to help owners keep cats and dogs safe this summer:

Be sun safe: Very hot weather can cause serious injuries in both cats and dogs. Dogs walked on tarmac can suffer painful burns to their paws, so it’s important to check the ground on warm days. You can do this by holding your hand to the ground for five seconds – if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog. While cats will generally find themselves a cool spot on hot days, it’s important to remember they can suffer sunburn and develop skin cancer. Cats with white ears are particularly at risk, so speak to your vet about suitable suncream.

Keep cool: Heatstroke can be serious for both cats and dogs and in some cases, it can be fatal. It’s a good idea to keep your pet indoors between 10am and 3pm on hot days and wait until it’s cooler in the evening to walk dogs or let cats outside. Even in mild temperatures, the biggest cause of heatstroke in dogs is exercise. In both cats and dogs, brachycephalic breeds – those with flat faces such as pugs or Persian cats – will be at increased risk of heatstroke, as their short facial structure can cause breathing difficulties and make it harder for them to keep cool. Kittens, puppies and elderly cats and dogs will also be at higher risk, as will those which have underlying health conditions.

Signs of heatstroke: Cats or dogs suffering with heatstroke will need urgent veterinary treatment, so owners should be familiar with the signs. For both cats and dogs, this can include heavy breathing or panting, excessive drooling, diarrhoea, confusion, restlessness, vomiting, being drowsy and collapsing. If you suspect your pet has been affected by heatstroke, call your vet immediately for advice.

Water and shade: Just like humans, cats and dogs can easily become dehydrated in hot weather, so make sure they have plenty of fresh water. Pop an extra water bowl in the garden if your pet is outdoors a lot, and make sure pets always have access to shade.

Be plant aware: Some garden plants can be highly poisonous, so take a look around the garden to see if there’s anything which may pose a risk to your pet. Lilies are particularly dangerous for cats, and ingesting just a small amount of pollen can be fatal.

Garden hazards: Most cats and dogs love spending more time in the garden in warm weather, so take a few minutes every week to check its safe for them. Check fences for any broken panels which dogs can escape from, or any sharp edges which may catch your pet. If you keep chemicals, engine oils or antifreeze in your shed, make sure these cannot be reached by inquisitive pets, as these can be toxic.

Never leave pets in cars: Pets should never be left alone in cars as even just a few minutes in a hot car can prove fatal. As cats and dogs can’t cool down the same way as humans, the heat can quickly become dangerous for them.   If you see a pet in a car in distress, call 999 immediately.

For more information on keeping cats and dogs safe this summer, visit:

cats.org.uk or dogstrust.org.uk