As university students around Scotland enrol on their undergraduate courses this September, scammers continue to employ new and creative methods to defraud unsuspecting students out of thousands of pounds online.
With this in mind, David Janssen, a cybersecurity expert and founder of VPNOverview, has put together a list of the most common online student scams, including what to look out for and how to avoid them.
1. Student Loans Company (SLC) phishing scam
If your course is starting in September this year, then your government student loan will be paid to you in three instalments, which you should receive during September, January and April.
Scammers will choose to send ‘phishing’ emails or texts to students during these months, in which they falsely pose as the Student Loans Company asking you to verify personal banking information. These texts or emails often ask the user to log into their account and confirm their banking details via a ‘secure link’ in order to receive their first loan payment. This link will then direct the user to a copycat webpage that replicates the SLC website, which then steals your personal and banking details.
While these emails can be quite convincing, giveaways you have received an SLC scam email include; spelling or grammatical errors in the body of text, pixelated or stretched images of SLC logos and generic greetings such as ‘Dear Sir/Madam/Student.’
Remember, SLC will never ask you to confirm your bank details via email or text message. Only ever log into your student finance account through the government login portal to check or update your loan payment details. If you suspect you have received a phishing text or email, forward it to phishing@slc.co.uk or your university IT department before deleting it.
2. HMRC tax rebate scam
University students often choose to take on a part-time job in order to provide an additional source of income to help cover their cost of living. For some this may be their first time in employment, meaning they haven’t paid tax before and are unfamiliar with genuine contact from HMRC, making them more vulnerable to online scammers.
Cybercriminals will send text messages and emails to students, claiming to be from HMRC, stating that the individual is owed a tax refund. The message will then prompt the person to first confirm their details through the link provided in order to receive this money.
Much like Student Loan Company scams, these texts and emails can be quite convincing and will use images and formal language to make the user believe it is legitimate. The link will either lead to a fake website, where the user unknowingly hands over their personal details, or it will download malware onto the user’s device which then harvests their personal information.
It’s important to note that HMRC will never ask you to click through on any links in their communication with you. If you are genuinely entitled to a tax refund, HMRC will send you a letter stating so. If you are unsure whether you have received a scam HMRC email, forward it to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk where they will confirm whether or not it is a legitimate correspondence. Scam texts can be forwarded for free to 60599.
3. Freshers Week ticket scam
As a new student, you are likely going to worry about missing out on key social events such as Freshers Week, where you can mix with other students during your first week of university.
Scammers will try to exploit students by posting fake student or freshers’ events on Instagram or Facebook, with the aim of pocketing your money. These events will often imply they are the only ‘official’ event and may include phrases such as ‘Limited availability’ or ‘Final Release’ in the event title, creating a sense of urgency to buy tickets so that you don’t miss out.
In reality, Freshers’ Week tickets rarely sell out, and some universities will even allow you to buy them throughout your first week of university. Even when buying a genuine Fresher’s Week ticket or wristband online, you may be required to purchase it through a separate designated website.
The best way to ensure that you are buying from the correct site is to visit your university’s official website and click through to the ticket page from there, rather than searching online or clicking through from Facebook or Instagram pages.
4. Facebook Marketplace scam
The majority of university courses require students to complete some form of additional reading outside of their lecture hours. However, as brand-new course textbooks can be expensive, many students opt for second-hand books from Facebook Marketplace or Facebook resale groups.
Scammers will often set up fake accounts, posing as a Facebook Marketplace seller promising to post the textbooks once you have bank transferred the money. Warning signs that you are dealing with a fraudulent seller include; their profile has only recently joined Facebook, they have limited or no profile pictures or there is little engagement from other users on their profile.
Even if the Facebook user appears authentic and trustworthy, avoid bank transferring money to people you do not know. Suggest meeting up on campus or in a public place, and offer to pay in cash rather than via bank transfer. Alternatively, Amazon sells used copies of textbooks through verified sellers, where you will have a level of buyer protection.
5. Student accommodation rental scam
A few months into your university experience you may begin looking for accommodation for your second year of study, which is often based off campus. Unfortunately, fraudulent landlords will be looking to make a quick buck from unsuspecting students looking to rent shared student accommodation.
One common rental scam involves the would-be ‘landlord’ listing a non-existent property online and then requesting for a holding deposit to be made in order to take the property off the market. The listing is then taken offline, and the landlord is no longer contactable.
Remember, if the price looks too good to be true then it probably is. Make sure you view the property in person before placing any kind of deposit and aim to use a trusted student letting agent to avoid falling victim to this type of scam.
Your university website or student union may also offer a list of verified and trusted letting agents located within your area.
As the cost of living crisis continues to bite, many university students will be looking for ways to cut back.
A recent study by the National Union of Students (NUS) found that a third of students are living on less than £50 a month after paying rent and bills. With the cost of living soaring, 96 per cent of students are cutting back on spending as a result.
Which? has nine tips for students wanting to save money while they study:
1. Choose the best student bank account
Choosing the best student bank account should be a priority. When looking for an account to suit your needs, Which? recommends finding one with a generous 0% overdraft that lasts for the length of your course.
Student bank account providers offer different perks and offers – so it’s worth making sure you get the deal best suited to you. For example, Santander offers a free four-year railcard which is worth around £90 but it doesn’t offer the largest interest-free overdraft and you’ll need to pay in £500 per term.
While NatWest offers one of the largest overdrafts for first-year students, the freebies, such as its one-year Tastecard membership, aren’t as valuable. Other accounts offer cash incentives of up to £100.
2. Consider what kind of laptop or computer you need
Most students find a laptop, rather than a desktop computer, better for university as they’re easy to carry around and don’t take up too much space. Don’t overspend on a laptop that’s too powerful for your needs. Between £250 and £400 should be enough if you’re only going to be researching and creating Word documents.
It’s worth searching for student discounts and deals on laptops. For instance, Lenovo offers up to 30 per cent off for students, but you might need to show a valid student ID. You can often find the best deals direct from manufacturers’ websites. For example, HP offers £150 cashback if you trade in an old laptop for a new one. Buying second hand or refurbished laptops is another way to save.
If you plan to work from home most of the time and you’re on a tight budget, a desktop computer might be a cost-effective option, especially if you already have a computer monitor, keyboard and mouse. Desktops typically have a faster processor, more ports and more RAM and storage, compared to the same-priced laptop.
Most universities have computers around campus for students to use, and some have laptops that can be used in their libraries.
3. Find out what additional support is available
Most universities offer additional financial support, particularly – although not exclusively – to students from lower-income families. The most common examples are bursaries and scholarships to help with some or all of a student’s tuition fees or living costs. Companies, charities and special-interest groups are all common sources of funding, too. Bursaries and scholarships may be awarded based on academic merit (i.e. achieving high grades at A-level), a talent or skill, and extracurricular achievements.
If you have a disability or dependants who rely on you for care or financial support (for example children, or parents you care for), you might be eligible for grants or allowances to help you. Students will be asked about this when applying for student finance, but it’s worth researching what your university, charities and other groups offer, too.
4. Share subscriptions with your flatmates
Lots of student accommodation doesn’t come with a television or TV licence, and many students rely on streaming services as a result. You can cut this cost by sharing streaming subscriptions within a household. Most services have plans that could help users save money, without losing their personalised features. For example, Spotify offers a Premium Duo plan for £13.99 a month for two people in the same household, saving £71.88 a year compared to the price of two individual subscriptions.
For larger households, the Spotify Premium Family plan for £16.99 a month allows up to six users to get premium benefits, saving a whopping £515.40 a year over six individual subscriptions. Amazon Prime also allows users to share benefits with another person in their household, halving the cost of having two separate accounts.
5. Buy books second hand
Students will no doubt be presented with a long list of books that they’ll need to buy as part of their course. Tutors often insist you buy them all, but it might be worth checking how many are mandatory and how many are ‘nice-to-haves’. Find out if any necessary books are available in your library to borrow, or if the relevant bits are available online to download for free. Some departments have their own second-hand book schemes, and many university bookshops sell second-hand copies as well. It could also be worth searching for cheaper second-hand copies on online marketplaces.
6. Find student discount codes
It’s always worth checking if you can pay less with a student discount, whether you’re going out for a pizza with friends or treating yourself to a new pair of jeans. Discounts can range from around 5 per cent to 40 per cent, so there are often big savings to be made. While students can typically use their physical student card in shops and restaurants, there are also online cards and schemes you can sign up for such as Totum, Tastecard, Unidays, Student Beans and International Student Card. Each service offers its own exclusive online discounts, so you’ll get different deals with each.
7. Look for freebies
Several companies offer freebies for students, so it’s worth searching for the best ones. For example, Amazon Prime offers six months free when you sign up to an Amazon Prime Student Trial. Students can also sign up for Microsoft’s Office 365 Education for free with their university email address. McDonald’s also offers a free cheeseburger, mayo chicken, or McFlurry Original when you buy any extra value or wrap meal and show a valid student or Student Beans ID.
8. Save money on bills
While those living in student accommodation will likely have their utilities included, students living off campus usually need to pay for this themselves. Think about ways you could reduce energy use for cheaper bills, such as cooking with housemates, charging your laptop on campus and not leaving gadgets on standby. Students are also exempt from paying council tax.
9. Save on transport
There are several ways to save on transport as a student. For example, the 16-25 railcard gives a third off rail journeys for just £30 per year, or £20 a year if you purchase via the Trainline before 31 August 2022.
You can also buy a railcard with £10 of Tesco Clubcard vouchers. National Express offers a Young Persons Coachcard for £15 that grants a third off journeys as well. It’s worth checking if you can get local travel cards or bus passes – different cities around the UK will have different options.
It might also be cost-effective to take a bike with you to save on transport costs. Some universities have their own bike loan schemes, so it’s worth checking when you arrive.
Reena Sewraz, Which? Senior Shopping and Money Editor, said: “University is already expensive and the rising cost of rent, food, energy and train fares, as well as books and other student essentials, means that many will be feeling the squeeze and looking for ways to cut back.
“There are ways to stay on top of things. Try sticking to a budget to keep track of your spending. Find a student bank account that offers a decent 0 per cent overdraft and perks that meet your needs. You can also save in a wide range of shops and restaurants with student discounts and offers – so it’s always worth keeping an eye out for deals.”
A list of the most frequently asked questions has been prepared to help give families in East Lothian more information around E-coli following a cluster of cases linked to local nurseries.
If, after reading this list, you still have questions or concerns about your own family circumstances, please get in touch.
A general information line on 0800 22 44 88 has been created through NHS24 to help families answer many of the questions they may be facing.
Background:
A cluster of cases of E-coli has been linked to nurseries in East Lothian. Four nurseries remain closed.
Cases of E-coli have been identified in Church Street Pear Tree Nursery and Meadowpark Pear Tree Nursery. Families have been informed of the actions they need to take.
Two other nurseries – West Road Pear Tree and Musselburgh Bridge Street Private Nursery – remain closed as a precaution after symptoms of a sickness bug were reported. Families have been informed and asked to provide samples if their child has had any symptoms to rule out the presence of E-coli.
There are currently in excess of 34 confirmed cases.
All children and staff from both Pear Tree Nursery at Church Street Pear Tree Nursery and Meadowpark Pear Tree Nursery have been formally excluded under the Public Health Act and need to go through the clearance process.
Children and staff attending the Pear Tree Nursery at West Road and Musselburgh Bridge Street Private Nursery have been advised to hand in samples if they have had Gastrointestinal symptoms.
Information last updated 22nd August 2022
General Questions
Q. What are the main symptoms of E.coli?
A. E.coli can cause:
Nausea
Vomiting
Stomach pains
Diarrhoea
Bloody diarrhoea
Fever
Q. Why is E.coli so serious?
A. Infection with this bug can have a range of effects from mild diarrhoea, to bloody diarrhoea and in a small proportion of cases it can cause serious complications such as kidney failure. Complications are more common in children aged under five or the elderly.
Q. Where does E.coli infection come from?
A.This bug is carried by a proportion of healthy animals such as cattle. It can be picked up from contact with animal faeces in the environment.
People can also become infected through eating contaminated food for example meat which has not been adequately cooked, or contaminated fruit or vegetables which have not been adequately washed. Unpasturised milk or contaminated water can also cause infection.
E.coli can also be passed on from someone who is infected with the bacteria.
Q. How is E.coli spread?
A. The infection can be spread person to person in families, nurseries or other institutions when contaminated faeces from an infected person are somehow ingested by another person (faecal-oral route). It can also be spread through contaminated food, water or from environmental contamination, including animal parks and gardens.
Q. How can E.coli be prevented?
A. Firstly, thorough hand washing with soap in running water after going to the toilet, before preparing food and after contact with animals or farm environments. Handwashing after nappy changing is very important as is environmental cleaning. Secondly, good food hygiene is essential, for example cooking all meat products thoroughly, washing all salads, fruits and vegetables before consumption and keeping raw and cooked food separate with separate utensils.
Q. My child does not attend any of the above named nurseries, but has diarrhoea, do they have E.coli and what should I do?
A. There are many causes of diarrhoea particularly in children and in most cases it is due to a virus such as norovirus or rotavirus. We would recommend that you take your child to the GP for assessment if their symptoms do not settle down after 24 hours or you are concerned about your child. All children with symptoms of diarrhea should remain off school or nursery until at least 48 hours after their last symptoms. This also means that children should not attend any other settings or clubs where there are children under the age of 10. They should also not be allowed to play with their friends until they have fully recovered.
Q. My child has no contact with any of the above named nurseries, but had diarrhoea 2 weeks ago and is better, what should I do?
A. If your child had a bout of diarrhoea or vomiting which has resolved and they have had no contact with the named nurseries it is highly unlikely that they have an E-coli infection. If you are concerned about your child or their symptoms return please speak to your GP.
Q. My child has no contact with the above named nurseries but has bloody diarrhoea, what should I do?
A. If your child develops bloody diarrhoea, you should contact your GP for an immediate medical assessment taking a stool sample from your child to your GP. Your child may have an E.coli infection that is not linked to the nurseries.
Q. Should I take any special cleaning precautions at home as I have young children?
A. The main preventative action to prevent the spread of diarrhoeal illness is good hand washing with soap under running water, after using the toilet, nappy changing and before eating.
Wipes can be used to remove faecal matter from your hands after changing a nappy but may not act as an anti- bacterial and hand washing is also needed. Alcohol gels should only be used if soap and running water is not available and are only effective on hands that are already visibly clean.
Surfaces should be cleaned using warm water and detergent for surfaces followed by drying with a paper towel. Bleach, or other household disinfectants may be used on appropriate surfaces depending on manufacturer’s recommendations.
Q. My child does not attend the above nurseries and has symptoms – none of which are listed at Q1, but I’m worried about E.coli .
A. It is unlikely that your child has E coli infection. Seek advice from your GP or Health Visitor in the usual way if you are concerned about their health and follow the precautions mentioned above.
Q. Can an E.coli infection be treated with antibiotics?
A. Antibiotics are not routinely recommended for E.coli infection, and in some cases may make the illness more severe. Anti-motility drugs, such as Imodium are also not recommended for diarrhoea caused by E.coli.
Children who are diagnosed with an E.coli infection in their poo will be seen by the pediatricians at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People. They will give advice to parents on what treatment the child will receive while they have E.coli infection.
Q. My child was at a party/other group where a child from the above nurseries attended, what should I do?
A. There is a very low risk of spread of infection if the other child from the nursery had no symptoms at the time. E.coli is more likely to be passed on when a child has active diarrheal symptoms. If your child does develop symptoms of E.coli you should take them to your GP.
Q. My child started P1 last week and was in a class with a pupil who has since been excluded from Meadowpark Pear Tree Nursery, should I be worried?
A. There is no need for concern. The IMT acts in line with Public Health Scotland guidance which states that people should be excluded from work or school once there is a confirmed presence of E-coli.
In this case, there were only reports of general sickness symptoms. As a precaution, the nursery was closed on August 12, children and staff asked to stay home and report any sickness symptoms over coming days which included the start of the new school term on August 17.
E-coli went on to be detected in a small number of cases on August 19. None of the children who were starting P1 had symptoms of any infection and therefore the risk to others was extremely low.
They have only now been excluded as a precautionary measure to rule out infection as possible contacts within the nurseries with confirmed E.coli and can return to school when negative samples have been received.
Q. My child has been playing with a child who attends the Pear Tree Nursery in Meadowpark or the Pear Tree Nursery Church Street, should they continue to do this?
A No, at this time children who are excluded from nursery should not play or socialise with anyone outwith those who normally live within their household until they have been contacted directly by the Health Protection Team and advised that they can do so.
Q. My child has been playing with a child who attends the Pear Tree Nursery in West Road or the Musselburgh Bridge Street Private Nursery, should they continue to do this?
A As long as the child from either of these nurseries has been asymptomatic or symptom free from at least 48 they can continue to play and socialise. This is because there are currently no confirmed cases of E.coli in these nurseries.
Q. When can we expect to get further updates on the situation
A. The situation is changing regularly, and as new information comes to light the Health Protection Team will update parents. Information will be sent to the nursery management team to distribute to parents.
The Health Protection Team are working with Environmental Health, the Care Inspectorate and the Nursery management to ensure that the nurseries open as soon as possible and it is safe to do so.
Q. When will the Nurseries re-open?
A We are unable to answer that at present. This will depend partly upon when individual staff and children have been notified that they are able to return to pre-school establishments, and the nurseries meeting required standards for safety and care and standards for the control of infections.
The investigation into the outbreak is ongoing and as new cases emerge it is difficult to predict when each nursery will reopen. The nurseries may reopen at different times and we will communicate this to parents as more information becomes available.
We understand that this is a very difficult time for parents and once the Health Protection Team, Environmental Health Team and the Care Inspectorate are satisfied that the nurseries are safe, your children will be allowed to return.
Q. I am a Parent/Headteacher/Nursery Manager and we have a sibling of a child from the Pear Tree Nursery at Church Street or the Pear Tree Nursery at Meadowpark.
A If the child from Pear Tree Nursery at Church Street or Pear Tree at Meadowpark is symptomatic or confirmed to have E.coli infection, and their sibling is aged 10 years or under, the Health Protection Team will risk assess and likely exclude the child as a contact.
This means that the sibling cannot attend nursery or school until they have been contacted directly by the Health Protection Team and are advised they can do so.
Q. I am a Parent/Headteacher/Nursery Manager and we have a sibling of a child from the Pear Tree Nursery at West Road or Musselburgh Bridge Street Private Nursery.
A As long as the nursery sibling has no symptoms, this is fine. If the nursery child develops symptoms medical advice should be sought for that child and the situation would be reviewed. All schools and nurseries should enforce the rule that children with diarrhoea or vomiting should remain off until 48 hours after their last symptoms.
Q. I am a nursery manager in another nursery, how will I know when a child who also attends one of the affected nurseries can return to my establishment?
A For children attending the Pear Tree Nursery at Church Street or the Pear Tree Nursery at Meadowpark, all parents of these children will receive a letter from the Health Protection Team indicating that their child’s results are negative and that they can return to preschool groups.
They cannot return to any preschool group until they are notified directly by the Health Protection Team. If the Health Protection Team have been made aware that a child attends another nursery, that nursery will receive a formal exclusion letter for the child and will also receive a clearance letter from the Health Protection Team once the child is cleared to return.
For children attending the Pear Tree Nursery at West Road or Musselburgh Bridge Street Private Nursery, the children can continue to attend as long as they have not had symptoms or have been symptom free for at least 48 hours.
Questions for those Families or Staff with links to Pear Tree Nurseries in Meadowpark or Church Street
Q. My child is due to start Primary School but attended the Pear Tree Nursery in Meadowpark or the Pear Tree Nursery Church Street
A. All children who have attended these nurseries from the 15th July 2022 have been formally excluded under the Public Health Act. This is because both of these nurseries have confirmed cases of E.coli infection.
Your child needs to submit 2 stool samples at least 24 hours apart to their GP. The Health Protection Team will check that those samples are clear for E.coli infection.
Once the laboratories have reported the negative results, the Health Protection Team will contact you directly and lift the Public Health exclusion allowing your child to return to school.
Q. Why are two samples needed for clearance?
A Two samples are needed in line national guidance. The stool samples should be taken a minimum of 24 hours apart to ensure the results are robust.
Q. Where do I take the samples?
A Sample pots should be obtained from your GP surgery. Samples should be handed into your GP, not taken direct to the laboratory.
Please ensure that samples are collected at least 24 hours apart and that the label is completed with all the relevant information. Your GP should let you know the best times to drop off the samples as occasionally they are unable to store them overnight and they are unlikely to accept them at weekends.
Until you have been notified directly by the Health Protection Team about the results of the samples, your child must not attend any pre-school groups such as crèches, playgroups, toddler groups, sports groups or other nurseries.
Q. How do I store a poo sample before I take it to the GP?
A. Once the sample has been taken it can be double bagged and stored at room temperature for several days if required. Please do not store in the refrigerator.
Q. When will the screening test results be available?
A We expect results to be available within 2 weeks. The majority of samples have to be processed at the E coli reference lab in Edinburgh. At this time, our labs are using extra capacity but the samples have to be carefully processed.
You will be notified by telephone of the results. Please do not call the Health Protection Team for results. The Health Protection Team will contact you as soon as both results are available. The Laboratories are processing in excess of 500 tests so there may be delays in getting results to staff and parents.
Your child must not attend any pre-school groups such as crèches, playgroups, toddler groups, sports groups or other nurseries until you are contacted directly by the Health Protection Team to advise that they can do so. This precaution is needed to prevent any chance that the infection could be spread any further.
Q. My child attends the Pear Tree Nursery in Meadowpark or the Pear Tree Nursery Church Street as well as another nursery or playgroup, can they attend the other nursery?
A Your child should not attend any pre-school group such as crèches, playgroups, toddler groups, sports groups or other nurseries until the Health Protection Team have advised you they are able to do so. This is to ensure that there is no further spread of the infection.
Q. My child attends the Pear Tree Nursery in Meadowpark or the Pear Tree Nursery Church Street, can they go to a birthday party, children’s sports, swimming or soft play area?
A All children who have attended these nurseries from the 15th July 2022 have been formally excluded under the Public Health Act. This is because both of these nurseries have confirmed cases of E.coli infection.
Your child has been formally excluded they should not mix with other children until the Health Protection Team have advised you they are able to do so. This is to ensure that there is no further spread of the infection.
Q. My child attends the Pear Tree Nursery in Meadowpark or the Pear Tree Nursery Church Street but has had no diarrhoea can they go to another nursery?
A No. All children must not attend any other pre-school group such as crèches, playgroups, toddler groups, sports groups or other nurseries until they are advised by the Health Protection Team that they can do so. This is because occasionally people can carry the infection without having symptoms and it is essential that we minimise any chance of further spread.
Q. My child attends the Pear Tree Nursery in Meadowpark or the Pear Tree Nursery Church Street and has diarrhoea, what should I do?
A You should attend your GP for assessment and submit a stool sample.
Q. My child attends the Pear Tree Nursery in Meadowpark or the Pear Tree Nursery Church Street and has bloody diarrhoea, what should I do?
A You should seek immediate medical attention via your GP and submit a stool sample.
Q. I am a staff member from the Pear Tree Nursery in Meadowpark or the Pear Tree Nursery Church Street, can I work at another nursery?
A No, you must not work in any pre-school establishment, caring for children, or handling food until you have been notified directly by the Health Protection Team that you are clear to do so.
This is to ensure that any chance of further spread is minimised as occasionally people can carry the infection without having symptoms.
You may be eligible for compensation for loss of earnings, from the Health Protection Team if you have been formally excluded under the Public Health Act. A compensation form will be attached to your exclusion letter.
Q. I visited one of the Pear Tree Nursery branches: Church Street, Meadowpark or West Road since 15th July 2022, do I need to be checked for infection?
or
I visited the Musselburgh Bridge Street Private Nursery since 09th August 2022, do I need to be checked for infection?
A If this was a short visit where you did not eat food or use the toilet facilities within the nursery, the risk of infection is low, however, please be vigilant for any signs of infection such as those listed at the beginning of this document and contact your GP if symptoms do present.
Q. I have worked in the Pear Tree Nursery at Church Street or the Pear Tree Nursery at Meadowpark since 15th July or my child has attended one of these nurseries since 15th July and have not received any letters from public health, should I have?
A Yes, the Health Protection Team have sent inform and advise information out to all the staff and parents via the Nursery Management Team’ The Health Protection Team have sent out or are in the process of sending out formal exclusion letters to all staff and children who’s details have been supplied by the Nursery Management Team.
Questions for those Families or Staff with links to Pear Tree Nurseries in West Road
Q. My child is due to start Primary School but attended the above nursery
A. If your child has had no symptoms or has been clear of any symptoms for at least 48 hours, they can return to school. This is because there are currently no confirmed cases of E.coli at these nurseries, they are being investigated due to outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness which may or may not be due to E.coli. If E.coli is identified from any samples there will be further Public Health actions and the Health Protection Team will give further advice.
Q. My child attends the Pear Tree Nursery in Westroad, can they go to a birthday party, children’s sports, swimming or soft play area?
A. If your child has had no symptoms or has been clear of any symptoms for at least 48 hours, they can attend events and locations outlined above.
This is because there are currently no confirmed cases of E.coli at these nurseries, they are being investigated due to outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness could be due to a number of infections, including E.coli.
If E.coli is identified from any samples there will be further Public Health actions and the Health Protection Team will give further advice.
Q. Where do I take the samples if my child develops symptoms?
A Sample pots should be obtained from your GP surgery. Samples should be handed into your GP, not taken direct to the laboratory. Please ensure that the label is completed with all the relevant information.
Your GP should let you know the best times to drop off the samples as occasionally they are unable to store them overnight and they are unlikely to accept them at weekends. Your child must not attend any pre-school groups such as crèches, playgroups, toddler groups, sports groups or other nurseries until they are at least 48 hours clear of symptoms or until they have the result of their sample.
Q. How do I store a poo sample before I take it to the GP?
A. Once the sample has been taken it can be double bagged and stored at room temperature for several days if required. Please do not store in the refrigerator.
Q. I have worked in the Pear Tree Nursery at West Road since 15th July or my child has attended this nursery since 15th July and have not received any letters from public health, should I have?
A. You should have received what we call an ‘inform and advise letter’ from the Health Protection Team. This would have been sent to you by the Nursery Management Team. We have not sent out individual letters to parents or staff.
Questions for those Families or Staff with links to Musselburgh Bridge Street Private Nursery
Q. My child is due to start Primary School but attended the above nursery
A. If your child has had no symptoms or has been clear of any symptoms for at least 48 hours, they can return to school. This is because there are currently no confirmed cases of E.coli at these nurseries, they are being investigated due to outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness which may or may not be due to E.coli.
If E.coli is identified from any samples there will be further Public Health actions and the Health Protection Team will give further advice.
Q. My child attends the Musselburgh Bridge Street Private Nursery, can they go to a birthday party, children’s sports, swimming or soft play area?
A. If your child has had no symptoms or has been clear of any symptoms for at least 48 hours, they can attend events and locations outlined above.
This is because there are currently no confirmed cases of E.coli at these nurseries, they are being investigated due to outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness which could be due to a number of infections, including E.coli.
If E.coli is identified from any samples there will be further Public Health actions and the Health Protection Team will give further advice.
Q. I have worked in the Musselburgh Bridge Street Private Nursery since 9th August 2022 or my child has attended this nursery since 9th August 2022 and have not received any letters from public health, should I have?
A. You should have received what we call an ‘inform and advise letter’ from the Health Protection Team. This would have been sent to you by the Nursery Management Team. We have not sent out individual letters to parents or staff.
Q. Where do I take the samples if my child develops symptoms?
A Sample pots should be obtained from your GP surgery. Samples should be handed into your GP, not taken direct to the laboratory. Please ensure that the label is completed with all the relevant information.
Your GP should let you know the best times to drop off the samples as occasionally they are unable to store them overnight and they are unlikely to accept them at weekends. Your child must not attend any pre-school groups such as crèches, playgroups, toddler groups, sports groups or other nurseries until they are at least 48 hours clear of symptoms or until they have the result of their sample.
Q. How do I store a poo sample before I take it to the GP?
A. Once the sample has been taken it can be double bagged and stored at room temperature for several days if required. Please do not store in the refrigerator.
For cases who have confirmed E coli infection
Q. My child has confirmed E coli infection, will they get better and when?
A. Before your child can go back to a nursery or a pre-school establishment they need to be completely free of infection. In some cases, this can be several weeks after the initial illness, and repeat stool samples are needed. It is extremely important that your child does not attend any pre-school establishments until they are notified directly by the Health Protection Team that they are free of infection.
Family members may also need tests and may be excluded from some types of work such as food handling or health care professions.
In a small percentage of cases, complications arise including Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome which can cause renal failure. These children will be monitored extremely carefully in hospital.
Q. What is Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome?
A This develops in a small percentage of people with E.coli infection. It affects blood cells and can cause kidney failure, therefore it is a serious complication.
Q.My child has confirmed E.coli and I have been excluded from my own work, when can I go back?
A You have been formally excluded from your work because you are a contact of a case of E.coli and work in a risk group, you will need two negative specimens taken at least 24-hours apart before you can return to work. The Health Protection Team will advise you further on this.
It is extremely important that you do not go back to work until you receive direct communication from the Health Protection Team indicating that you can do so. This is to reduce the risk of any further spread. You may be eligible for compensation for loss of earnings, a compensation form should be included with your exclusion letter.
Q.My child has confirmed E.coli infection but is well and we are due to go on holiday, what should we do?
A It is not recommended that you go on holiday until all required tests have returned negative, and this has been directly communicated to you by the Health Protection Team. This is to avoid the possibility of further infections occurring or members of other families needing to be excluded from work or school.
Q. My child has been invited to a party, should they attend?
A. No, Your child must not attend any parties, pre-school groups such as crèches, playgroups, toddler groups, sports groups or other nurseries until you are contacted directly by the Health Protection Team to advise that they can do so. This precaution is needed to prevent any chance that the bug could be spread any further.
Q. Can my child socialise with with any other people or families?
A. No, Your child should not be socialising with other children or families outwith those who normally live in your household until you are contacted directly by the Health Protection Team to advise that they can do so. This precaution is needed to prevent any chance that the bug could be spread any further.
What does Exclusion Under the Public Health etc (Scotland) Act 2008 mean?
Q. Why is a person excluded?
A Exclusion or restriction from work, school or nursery under the Public Health etc (Scotland) Act 2008 is applied when an individual(s) has an infectious disease or has been in close contact with someone with an infectious disease and when there is considered to be a risk that this disease could be passed on to other people.
Exclusion under the Public Health Act is used to reduce the risk of spread of infectious diseases from person to person via the ‘faecal oral route’: when you put something in your mouth, which has been contaminated by the stools/faeces of someone with the bug.
Q. Who can be excluded?
A. Children under the age of 10 are excluded under the Public Health Act when they have been diagnosed with an infectious disease that could be spread to others. If a child under the age of 10 is in close contact (e.g. a sibling) of someone who has an infectious disease, they may also be excluded.
Q. Where/what is a person excluded from?
A. Children who are excluded under the Public Health Act should not attend nursery, school or childcare facilities for the duration of the exclusion. Your child’s nursery/school/childminder will receive a letter to inform them of the exclusion; this will not include specific details of your child’s diagnosis.
In addition to exclusion for nursery/school, there are other activities that may be linked to possible spread of infection to vulnerable groups of people and should therefore be avoided.
Examples of activities and places to avoid during exclusion are:
Swimming
Soft play facilities
Children’s parties /crèches / playgroups / toddler groups / nurseries / after school clubs
Sports clubs
Other gatherings of children
Contact with children under the age of 10 years who are not part of your household
Q. What happens next?
A. You may have initially been told about your child’s infectious disease by your GP, an Environmental Health Officer or a doctor at the hospital. Exclusion under the Public Health Act is the responsibility of a Consultant in Public Health. Should you need further advice or information please contact the Health Protection Team.
Your child’s exclusion can be lifted when they have been formally cleared of infection. Clearance requires testing of stool samples, which you give to your GP surgery. Your child’s first sample can be submitted 48 hours after their last episode of symptoms. Samples should be collected at least 24 hours apart, 2 consecutive negative samples are required to show that your child is free from infection.
Once the Health Protection Team has received the results of samples and confirmed that your child’s exclusion can be lifted, we will inform you by telephone and in writing. Your child’s nursery/school will also be informed.
Unite members in Waste and Cleansing in Edinburgh will begin industrial action today over the ‘insulting’ pay offer for local government workers.
Last Friday, COSLA increased the offer from 2% to 3.5%. All three unions of the Scottish Joint Council -Unite, Unison and GMB – immediately rejected the offer.
The NHS have been offered—and look set to reject—5%, so once again local government is treated as the poor relation of the public sector. Local government workers in England have been offered a rise of £1,925.
Edinburgh is the first council to take action, with others following on the 24th.
Pickets and support
The strike takes place from 5am today to 5am on Tuesday 30 August with daily pickets at seven waste depots across the city.
UNITE will be demonstrating at the City Chambers on Thursday 18 August at 9am as part of the industrial action.
Following this, the trade union will join the RMT rally on Waverley Bridge at 10am to foster solidarity among workers and hear from Mick Lynch and Mark Thomas.
THE CITY COUNCIL HAS ISSUED THE FOLLOWING ADVICE:
What to do with your waste and recycling
Communal services
Collections are suspended for all communal waste and recycling bins. Please do not add to full bins. Check nearby bins instead, and when these are all full, store your waste at home, or in your back green or garden if possible. Do not leave bags next to bins unless this is unavoidable, as it can become a hazard.
Keep separating your waste and rinse pots, tubs and trays, and rinse and squash your plastic bottles and aluminium cans, so that these don’t smell while you store them. Flatten cardboard too.
Keep food waste in a sealed container, as cool as possible.
Glass bank services will continue as these are managed by an external contactor.
Kerbside services
Non recyclable waste collections (grey bins)
Suspended. Please do not put your grey bin out. Please keep your waste safe, secure and away from pavements and roads. Consider using a garage, garden or driveway and ensure strong bin bags are properly secured.
Mixed recycling collections (green bins)
Suspended. Please do not put your green bin out. Please keep your recycling clean and flattened, and stored safely.
Food waste collections
Suspended. Please do not put your food bin out. Please ensure your kerbside food waste bin is closed and secured to prevent animal access.
Glass collections (blue box)
Suspended. Please do not put your blue box out. Please rinse bottles and jars and store these at home. Please do not use on street or local bring site recycling points to dispose of your glass. We do not have the staff resources to empty these or clean up fly-tipped material.
Garden waste collections (brown bins)
Suspended. Please do not put your brown bin out. We understand the disappointment this will cause and at the moment, we cannot advise when the service will be running normally again.
We are working on how best to replace the collections affected, and will provide further information on this later.
Report a missed bin
Since normal scheduled collections are suspended, we cannot take reports of missed bins. Please do not present your bin for collection until advised to do so.
Collections of bulky waste items
Suspended. Existing bookings will be honoured where staffing allows. If you have booked a special uplift and we can’t collect it, we will let you know.
Household waste recycling centres
Closed. It will not be possible to book an appointment, and all existing bookings will be contacted by email to cancel.
Request and replacing bins and boxes
Repair and replacement of bins and boxes are suspended. Uplifts of any unwanted waste containers is also suspended.
Litter/ dogs bins and street cleansing
Please also note there will be no street cleansing activities including street sweeping and litter bin emptying. Please either use a bin that’s not full or take it home and double bag it to reduce smells.
Waste reporting and enquires
We have removed all online reporting for waste and cleansing as we are unable to carry out these services during the industrial action.
If you need to report an emergency issue where waste is causing injury or hazard, please phone and listen to the new options carefully. Phone 0131 608 1100, from Monday -Thursday 1000-1600 and Friday 1000-1500. After these hours, phone 0131 200 2000.
You can also email waste@edinburgh.gov.uk with the specific location and details of the issue.
Please be mindful that staff working will be very busy and are all doing their best to deal with a lot of issues at this time.
Minister praises impact of specially-trained advisers
A team dedicated to providing support to people applying for benefits has marked its 10,000th appointment in its first year of operation.
Social Security Scotland’s Local Delivery service was launched to offer support to people in their homes, at a convenient place within communities, by videocall or by phone.
Minister for Social Security, Ben Macpherson, said the milestone reached showed how Scotland was “doing things differently” in its approach to supporting people applying for benefits.
He hailed the success of the Local Delivery service as a source of pride during a visit to Parkhead Pantry in the East End of Glasgow.
Local Delivery representatives host a community stall at the Pantry – one of many ways they provide support for people who visit the venue.
BenMacpherson said: “During its first year of operation, Social Security Scotland’s Local Delivery service has already made a very positive impact by helping thousands of people to access support they are entitled to.
“The Local Delivery service is a great example of how Social Security Scotland is doing things differently in how we deliver devolved benefits – by pro-actively offering people face-to-face support in communities across Scotland.
“Our specially-trained client support advisers can be proud of what they have achieved so far, in establishing a service that has already made an important difference and will help thousands of more people in the years ahead.”
The Local Delivery service, launched in November last year, provides face-to-face support from staff in all 32 Scottish Local Authority areas.
People can book in-person meetings with an adviser at home, in their local community or on either video or phone calls. They can answer queries and help clients with form filling.
During the visit Mr Macpherson met Aileen McGuire, the chief executive of Parkhead Housing Association which hosts the pantry at its Parkhead Schoolhouse building.
Ms McGuire said: “Having direct access to this Social Security Scotland has made such a positive difference to our tenants and residents in Parkhead, we are seeing the real benefits of partnership and collaborative working.
“There’s always an advantage to having face-to-face contact. A lot of our tenants feel more comfortable having direct contact, having somebody in person to explain things really does helps.”
The Council has published advice and guidance to help residents manage the impact of planned strike action in the city.
The industrial action by members of the GMB and Unite unions, scheduled to last from tomorrow, 18th –30 August, is expected to cause significant disruption to the city’s waste and cleansing services.
Residents are being asked to check the dedicated pages on the Council’s website and social media channels for advice on how to manage their waste safely and responsibly during the strike.
Regular updates on suspended services and on when collections will restart following the strike will be posted as and when they become available.
It is anticipated that all bin collections and street cleaning will be affected. The city’s three recycling centres will be closed and bulky uplift and flytipping services will also be paused as a result of the action.
Commercial waste services for businesses are not collected by the Council and will continue as normal, as will street cleansing on the High Street and Mound Precinct, which are managed by the Fringe Society.
Council leader Cammy Day said:“It’s now looking increasingly likely that industrial action will go ahead here in Edinburgh and in other cities across the country. Together with my fellow council leaders, I’ll continue to press the Scottish Government to resolve this as quickly as possible.
“I firmly believe that all council colleagues deserve to be paid fairly for the work they do and have every right to take this action and have their voices heard. As the lowest funded council in Scotland, it’s time for the Scottish Government to properly fund our Capital city and its services.
“I fully appreciate the impact this action will have on our city and we’re asking residents to be patient and work with us to help manage the inevitable impacts by planning ahead and following our advice.
“We’ve published tips on what to do with their waste and recycling and how they can help us to keep the city as clean as possible during and after the strike.
“We’re also reaching out to our tenants and housing associations, businesses, festivals and other partners asking them to share our messaging and provide whatever support they can during this busy and important time for our Capital city.
“We’re developing a detailed recovery plan so clean ups can begin and services can resume as quickly as possible after the strike.
“Please continue to check our website and social media channels for updates.”
NOTE: The pictures above were taken earlier this week – i.e. BEFORE the strike starts
Over recent weeks, a number of high value frauds have been carried out in the Edinburgh area, whereby elderly victims have been “cold called” by individuals (fraudsters) purporting to be from various banks.
The victims are told that there are issues with their investments and that they are on a Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) “red flag” list, where security concerns have been raised against their funds.
The victims are then instructed by the fraudster to set up new bank accounts in their own name (“safe accounts”), amalgamate their funds and then transfer all funds onto these new accounts
. There are occasions when the fraudster will make attempts to download software onto the victims electronic devices and then control their future financial activities. The funds are thereafter transferred into cryptocurrency.
The public should remember these 4 key points:
Banks do not cold call customers with such instructions.
The public should fully safeguard their savings from criminals.
Do not act on instructions provided by unknown callers.
Do not give any personal information to callers which would enable them to access your finances.
If in any doubt about the legitimacy of callers, make direct contact with your bank branch, your bank customer services or your investment company.
When considering your impact on the environment, people often think about pollution, emissions, and energy, but not water. Water saving isn’t always top of the agenda in environmental discussions, yet water is one of our most precious resources and it’s increasingly at risk.
Join our water-saving campaign and check where you could be wasting water. If every household made even slight changes to their daily habits, it would seriously reduce our water footprint. Simple steps such as washing up in a bowl, switching off running taps, and using eco settings on the washing machine all help.
Discover ways you can reduce your carbon footprint at home and in the garden
With more hot weather forecast this week, NHS 24 are offering advice on how to stay safe in the sun as part of their summer health campaign ‘Hello Summer.’
Dr Laura Ryan, a GP and NHS 24’s Medical Director said: ‘We’ve had a few really hot and sunny days in Scotland this summer, which is brilliant for everyone to spend a lot of time outdoors.
‘Unfortunately, the hot weather isn’t good news for everyone, and it’s really important we follow some simple rules to ensure we avoid becoming unwell.
‘When it comes to being safe in the sun, prevention is definitely better than cure. It is best to avoid being in the sun between 12 noon and 3pm if possible. If you need to be outdoors, we advise that everyone, uses a high factor sun protection cream. The best quality lotions block both UVA and UVB rays. Also wear loose-fitting, light-weight clothing that covers your body.
‘If you’re unfortunate to become sunburnt, there’s simple steps to take to lessen the discomfort. The most obvious piece of advice is to avoid being in the sun at all until the redness subsides and don’t burst any blisters. Cool showers or applying cool towels to your body can provide some relief, using moisturiser which contains aloe vera after your shower, or taking painkillers can help with any painful or tight skin. However please check that pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen is safe for you to take.
‘Another weather-related condition which I wish to draw attention to is heat exhaustion or heat stroke.’
Signs or symptoms of heat stroke can include headache, feeling confused or dizzy, rapid pulse or fast breathing, body cramps (in the arms, legs and stomach), sick or vomiting, feeling dehydrated or thirsty, pale, sweaty or clammy skin, a high temperature of 38C or above.
Dr Laura Ryan continued: ‘If someone is showing signs of heat exhaustion, they need to be shaded from the sun and cooled down. Heat exhaustion is not normally serious if the person is treated within 30 minutes and symptoms begin to improve.
‘If there is no improvement in the person’s condition, but they are conscious, alert and responding normally call your local GP during opening hours for further advice. If your GP is closed, call NHS 24 on 111. If you feel their condition is in any way life-threatening, dial 999 and ask for an ambulance.
‘I really encourage everyone to visit NHS inform as it has some great advice on how to stay safe in the sun. By being prepared and following these simple tips, I hope more people will be happy and healthy this summer.’
Banks do not cold call customers with such instructions.
