SNP politicians are calling on the Tory government at Westminster to use its reserved powers to ban the sale of electronic shock collars across the UK. Continue reading Taking a lead: SNP take shock collar campaign to Tories at Westminster
Tag: Ben Macpherson
Ben Macpherson: Budget protects public services
Pay rise for public sector workers, lower taxes for many and cash for culture, too
The Scottish Government’s budget protects low and middle income earners and delivers for public services and public sector workers, says SNP MSP Ben Macpherson for Edinburgh Northern and Leith – after Finance Secretary Derek Mackay laid his budget plans before the Scottish Parliament. Continue reading Ben Macpherson: Budget protects public services
MSP praises NHS workforce as staffing rises to record levels
SNP MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, Ben Macpherson, has praised the staff working in our NHS who are helping to deliver the best-performing NHS in the UK ahead of the busy festive period after latest stats showed increased staffing levels that will help give patients the best possible care. Continue reading MSP praises NHS workforce as staffing rises to record levels
Brexit fears blamed for fall in EU student numbers
Macpherson concern over Brexit uncertainty
The latest UCAS figures reveal that a record number of Scots were accepted to UK universities in 2017 and Scottish universities opened their doors to record numbers of new students. Scotland has also bucked the UK trend with increasing numbers of Scots accepted to universities here – but there is a note of concern: after years of positive growth, UCAS has cited Brexit as a possible cause for the 4.4% decline in EU applicants choosing to come and study in the UK. Continue reading Brexit fears blamed for fall in EU student numbers
Macpherson calls for end to Tory cash grab
SNP MSP Ben Macpherson has renewed demands for the UK government to allow Scotland’s Police and Fire services to reclaim VAT, and for them to be refunded the £140 million they are already owed, ahead of hosting a debate on the issue last night. Continue reading Macpherson calls for end to Tory cash grab
Scottish Government to double childcare spending
“Transformational” expansion of free early learning and childcare
Spending on childcare will double to £840 million a year by 2021-22 in a bid to transform the life chances of children in Scotland, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced yesterday. The funding boost has been welcomed by local MSP Ben Macpherson. Continue reading Scottish Government to double childcare spending
Local MSP celebrates Apprenticeship Week at North Edinburgh Childcare
To mark Scottish Apprenticeship Week, SNP MSP, Ben Macpherson, stopped by North Edinburgh Childcare to speak with their modern apprentices and celebrate the benefits modern apprenticeships bring to organisations and the local economy. Continue reading Local MSP celebrates Apprenticeship Week at North Edinburgh Childcare
Ben plays his part at Easter Road’s GameChanger Christmas lunch
Local MSP Ben Macpherson has praised the work of Hibernian FC and it’s GameChanger initiative that hosted a festive lunch for the less fortunate on Christmas Day. The MSP also encouraged people across the country to reach out to those who may be spending the festive period alone. Continue reading Ben plays his part at Easter Road’s GameChanger Christmas lunch
Atumn Statement hits poorest hardest, says MSP
SNP MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, Ben Macpherson has criticised the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement – which drove home the fact that Brexit and continuing austerity will hit poorest families hardest. Continue reading Atumn Statement hits poorest hardest, says MSP
MSP calls on local organisations to pay the Living Wage
Edinburgh Northern and Leith MSP, Ben Macpherson has welcomed the new Scottish Living Wage rate of £8.45 an hour and encouraged more employers across Edinburgh to sign up as Accredited Living Wage Employers.
The Scottish Living Wage, calculated to meet the cost of living, is reviewed every year based on living standards. The rise of 20 pence per hour will benefit thousands of workers at Living Wage-accredited organisations across Scotland, including many in Edinburgh. Across the area, there is already an encouraging amount of accredited Living Wage Employers – including Cyrenians, Volunteer Edinburgh, Port of Leith Housing Association, Visit Scotland, YMCA Edinburgh, Edinburgh International Science Festival and The Scotch Malt Whisky Society.
Ben Macpherson is a recently accredited/an accredited Living Wage employer himself, and works with the Scottish Living Wage Accreditation Initiative to promote the Living Wage in Edinburgh Northern and Leith.
The Edinburgh Northern and Leith MSP said: “The new Living Wage of £8.45 will be a welcome pay rise for thousands of workers across Scotland and in Edinburgh Northern and Leith, ensuring that people’s basic wage continues to meet the real costs of living.
“I would encourage all businesses in Edinburgh to consider becoming Scottish Living Wage employers. For business, paying the Living Wage makes sense and benefits us all – it’s an investment in people and all the evidence shows it leads to increased productivity and reduced staff absence and turnover, while sending a strong signal to customers about fairness.
“With millions of workers worse off as a result of the UK Government’s welfare cuts, and low pay one of the main drivers of in-work poverty, employers can make a real difference by choosing to pay the real Living Wage.
“I encourage all businesses in my constituency to recognise the benefits of paying the real Living Wage.”