guidance – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

RSPB issues new guidance on what and when to feed garden birds

Feed Seasonally. Feed Safely.

To reduce disease, we all need to make some urgent but simple changes to how we feed our garden birds.

We all want to help birds and make our gardens or outdoor spaces a place where all wildlife can thrive. But some species, such as Greenfinches, are experiencing serious declines because of disease.

The good news is that we can help reduce the spread of disease by making two simple changes to the way we feed our birds.

How to help your garden birds

What’s the problem?

Research has shown a worrying decline in some of our much-loved garden birds due to a disease called trichomonosis. This is a highly contagious disease and can spread where birds gather in large numbers such as at bird feeders.

Greenfinches, for example, have dropped by over 65% in the last three decades – and you may have seen this decline yourself. Back when the Big Garden Birdwatch started in 1979 Greenfinches were at number seven in the top ten birds seen. This year they were down to number 18.

Greenfinch on a bird feeder — Greenfinch

We’ve been working with experts to find a solution, and we believe that, together, we can make a difference by feeding birds seasonally and safely.

How you can help

We can help stop the spread of disease among garden birds by making two simple shifts to how we feed birds. Put simply: Feed seasonally. Feed safely.

1. Feed seasonally

During summer and autumn, there’s a higher risk of disease spreading. But it’s also when there are more natural foods available to birds, such as seeds and insects.

1 May to 31 October

Pause filling your bird feeders with seeds or peanuts.
You can continue to offer small amounts of mealworms, fatballs or suet.

1 November to 30 April

You can feed your birds a full range of bird foods, including seeds and peanuts.

Song Thrush feeding on worms — Song Thrush

2. Feed safely

Busy bird feeders can become hotspots for disease. To help keep birds healthy, it’s vital to keep things clean – which is why we’ve strengthened our existing hygiene guidance. We recommend you:

Clean your bird feeders and water baths at least once a week. Good hygiene is essential. Be sure to also clean away any old food or droppings from beneath feeders.
Place your bird feeders in a different spot every week. This will help to prevent any build-up of potentially contaminated debris underneath. If you have more than one feeder, put them in different areas to reduce the number of birds in one place and the mixing of different species.
Avoid putting feeders under places where birds roost, such as under trees. This will help to avoid contamination through droppings.
Don’t use bird feeders with flat surfaces, such as bird tables, window feeders and feeders with trays. Research has confirmed that there’s a higher risk of disease spreading on flat surfaces, where contaminated food can collect.
Feed in moderation. Make sure all the food you put out is eaten within one to two days. Adjust the amount you offer based on demand to avoid overfeeding.
Keep food as dry as possible. Damp food allows disease to survive and spread. Choose feeders that prevent rain getting in and limit condensation.
Change water in bird baths daily. Only offer water if you’re able to change it every day and make sure it’s tap water. A pond is the best way to provide birds and other wildlife with water.
Help birds find their own food. One of the best ways to support garden birds in the long-term is to help them find their own food. So fill your outdoor space with bird-friendly plants – such as sunflowers, teasels and ivy. These help provide natural food sources for birds.

Goldfinch feeding on teasles — Goldfinch

Thank you for protecting garden birds

Stopping the spread of disease is a challenge we can’t tackle alone. By taking these simple steps to feed seasonally and safely, we can all help protect the future of our birds.

Sign up to our free fortnightly newsletter, Notes on Nature, to be reminded when to switch your bird food throughout the seasons.

What’s next?

We need more research to find ways to reduce the risk of disease spreading at bird feeders. Some studies are already under way, but we don’t yet know if or when they’ll lead to effective solutions. It’s also important to remember that this advice may evolve as new evidence comes in. But the science shows we need to take action. We believe changing how we feed birds now will help protect them in the longer term. It will take time to see the benefits, so patience is important.

Putting People First: Anne’s Law and Meaningful Connection

The Scottish Parliament’s recent passing of the Care Reform (Scotland) Bill – formerly the National Care Service Bill – marks an important milestone in the journey to strengthen the rights of care home residents.

A key provision within the legislation is Anne’s Law, which gives people living in adult care homes the legal right to maintain in-person contact with those who are important to them – even in exceptional circumstances such as an outbreak of infectious disease.

Named in memory of Anne Duke, whose family and others campaigned for residents’ rights to visits during the pandemic, it acknowledges the essential role played by families and friends in providing care, connection and companionship to their loved ones.

It builds on the Health and Social Care Standards and enshrines the right to receive visits in law. You can read more about the Bill here.

Meaningful connection with others is essential to everyone’s emotional, mental and physical health and wellbeing, and is a fundamental human right. The prevalence of loneliness, especially among older people, has been described as a public health crisis. But meaningful connection is about more than just visiting. It’s about all those relationships and connections which are vital to people’s identity, quality of life, and sense of belonging.

The Care Inspectorate, through the Meaningful Connection, Visiting and Anne’s Law Project, will soon publish new good practice guidance to support care homes in promoting meaningful connection as part of everyday care.

The guidance is evidence-based and has been developed in partnership with people experiencing care, their families and friends, care providers, and professionals across the sector. It supports a rights-based, person-centred approach to care.

The guidance includes real-life examples, reflective prompts, and practical information to support services in ensuring everyone can get the best out of life and experience connection in ways that are meaningful and meet their individual needs

Look out for the full guidance, coming soon on the Care Inspectorate website.

WaterSafe emphasises the importance of safe hosepipe use

WaterSafe, the national register of approved plumbers, is issuing guidance to householders on safe hosepipe use, as dry weather continues.

Hosepipes can harbour harmful bacteria, such as Legionella, which has the potential to flow back into buildings and contaminate the drinking water supply.

WaterSafe advises everyone to make sure their tap has a double-check valve installed to help keep drinking water safe.

Julie Spinks, Director at WaterSafe, said: “Hosepipes, if left submerged in dirty water or connected to an outside tap without adequate protection, can act as a channel for contamination.

“Homeowners should understand the risk of backflow and take the necessary steps to prevent it.”

The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations are designed to protect drinking water quality and mandate that all outside taps are fitted with a working double-check valve. This essential component acts as a non-return mechanism, preventing any water from flowing back into the mains supply.

WaterSafe advises homeowners to undertake the following measures:

Fit a compliant double-check valve to outside taps, such as one approved by BSI, KIWA, NSF or WRAS to prevent contaminated water flowing back into the drinking water supply. The British Standard states these valves should be replaced every 10 years.
As a minimum, the double-check valve should be installed inside the building, close to the garden tap.
Gently run water out of your hosepipe before using it, without any form of spray attachment.
Always keep your hosepipe out of the sun and in a cool place and turn off outside taps.
Disconnect your hosepipe when you have finished using it.
Never leave your hosepipe submerged in water, such as in a paddling pool, hot tub or pond.
Seek expert advice: if you are unsure about the installation or condition of backflow prevention devices on outside taps, consult a WaterSafe-approved plumber.

With water resources under increasing strain, especially during hot weather, WaterSafe would always encourage householders to avoid using a hosepipe, if possible, as it can use up to 1,000 litres of water an hour – equivalent to more than 12 baths!

“The humble watering can is a much more water efficient way to look after your plants, fill your paddling pool or wash your car,” adds Julie Spinks.

For more information on protecting drinking water quality and to find a WaterSafe-approved plumber, please visit www.watersafe.org.uk.

Acas publishes new guidance on neonatal care leave

Workplace experts Acas has published new guidance on neonatal care leave to coincide with a change in the law this weekend.

Working parents are now entitled to additional time off while their babies are sick in hospital.

The Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023 comes into effect on 6 April 2025, providing a new leave and pay entitlement for parents with a baby in neonatal care.

Acas’s advice provides information on what neonatal care is, who is eligible and the rights of parents who take it.

Acas Interim Chief Executive Dan Ellis said: “Becoming new parents can be an incredibly stressful time, especially if their baby requires care in hospital for a while.

“Any employee that requires time off to help care for their child in these circumstances should be treated with compassion and understanding.

“Our advice provides employers and managers with guidance on how they can support staff members who need to take neonatal care leave.”

The new law aims to give parents the right to have up to 12 weeks leave and pay depending on how much time their baby is in neonatal care. This is in addition to other time off and pay.

The right to take neonatal care leave applies from the first day of work. Eligible parents can take neonatal care leave once their child has been in neonatal care for at least 7 consecutive days.

Caroline Lee-Davey, Chief Executive of Bliss, a charity that supports families with neonatal babies, said: “The most supportive employers have always sought to help parents in these circumstances, but without a clear statutory framework, they’ve had to rely on measures like sick leave and compassionate leave or other improvised solutions, creating challenges for HR teams to navigate.

“This new entitlement creates a clear and defined statutory provision, recognising that the most important place for both parents to be when their baby is in neonatal care is at their cotside.”

Time off for neonatal care is available to anyone birth parent, father or partner, spouse, civil partner or adoptive parent.

When it comes to informing their employers, parents need to self-declare and provide some extra information. Employees should contact their workplace HR representatives to go through specifics relating to their personal situation.

Parents who have a baby admitted to neonatal care up to the age of 28 days might be eligible for up to 12 weeks of leave and it must be taken within 68 weeks of the baby’s birth.

For the full advice, please see: www.acas.org.uk/neonatal-care-leave-and-pay

New Ramadan Guidance for Kidney Patients

Doctors urged to provide clear fasting guidance to protect kidney health ahead of Ramadan

Leading charity Kidney Research UK has teamed up with the British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA) to use their combined expertise to launch new guidance ahead of Ramadan to help patients make informed decisions to protect their health and fast safely.

Many Muslims look forward to Ramadan as a month of fasting, spiritually reconnecting, and doing charitable acts. For some Muslims living with kidney disease fasting may pose risks to their health, but knowing if one should fast on account of their health can be difficult.

The new guidelines, produced with the aid of academics, medical and religious professionals, aim to equip doctors with the information they need to support kidney patients mark the holy month safely.

Dr Sahira Dar, a GP and President of the British Islamic Medical Association said: “Islamic teachings provide exemptions in Ramadan for those whose health might be harmed by fasting, including certain kidney patients.

“This can be complex as kidney health varies considerably. Some higher risk people may be able to safely fast with the right advice. Some patients may also find they can improve their health by adopting healthier practices as part of Ramadan.

“We hope this guidance will enable doctors and patients to have these conversations and stay safe.”

The guidance explains the impact of fasting on kidney function and outlines tailored recommendations for different patients, including practical advice for patients on dialysis, transplant recipients, and those managing conditions such as chronic kidney disease.

It encourages patients to talk to their healthcare team well before Ramadan starts and outlines key advice, including:

· Discussing fasting plans with your doctor to understand any risks.

· If appropriate, trying a short practice fast, to see how your body responds.

· Drinking plenty of water between sunset and sunrise, mindful of medical advice on personal fluid requirements .

· Being aware that kidney disease and medications like diuretics or immunosuppressants may make fasting unsafe.

· How, when breaking fast, to mainatain a balanced diet mindful of portion control, calories and potassium content

· Alternatives to fasting, if fasting isn’t safe and cause ill health.

Neerja Jain, health equalities programme manager at Kidney Research UK, said “We want kidney patients to be empowered and able to approach Ramadan with confidence.

This is why we have consulted with religious and medical experts, and we urge health professionals to make use of this guidance to support conversations with patients so that people can protect their health while still feeling connected to their faith.”

For Blackburn mum Amina Lorgat, clear guidance has been crucial. Her 17-year-old son Rayhan received a kidney transplant last year after his kidneys failed due to IgA nephropathy, and he remains in the high-risk category for fasting.

“We didn’t know how we were going to navigate dialysis and Ramadan last year. It was very raw, new, and stressful for us, but we successfully made the most of the blessed month alongside home dialysis” she explained.

“Post-transplant, there is still a lot to consider, particularly when it comes to fasting. It’s important that there is clear guidance from health professionals about how to safely observe Ramadan at different stages of kidney health.”

Fasting remains too dangerous for Rayhan whilst the anti-rejection medication he takes to protect his new kidney is still being adjusted and his kidney function still needs to stabilise. He also needs to drink at least three litres of water a day.

For Rayhan, this Ramadan will still be meaningful. His family plans to spend time together reflecting on their faith, reading the Qur’an, and helping others in their community.

Amina said. “A lack of awareness from others about your inability to fast for reasons beyond your control can be challenging. That’s why medical advice needs to be clear for Muslims.

“I remember being unable to participate because of chronic asthma and, even as an adult, feeling a sense of wanting to fit in with others who were fasting. Thankfully it is still possible to join the spiritual aspects of Ramadan which are just as important.”

The guidance, aimed at both patients and doctors, can be downloaded at:

Ramadan-fasting-leaflet-FINAL-web-accessible Download

https://www.kidneyresearchuk.org/kidney-health-information/living-with-kidney-disease/how-can-i-help-myself/healthy-eating-for-kidney-patients/fasting

Equality regulator informs Scottish Government and NHS Fife regarding staff access to single sex facilities

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has written to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care and NHS Fife, regarding access to single-sex changing facilities for NHS staff.

Baroness Kishwer Falkner, Chairwoman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said: “As Britain’s equality regulator, we promote and enforce compliance with the Equality Act 2010.

“Health bodies in Scotland, England and Wales must have an accurate understanding of the operation of the Equality Act as it relates to the provision of single-sex services and spaces.

“Today we reminded NHS Fife of their obligation to protect individuals from discrimination and harassment on the basis of protected characteristics, including sex, religion or belief and gender reassignment.

“Under the Public Sector Equality Duty, all Scottish health boards must assess how their policies and practices affect people with protected characteristics. We have requested that NHS Fife provide us with a copy of any equality impact assessment relating to the provision of changing facilities for staff; any information relevant to how such policies have been kept under review; and any details on steps taken to ensure that the rights of different groups are balanced in the application of these policies.

“We also highlighted that the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 state that changing facilities will not be suitable “unless they include separate facilities for, or separate use of facilities by, men and women where necessary for reasons of propriety”.

The Health and Safety Executive have an Approved Code of Practice and guidance that NHS Boards can refer to.

“This week media reported on NHS Scotland’s forthcoming Guide to Transitioning, which the Scottish Government confirmed has been shared with health boards in preparation for its implementation. It is important that this guide, and all guidance, policies and practices which rely on it, faithfully reflect and comply with the Equality Act 2010.

“We have asked to meet with the Cabinet Secretary to discuss the Scottish Government’s role in ensuring that NHS Scotland and other bodies meet their legal obligations under the Equality Act.”

No tax changes for online sellers

Online platforms to start sharing some user sales and personal data with HMRC from January 2025
HMRC confirms there are no changes to tax rules for people selling their unwanted possessions online
Guidance for sellers can be found on GOV.UK

People selling unwanted items online can continue to do so with confidence and without any new tax obligations, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has confirmed.

The reminder comes as online platforms start sharing sales data with HMRC from January 2025 – a new process that, when announced last year, generated inaccurate claims that a new tax was being introduced.

But whether selling last year’s festive jumper, getting some money back for a child’s outgrown baby clothes, or quietly offloading an unwanted Christmas present or two – absolutely nothing has changed for online sellers.

For anyone who is unsure if their additional income could be taxable just search ‘online platform income’ on GOV.UK to use HMRC’s free online tool or download the HMRC app and go to the ‘news’ section under the ‘communication’ tab for more information.

Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s Second Permanent Secretary and Deputy Chief Executive Officer, said: “We cannot be clearer – if you are not trading and just occasionally sell unwanted items online – there is no tax due.

“As has always been the case, some people who are trading through websites or selling services online may need to be paying tax and registering for Self Assessment.”

The new reporting requirements for digital platforms came into effect at the start of 2024. It is not a new tax and whether people are selling personal items on eBay, renting homes out on Airbnb or delivering takeaways through Just Eat – no tax rules have changed.

Those who sold at least 30 items or earned roughly £1,700 (equivalent to €2,000), or provided a paid-for service, on a website or app in 2024 will be contacted by the digital platform in January to say their sales data and some personal information will be sent to HMRC due to new legal obligations.

The sharing of sales data does not automatically mean the individual needs to complete a tax return.

However, those who may need to register for Self Assessment and pay tax, include those who:

buy goods for resale or make goods with the intention of selling them for a profit
offer a service through a digital platform – such as being a delivery driver or letting out a holiday home through a website
AND generate a total income from trading or providing services online of more than £1,000 before deducting expenses in any tax year

HMRC wants to help people get their tax right. Anyone unsure whether to complete a Self Assessment tax return for the 2023 to 2024 tax year or not, can check on GOV.UK. If new to Self Assessment, they can register on GOV.UK.

HMRC is working alongside online platforms to ensure sellers receive clear guidance on their tax responsibilities.

New protections from sexual harassment come into force

Employers now have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment and create a safe working environment

New duty under the Equality Act 2010 will require employers to take “reasonable steps” to prevent sexual harassment of their employees.
New guidance for employers on how they can protect their staff.
New measure comes into force as further legislation goes through Parliament to boost economic growth by tackling poor productivity, insecure work and broken industrial relations.

From Saturday 26 October, employees can expect their employers to take reasonable steps to protect them from sexual harassment as a new duty comes into force.

Employers now have a duty to anticipate when sexual harassment may occur and take reasonable steps to prevent it. If sexual harassment has taken place, an employer should take action to stop it from happening again. This sends a clear signal to all employers that they must take reasonable preventative steps against sexual harassment, encourage cultural change where necessary, and reduce the likelihood of sexual harassment occurring.

Anneliese Dodds, Minister for Women and Equalities, said: “This government is determined to ensure that we not only Make Work Pay; we also make work safe.

“Too many people feel uncomfortable or unsafe at work due to sexual harassment and we are putting every effort into putting a stop to it. The preventative duty is an important step on the journey, and we will continue to improve protections for workers until everyone can thrive.

“The Equality Act provides legal protections against sexual harassment in the workplace. Despite this, persistent reports and revelations in recent years indicate that it remains a problem. So from today employers will be required to take ‘reasonable steps’ to prevent sexual harassment of their employees.

“We will strengthen this duty through our Employment Rights Bill, which had its Second Reading this week, and will boost economic growth by tackling poor productivity, insecure work and broken industrial relations.”

Guidance for employers on developing appropriate plans and policies has been published by the Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) and the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

This includes what behaviour needs to be addressed and how complaints should be handled, to help employers protect their staff and avoid tribunals.

Edinburgh residents asked to prepare for strike action

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

Guidance for people hosting refugees from Ukraine

Are you hosting someone from Ukraine? Scottish Refugee Council is holding free online info sessions on the Scottish Government’s Super Sponsor scheme.

If you have questions about the process, join us on Tuesday, 31 May or Thursday, 9 June to find out more.

We’ve teamed up with the Scottish Government to run online information sessions on the Ukraine Super Sponsor Scheme.

When:

Tuesday, 31 May from 12.45 pm-2.15 pm

Thursday, 9 June from 10am-11.30am

These sessions are for anyone who is interested in hosting, or has registered to host people from Ukraine, either privately, or through the Scottish Government’s Ukraine Super Sponsor scheme.

We will:

Introduce the Scottish Government Ukraine Super Sponsor Scheme: Guidance for Hosts
Cover key aspects of hosting such as eligibility criteria to become a host, the role and expectations of hosts
Share information about resources and further support available for hosts
Respond to questions around hosting.

How to join our information session:

The sessions will be held on Zoom and will run for 90 minutes.

We’ll send you a Zoom link the day before your session.