Mixed views on latest employment figures

Unemployment in Scotland fell over the last three months, but opinion is divided on just how robust the economic recovery is looking in Scotland. The Scottish government has welcomed the latest figures, but trade union leaders believe that, with a continued rise in long-term unemployment, the lessons of past recessions have not been learnt.

According to official figures released today, unemployment in Scotland has fallen by 14,000 over the three month period from September to November 2012. The Office of National Statistics figures also show that the youth unemployment rate saw the largest annual drop since the time series began in 2006, and is now the lowest level since March to May 2011.

Youth unemployment has fallen by 23,000 over the year to September to November with the rate decreasing by 4.8 percentage points to 19.9 per cent. The UK rate decreased by 1.7 percentage points to 21.0 per cent. This is the largest annual decrease in the youth unemployment rate in Scotland since the data series began in 2006. The youth employment rate in Scotland is 55.1 per cent compared to the UK rate of 51.8 per cent.

Scotland’s headline employment rate (for those aged 16 to 64) fell by 0.6 percentage points over the three months from September to November to 70.6 per cent, but the headline employment level (for those aged 16 and over) increased by 1,000 over the year. Scotland continues to have the fifth highest employment rate of all 12 UK countries and regions.

The claimant count in Scotland decreased by 1,400 over the month of December 2012, the second consecutive monthly fall. Over the year, the number of people claiming Jobseekers allowance fell by 4,400 to 137,500.

Commenting on the latest figures, Finance Secretary John Swinney said: “These figures show that unemployment in Scotland has continued to fall for the second monthly release. The strong performance in youth unemployment over the year is particularly welcome. We have lower youth unemployment, higher youth employment and lower youth inactivity than the UK. What’s more, this month’s release sees the largest annual drop in the youth unemployment rate since the data series began in 2006.

“However, we must continue to work to boost employment and the Scottish Government is taking direct action by investing in our infrastructure and maintaining the most competitive business environment anywhere in the UK. Our budget includes a tax relief package for business worth over £540m this year and bring forward a further £385 million package of economic stimulus.

“We are also targeting growth markets and growth industries and our efforts are paying off with today’s Global Connections survey showing that Scottish exports increased by by £1.6 billion to £23.9 billion in 2011. With the full fiscal and economic powers of independence the Scottish Government could do even more to strengthen our economy and create jobs.”

Youth Employment Minister Angela Constance said: “Today’s figures show that youth unemployment in Scotland is at its lowest level since March to May 2011 after falling for the second monthly release in a row. Our actions to improve youth employment rates have included a guarantee of a place in education or training for every 16-19 year old through Opportunities for All, funding 25,000 Modern Apprenticeships in each year of the current parliament and £8.5 million to create 1,400 jobs in the third sector through Community Jobs Scotland.

“This year we will continue our efforts by launching an Employer Recruitment Incentive which will give financial support to small companies willing to give young people a job. This is backed by £15 million of Scottish Government funding and by £10 million European Structural funding. Our young people’s fresh and modern thinking in the workplace will help drive our economy forward and we will continue to work hard to ensure they have the opportunity to do that.”

However Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary Grahame Smith said: “For the second month in a row, the reported fall in unemployment has been exceeded by the fall in employment and economic activity. Quite simply it is no cause for celebration if people are leaving the labour force altogether rather than looking actively for work.

“These statistics show a very weak labour market which continues to be characterised by significant falls in full-time permanent positions, rising underemployment and worrying increases in inactivity. The fall in youth unemployment over the year is encouraging although the rate has hardly shifted. The rise in very long-term unemployment across all ages confirms the STUC’s consistently expressed fears that the errors of past recessions are being repeated.”

The Scottish Greens are also warning the Scottish government against complacency. Green MSP Alison Johnstone, a member of Holyrood’s Economy committee, said: “The government’s efforts to date on training and apprenticeships are welcome but much more needs to be done to ensure young people and women in particular are not shut out of the jobs market. It is also a concern that we’re continuing to see part-time work replace full-time jobs, and that many people feel the need to take a second job to make ends meet.

“The evidence I’ve been hearing as the economy committee examines underemployment clearly shows this is a serious problem. I urge the Scottish Government to do more to help small and medium sized businesses expand so they can offer their staff more hours. I also want to see more done to provide good quality, affordable childcare, the lack of which forces many women to stay out of work. It’s also appalling that Scotland has the second most expensive childcare in Europe yet those providing it are often on very low wages.”

NHS Lothian launches organ donation pilot programme

A new organ donation pilot programme is to be launched in NHS Lothian, it was announced yesterday.

The pilot will ensure that people who cannot be resuscitated after suffering a cardiac arrest in the community and who have previously expressed a wish to donate their organs in the event of their death, will have that wish respected.

The pilot will run in the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, where emergency medicine clinicians and the Scottish Ambulance Service practice the most advanced resuscitation techniques. As a result many more people who have suffered a cardiac arrest in the community are now making a good recovery.

Should the resuscitative measures prove unsuccessful, a decision will be made by two doctors that further treatment would no longer be in the best interests of the patient. End of life options (including organ donation) will then be discussed with the family.

Previously organ donation was not possible in these circumstances, even if the patient had made it clear that they wished to be an organ donor. The resuscitation process will continue to be run entirely by the emergency department based on their current policies and is totally separate from any consideration of organ donation.

Minister for Public Health, Michael Matheson said: “We welcome the fact that more people who experience a cardiac arrest at home or in the community are now surviving due to the introduction of modern resuscitation techniques by the emergency department clinicians and the Scottish Ambulance Service.

“However when all attempts at resuscitation in hospital have been unsuccessful it can be a source of comfort to the family to be able to respect the wishes of their loved ones who have made their organ donation wishes known by joining the NHS Organ Donor Register. This pilot programme is about doing this.”

Dr Matt Reed, Consultant in Emergency Medicine, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh said: “We have an ongoing programme of improving the management of patients who have had a cardiac arrest in the community. The modern resuscitation techniques practiced by the Emergency Department in the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and the Scottish Ambulance Service in the South East of Scotland have seen survival rates for these patients improve dramatically and many more patients are now going on to make a good recovery.

“Unfortunately however, there are some patients who do not survive despite every attempt to save them. Many of those people will have expressed a wish to be an organ donor by joining the NHS Organ Donor Register in the expectation that their wishes be respected in the event of their death. This pilot will allow their wishes to be acted upon.”

Dr Jean Turner, Executive Director, Scotland Patients Association said: “Scotland Patients Association(SPA) welcomes this pilot which offers patients and their relatives the utmost assurance for the best outcomes from resuscitation with consideration and respect when organ donation may become an option for them.”

The pilot relates to adults aged 16-60 who have a witnessed cardiac arrest and who have expressed a wish to donate organs and/or tissues after their death. In its initial stages it will operate between the hours of 9-5 on weekdays.

Families will continue to be consulted on the proposed donation of their loved one’s organs.

Lothian is leading the way in Scotland in terms of population signed up to the NHS Organ Donor Register (just under 50% of the population). There are currently more than two million Scots on the NHS Organ Donor Register – over 41 per cent of the population which is the highest in the UK. The UK average is 31 per cent (October 2012).

In 2011/12 there were 346 transplants in Scotland. The majority of people on the transplant list are waiting on kidney transplants – 514 people.

NHS Blood and Transplant research found that 96 percent of people would take an organ if they needed one, but only 41 per cent of Scots have joined the NHS Organ Donor Register.

You can join the NHS Organ Donor Register by visiting the Organ Donation Scotland website or by texting LIFE TO 61611.

Benefits advice groups to share Holyrood cash

The Scottish Government is directing new money to agencies helping people facing the brunt of UK benefit cuts, Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced yesterday. In response to a substantial increase in requests for help as a result of Westminster welfare reforms, a new package of funding will support those providing front-line advice and support to people across Scotland.

This will include an immediate cash injection of £300,000 for services such as those provided by Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS), the setting up a new £1.7 million fund providing direct support to advice services and a further £3.4 million to be spent over the next two years on helping organisations mitigate the impacts welfare reforms.

Changes in Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit will reduce the budgets of more than 100,000 households in Scotland – 88 per cent of them couples with children. On average these families will be £700 a year worse off.

Over 100,000 households across Scotland will also lose on average of around £600 a year as a result of the bedroom tax.

And it is estimated that around 1 million working age households in Scotland will be affected by the uprating of benefits by 1 per cent, announced in the Autumn Statement, reducing the total income of Scottish households by around £210 million by 2014-15.

Announcing the funding boost Ms Sturgeon said: “Many people across Scotland are suffering as a direct result of UK Government benefit cuts, and many more are concerned about how they may be affected by changes yet to come into force. Citizen’s Advice Bureaux across the country are currently dealing with nearly 800 new issues for every working day. And the latest extremely worrying analysis about the families affected by benefits illustrates exactly that point.

“This reflects our serious concerns about the pace, scale and impact of Westminster’s benefits changes. It is clear that the impact of the cuts will extend across Scottish society, with vulnerable groups, women and working families all likely to suffer. This is putting more and more pressure on the organisations that provide crucial front line advice to those affected. These are the people, who, on a daily basis see how lives are being damaged by the fall out from the UK government’s welfare reform changes. That is why we have listened and are providing £5.4 million to help meet the demand for advice and support as it dramatically increases.

“This is just further evidence of the need for independence. We want a welfare system in Scotland that provides fair and decent support for all and protects the vulnerable in our society. The only way to guarantee that is to have possession of the powers to deliver it.”

Background Information:

The Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit analysis is taken from published DWP statistics. Bedroom tax analysis estimates that:

105,000 households will be affected by the bedroom tax.

Of these, 83,000 will be under-occupying by one bedroom and 22,000 will be under-occupying by two or more rooms.

With around 586,000 households in the social rented sector, it is estimated that 18 per cent of all households in the sector will be affected.

Depending on the measure of inflation used, the average weekly loss in 2012/13 prices is between £11 and £12.

This gives an estimate total loss of Housing Benefit to the sector of between £60 -£65 million per annum.

The Bedroom Tax will reduce the amount of housing benefit support that can be given to tenants in the social rented sector by introducing new size criteria for working-age Housing Benefit claimants, who have extra bedrooms.

People who are judged to be ‘under occupying’ their home by one bedroom will have their housing benefit slashed by 14 per Cent. Where they are under occupying by two or more bedrooms the deduction is 25 per Cent.

The new criteria for under occupation could mean that ill or disabled people, who use a spare bedroom for medical equipment, may all be affected.

The twelve days of a greener Christmas

As festive celebrations take place across the country, Scots are being encouraged to spread seasonal goodwill by making greener choices this Christmas …

More waste is produced at Christmas than at any other time of year. It’s estimated Scotland uses over 30,000 km of wrapping paper – enough to stretch from Scotland to Australia and back again. And millions of glass bottles and cans will be disposed of – all of which can be recycled.

Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead believes that people across the country can play their part in making Scotland a cleaner, greener, place to live simply by taking small steps to reduce waste and adopt a greener lifestyle.

He said: “The festive season is a fantastic time to have fun, relax and enjoy quality time with the family. While Scots across the country are doing just that, it’s also important that we take a minute to think about the impact of our choices on the environment. By simply making a few greener choices this Christmas time, we can all play a part protecting Scotland’s stunning beauty and natural resources.

“Simple greener choices are all that’s needed – from reusing or recycling our wrapping paper and packaging, to planning meals and using up leftover food. If more people do these things, it can make a real difference, reducing the impact on the environment and saving money too, which will benefit families and communities all across Scotland.

“We are committed to creating a greener, cleaner Scotland now and for the future. If we all do our bit to reduce, reuse and recycle this festive season, we can work together to achieve this.”

There are lots of things we can all do to have make the festive season greener. To help you get started, the Scottish Government’s Greener Together campaign has put a new twist on some old favourites.

The 12 tips for a greener Christmas time are:

1. Greener Christmas cards Recycle your festive greetings cards or get creative reusing them for festive family fun or even preparing greetings cards or gift labels for next year which can help to reduce your Christmas waste this year and next.

2. Add a touch of nature to decorate your home Use nature’s resources to dream up the perfect natural decorations this festive season – have a fun day out with the family to collect evergreen wreaths, pine cones and seed pods to make your home festive. Decorations can be made from organic materials including cinnamon sticks, wood and dried fruit like orange slices or reusing last year’s Christmas cards.

3. Recycle your Christmas tree Why not give your artificial Christmas tree and decorations another go next season and if you’re using a real tree take it to a collection point for composting? If your real tree has roots it can be planted in your garden after Christmas and dug up for display again the next year.

4. Save Energy Remember to turn off your Christmas tree lights, and any appliances that are on standby, when you go to bed or if you’re out. Simply switching the lights off and even turning the heating down by one degree helps saves money and the environment.

5. Use rechargeable batteries New gifts at Christmas often mean a lot of batteries. Batteries contain toxic chemicals and must be recycled properly. Many shops now have battery recycling points, as do some town halls, schools and libraries – look out for the Be Positive signs to find out where you can recycle batteries. As an alternative, use rechargeable batteries or try the new AA size USB rechargeable batteries. By opening the cap and plugging into a USB connector, you can recharge them pretty much anywhere.

6. Give unwanted gifts a new life Rather than binning any unwanted presents or items you no longer need after Christmas, pass them on to be reused or recycle them. Charity shops will be happy to take good quality items off your hands and you can freecycle too. If they aren’t in good enough shape to be passed on, why not see if you can recycle them?

7. Eat in season Scotland produces a huge variety of foods throughout the year, so it’s always better to choose flavoursome, in season food – especially at Christmas time. Give your local producers a boost by buying the best of Scotland’s natural larder this festive season. For wholesome winter soups and stews, choose an in season ingredient and find a recipe that puts it to good use at:

8. Reduce food waste You can make the food you buy for Christmas go further with some simple menu planning and careful storage to keep food fresher for longer. It’s always best to cook only the amount you and your family will eat. Why not use our recipe finder to work out how to use up those Christmas leftovers?

9. Recycle food waste or consider using a composting bin Using a food recycling service (food waste collections, provided by local authorities are already available in some towns and cities, and will be coming to others soon) keeps food and drink that is thrown away out of landfill, and helps reduce emissions of harmful greenhouse gases. You can also compost food waste such as banana skins, tea bags or apple cores in your garden.

10. Reuse wrapping paper You can unwrap presents carefully and reuse the paper next year. And when it comes to presents we all know that kids often prefer to play with the packaging instead of the actual toy – so why not make the most of it and create a den, pretend car or even Santa’s sleigh to have fun with. Go to www.playtalkread.org for more fun-time ideas.

11. Use the car less Plan your trips this festive season – write lists to prevent going back and forward for forgotten items, use the bus if you can or walk to local shops. Why not involve the kids in the spreading the festive season cheer? Take them out for a walk and get them to deliver local thank you cards in person, cutting down on vehicle use.

12. Charity shop and vintage chic You don’t have to break the bank to look stylish at Christmas time. Look out for classic outfits in your local vintage or charity shop. You can often find unique items tucked away at an affordable price. By mixing and matching, you can put together a statement outfit which will make your wardrobe dazzle this festive season.

More face fuel poverty despite Holyrood help

Basic energy efficiency measures have prevented up to 35,000 Scottish households from falling into fuel poverty over the past year, according to the Scottish government.

Statistics released today show that the installation of measures such as loft and cavity insulation, double glazing and new boilers have helped to reduce energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and cut household energy requirements.

In spite of efforts by the Scottish Government to help reduce household energy bills, tens of thousands of families were pushed into fuel poverty in 2011 as a direct result of energy company price rises. Between July and October 2011, more than 102,000 households fell into this category after energy prices increased by 14%.

Housing and Welfare Minister Margaret Burgess said: “Basic energy efficiency measures can make a huge difference to Scottish families who are struggling to make ends meet, allowing them to heat their homes more cost effectively.

“This government has allocated over £68 million in 2012-13 to energy efficiency and fuel poverty programmes to help individuals and families who are in most need of support. We also have in place a cashback voucher scheme offering up to £500 per household for energy efficiency measures such as double glazing and loft and cavity wall insulation, and from today, energy efficient boilers and appliances for private sector landlords.

“Rising energy bills are a huge concern for this government, and fuel poverty is an absolute scandal in an energy rich country like Scotland. The more that energy companies continue to implement punishing price increases, the more they are undoing the good work we are doing to tackle fuel poverty. That is why we are urging the UK government – who has responsibility in this area – to do more to help vulnerable people and ensure that our households are better protected.”

However the Scottish Greens believe the government should be doing a lot more to address the problem, and they are calling on ministers to stop hand-wringing on the worsening issue of fuel poverty. The Scottish Greens say the National Retrofit Programme to insulate homes – first proposed by the party in 2009 – needs to be increased from the current £65million a year to at least £100 million to make a real difference.

Green MSP for Lothian and Holyrood energy committee member Alison Johnstone said:
“Scottish Greens have long argued for extra money focused on rapid upgrading of peoples’ homes. For SNP ministers to suggest this issue is worsening despite their efforts hides the fact that they could do much more.

“With thousands more homes in fuel poverty, the Scottish Government must be more ambitious. Wringing hands about Westminster’s failure to tackle the Big Six energy companies isn’t good enough.”

The Scottish Government’s latest figures show that recent energy price rises have pushed an extra 26,000 households in Scotland into fuel poverty. Around 29 per cent of Scottish households now spend over 10 per cent of their income on energy bills, and 185,000 of those households spend over 20 per cent.

Commenting on the figures, Norman Kerr, Director of national fuel poverty charity Energy Action Scotland said: “The fact that more Scottish households are now in fuel poverty is very disappointing but not surprising, as energy prices have gone up and people’s budgets generally are under pressure. Efforts to make homes energy efficient, so that less energy is needed to heat them, are more vital than ever and will clearly have to be increased.

“Our advice to the public is to check out if they are on the best fuel tariff and payment method for their needs, to shop around energy suppliers, and to take up the free or discounted insulation from Scottish Government programmes such as Home Energy Scotland. There is a tendency to think it won’t make a difference, but it does all help at these difficult times.”

Energy Action Scotland is highlighting that the figures released today are for the period to autumn 2011. Using those figures and adding the effects of energy price rises announced in autumn this year, the numbers living in fuel poverty today are more likely to be around 900,000 household (40%). Today’s report states that those on the lowest incomes are hit hardest by the price rises.

Summit to address youth unemployment

Young people are discussing youth employment issues with senior Scottish Government Ministers today. Around 120 young people from a broad range of backgrounds are attending Scotland’s Youth Summit at the Hub on the Royal Mile.

The event – organised by Young Scot, the Scottish Youth Parliament and the Scottish Government – gives young people the chance to speak directly to Ministers, including Minister for Youth Employment Angela Constance, about ways in which 16-24 year olds can be supported into work.

Education Secretary Michael Russell, Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop, Minister for Learning, Science and Scotland’s Languages Alasdair Allan, Minister for Children and Young People Aileen Campbell and Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport, Shona Robison will also attend.

Ms Constance said: “Hearing the experiences of young people directly is vital to our work to support them and their peers into work. I have met many young people in training or education in the last year, as well as a number seeking an opportunity, but the Youth Summit will given dozens of 16-24 years the chance to tell Ministers about their experiences face to face.

“This government is doing more than any other to improve the employability of our young people. We are already committed to 25,000 Modern Apprenticeship opportunities in every year of this parliament and have guaranteed every 16-19 year old a place in education or training. The Employer Recruitment Incentive announced in the draft budget will also help small and medium-sized businesses to recruit unemployed young Scots. Today’s meeting will give key partners, including Ministers, a good sense of progress and ideas on how we can help further.”

Grant Costello MSYP, Chair of the Scottish Youth Parliament, said: “Young people have suffered enormously as a result of the economic downturn. It is crucial that action is taken to prevent a lost generation of young people who are unable to find work. I’m therefore delighted senior Government figures are coming to the Youth Employment Summit to hear from young people on their experiences and on the solutions which can make a difference to the thousands of young people who need a leg-up to get back on the ladder of work.”

Craig Shaw, Young Scot Digital Creative Modern Apprentice added: “When I left school, it look me a long time to find a job that I wanted to make into a career and I know the uncertainly of employment can be a daunting time for any young person. That’s why events such as the Youth Employment Summit are really important because it gives young people the chance to share their views with the Scottish Government and together with them, help design future employment opportunities for young people in Scotland.”

Winter fire safety warning

A ‘hot spot’ map showing where house fires took place across Scotland over the last year was unveiled at the launch of the annual fire safety campaign at Crewe Toll Fire Station yesterday.

The ‘Scotland’s Hottest Postcodes’ map reveals that while the highest concentration of house fires in 2011-12 were centred around built-up areas such as Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee, house fires affect homes throughout Scotland.

Speaking at the launch of the Scottish Government and the Fire and Rescue Services’ campaign at Crewe Toll, Community Safety and Legal Affairs Minister Roseanna Cunningham (pictured below) urged householders not to be complacent with the approaching festive season bringing a range of extra hazards into the home.

Ms Cunningham said: “While the number of house fires in Scotland is at its lowest in a decade, this map shows no region of Scotland is untouched by the dangers of fire, and underlines the importance of keeping your family safe from the risks.

“As we approach December, we want everybody to enjoy the festivities this and every year in a way which is safe from the dangers of fire.

“The Scottish Government, the Fire and Rescue Services and our partners continue to work hard educating people about the dangers of fire, and the most important message we can give is never be complacent and always be on your guard, particularly when smoking or drinking alcohol.

“We know that smoking and drinking are causes for a considerable number of fires in Scotland. Smoking materials and matches was the primary cause for more than one in twelve accidental house fires last year, while we also know that alcohol and/or drugs was suspected to be a factor in at least one in six accidental house fires.

“Smoking, alcohol consumption, cooking accidents, misuse of electrical appliances or the overloading of electrical sockets are all potential risks. I fully support our fire and rescue services across Scotland to continue doing their excellent work to help people better understand these risks.”

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Deputy Chief Officer Alex Clark said: “Firefighters know all too well that fire can strike at anytime and anywhere. We respond to these incidents every day in Scotland and we see the devastating consequences of accidental house fires and the impact it has on families and our communities. We are committed to doing everything we can to reduce the chances of you having a fire in your home.

“There are very simple steps you can take to protect yourself. Through a free home safety visit carried out by local firefighters you can have smoke detectors fitted and get valuable first-hand advice from the experts on how to reduce your risk of a fire and what to do if the worst happens.

“Historically as we go into the winter months we see a rise in the number of accidental dwelling fires. This can be for a number of reasons from people spending more time in their homes to an increased reliance on electrical products like heaters, tumble dyers and electric blankets and the use of log and coal-burning fires. If you smoke or drink at home this also raises your risk of a fire and we would remind you to be extra vigilant. If you’ve been drinking, avoid cooking. It’s a common cause of accidental house fires and your ability to respond in an emergency will be impaired by alcohol.

“I would urge people to take the time to think about their fire safety in the home and take up the opportunity of a free home safety visit from the fire and rescue service. It could save your life one day.”

To minimise the risk, every home should have working smoke alarms which are tested weekly to provide early warning of the onset of fire.

Home Fire Safety Visits (HFSV) are a key prevention tool. They take around 20 minutes and are free. They are delivered by Fire and Rescue Service personnel who help assess fire risks in their home, offer fire safety advice and where appropriate, install a free smoke alarm(s).

Text FIRE to 61611 or visit www.dontgivefireahome.org to request a free Home Fire Safety Visit and get fire safety advice.

Extended hours for student living support helpline

The opening hours of the Student Award Agency for Scotland’s helpline will be extended to provide answers for students concerned about the progress of their application, Education Secretary Michael Russell has announced. The news comes after it was revealed yesterday that thousands of students are still awaiting grants and loans for basic living expenses weeks into the new term.

The government has reacted to student leaders’ concerns over delays. Speaking yesterday Robin Parker, president of National Union of Students Scotland, said: “The agency’s staff are no doubt working hard in difficult circumstances, but the Scottish government needs to investigate why students will still be waiting for their support payments in November, and look very closely at providing the additional resources SAAS would need to process applications quicker.

“Students who have not received support funding have every right to be upset, and are absolutely right to expect a better level of service. Many students rely on this funding to afford their education, and could struggle to remain at university without this much-needed support.”

Experienced staff from other teams have now been drafted in to work with contact centre staff to boost the helpline and to provide a weekday service from 8am. The helpline will also open this weekend to make sure the applications backlog is cleared as quickly as possible.

The government has said that all current outstanding applications will be cleared by next week. Education Secretary Michael Russell said: “I understand how vital living support is to students and the uncertainty outstanding applications can cause. That is why I have asked SAAS to pull out all the stops and ensure the remaining four per cent of late applications are dealt with urgently.

“These increased opening hours will ensure students can get access to help and information when it is most convenient. We also have confirmation that current outstanding applications will be processed by the end of next week.

“A further 1,000 applications have been cleared since yesterday alone. We will continue to work with the agency to ensure progress is sustained and the applications that continue to be received are dealt with as quickly as possible.”

For further information contact:

Student Awards Agency for Scotland or call the SAAS Helpline on 0300 555 0505

Warm homes for winter

Up to 10,000 extra Scottish households will be given free help to cut their energy bills this winter, Nicola Sturgeon said today. The Deputy First Minister has allocated a further £6 million to install vital energy efficiency measures, such as loft and cavity insulation into Scottish homes.

Also, from this week, a Scottish Government cash back voucher scheme will go live benefitting up to 35,000 Scottish households. This will allow individual householders to apply for £500 vouchers to contribute to the cost of new energy efficiency measures in their properties.

Ms Sturgeon said: “With temperatures dropping and colder weather beginning to bite, households across Scotland will be worrying about their winter energy bills. Solid action is absolutely imperative. That is why we have ploughed an additional £6 million into providing up to 10,000 households with free insulation that will make their homes warmer and cheaper to heat and invested millions into a cash back voucher scheme that is due to go live later this week.

“This is the kind of vital help which can make a real difference to those struggling to make ends meet and demonstrates we will do whatever we can within devolved powers to tackle fuel poverty. Anyone looking for help with their heating bills can contact our Home Energy Scotland Hotline on 0800 512 012 for further assistance.”

The £6 million funding is for the Universal Home Insulation Scheme (UHIS) – an initiative administered by local authorities.

Ms Sturgeon continued: “We all need to work together to tackle fuel poverty. Local authorities have been extremely effective at administering these schemes and I welcome their positive approach. I hope again that they will be able to deliver maximum results with this extra money. But our efforts are being held back by punishing price rises imposed by energy companies. The UK Government – who has responsibility for this area – is simply not doing enough to regulate the market, and this has to change urgently.

“With winter approaching, we need an end to mixed messages and confusion from Westminster, which frankly has done nothing to inspire confidence among worried householders.”

Chair of the National Insulation Forum (Scotland), Wilson Shaw said: “The National Insulation Association warmly welcomes this announcement -it’s really good news, not only for the thousands of households that will benefit, but also for the industry.

“It will really help insulation firms and their employees in Scotland, giving them greater continuity of work between current programmes coming to an end and the Green Deal and ECO getting going.”

The £6 million will be allocated to the Universal Home Insulation Scheme – an energy efficiency initiative administered by local authorities. The new funding is due to the success of the Scottish Government’s Energy Assistance Package in attracting energy company obligation funding to Scotland under the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target.

From 1 November, householders across the whole of Scotland will be able to apply for a cashback voucher for up to £500 towards the cost of installing energy efficiency measures which are recommended through an EPC or Green Deal assessment.

A winter warning – be prepared!

A major public awareness campaign is being launched today encouraging everyone across the country to think ahead and get ready for all forms of severe weather that we can face in Scotland.

While around 40 per-cent of people in Scotland say they feel prepared for severe weather according to new research published today, people are being asked to look at all aspects of their preparedness through this year’s ‘Ready for Winter?’ campaign.

In the last three years parts of Scotland have been badly affected by severe weather – from the damaging storms of early 2012 to the snow and freezing temperatures of the previous two winters which were among the worst in decades.

Launching the campaign, Minister for Transport and Veterans Keith Brown said:

“One of the key drivers behind this year’s campaign is to encourage everyone in Scotland to start thinking about how severe weather could impact them at home, before setting out on journeys, in their communities, and at their place of work.

“Our weather can change quickly and this year we have already seen some people affected by floods and high-winds. We need to keep getting the message out to families, businesses and communities across Scotland about the need to get ready for all kinds of severe weather. Our preparedness campaign shows the simple steps we can all take to achieve this.

“I am delighted that again we are working closely with the British Red Cross to deliver the campaign. We are also working in partnership with Scottish local authorities and a wide range of other partners across the public, voluntary and private sectors.”

David Miller, Red Cross operations director for East Scotland, added: “Severe weather can take many forms – not just snow and ice – and it is important that we are all prepared for it at home, on the road and in the community.

“Last winter was the mildest in years, yet many people in Scotland still suffered hardship and inconvenience due to high winds and flooding which resulted in temporary loss of utilities and caused great damage. We cannot legislate for the weather but we can make life easier for ourselves if we take a few simple steps to prepare for it.

“The Red Cross is delighted to be working in partnership with the Scottish Government once again to deliver this very important message. Our ‘Ready For Winter?’ campaign was very successful last year and this time we are urging the people of Scotland to be ready for all types of severe weather, which can strike at any time of the year – not just during winter.”

COSLA Spokesperson for Health and Well-being, Cllr Peter Johnston said: “COSLA are delighted to once again be working in partnership with the Scottish Government and British Red Cross to launch the ‘Ready for Winter?’ campaign. COSLA would urge people to be aware of the simple measures to reduce the risk of being underprepared should severe weather affect Scotland.

“We have seen the consequences of unpredictable weather in Scotland in the past few years and whilst we might not experience sustained winter conditions of snow, we could get high winds, flooding or snow over a short period of time which could have an equally severe impact.

“COSLA support the message of the campaign for people to be generally prepared for all types of severe weather. I am aware councils have appropriate contingency plans in place to minimise the impact on public services should Scotland experience any form of severe weather this winter. We endeavour to deliver as many services as possible during periods of severe weather with limited disruption but we ask people to recognise that in some circumstances we might need to prioritise the vulnerable.”

The Scottish Government’s ‘Ready for Winter?’ campaign, its second in partnership with the British Red Cross, provides information and advice on how to prepare and cope with severe weather including snow, ice, flooding and high-winds. It seeks to:

Remind individuals and families of the risks and consequences of being underprepared for the impact of severe weather
Offer information and advice on the simple steps that people, businesses and communities can take to reduce those risks
Highlight the range of information, support and resources available across all sectors and all regions of Scotland
Encourage as many people as possible to be ready for all kinds of severe weather this winter and beyond

The campaign includes a range of online resources and will feature integrated marketing activity across TV, local press, radio, news websites and social media, and is due to run until mid-November. A national roadshow will also take to the streets, visiting all local authority areas across the country, offering practical information and guidance on preparing for all kinds of severe weather.

A variety of organisations is supporting the campaign this year including: COSLA, Scottish Water, ACPOS, The Energy Saving Trust, Met Office, The Salvation Army, Coke, Hilton, Standard Life, Baxter’s Food Group and Kwik-fit. Arnold Clark, Scotrail, the National Federation of Retail Newsagents, the British Federation of Small Businesses, main airports across Scotland and 545 libraries are also partnering with the campaign, along with many of Scotland’s largest employers.