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News Archive


17/3/2022
Treatment Target For People With Problematic Drug Use
Aim to have more people accessing opioid treatments.   A national target will be introduced to ensure more people with problematic opiate drug use are accessing life-saving community treatments.  
17/3/2022
Scottish College Workers Reject Pay Offer By 92%, Says Unison
UNISON, the union for further education staff, has lodged a formal dispute with college bosses after its members overwhelmingly rejected the latest pay offer by 92 per cent.   The pay offer, a real-terms pay cut, falls far short of rocketing rates of inflation and UNISON will be consulting its members on next steps - including industrial action.  
17/3/2022
Report Highlights Scale And Speed Of Covid Business Support
Over £4.5 billion of funding given to businesses, helping safeguard jobs, since the start of the pandemic.   A report published by Audit Scotland and the Accounts Commission has highlighted the scale and pace of the emergency business support from the Scottish Government in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.  
17/3/2022
Update On The Scottish Government's R100 Broadband ProgrammeThumbnail for article : Update On The Scottish Government's R100 Broadband Programme
Why is broadband important? The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted that people need good broadband services, now more than ever.  For keeping in touch with family and friends, working from home and accessing education, healthcare and other services.  
17/3/2022
Government Clampdown On The Abuse Of British Courts To Protect Free SpeechThumbnail for article : Government Clampdown On The Abuse Of British Courts To Protect Free Speech
Wealthy individuals and powerful corporations who seek to silence critics by abusing the UK legal system have been put on notice by the government.   The Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab will today set out proposals that take aim at so-called Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs).  
17/3/2022
War-Fuelled Surge in Food Prices to Hit Poorer Nations HardestThumbnail for article : War-Fuelled Surge in Food Prices to Hit Poorer Nations Hardest
From the IMF Blog by Christian Bogmans, Jeff Kearns, Andrea Pescatori and Ervin Prifti.   Global food prices are poised to keep climbing even after jumping to a record in February, placing the heaviest burden on vulnerable populations while adding to headwinds for the global economic recovery.  
17/3/2022
Data Gap Limits Analysis Of Covid-19 Business SupportThumbnail for article : Data Gap Limits Analysis Of Covid-19 Business Support
A detailed analysis of how Covid-19 business support funding was distributed during the pandemic is not possible due to gaps in data.   The Scottish Government provided about £4.4 billion of grants and non-domestic rate reliefs between March 2020 and October 2021, mostly paid out to businesses by councils.  
17/3/2022
Coronavirus (covid-19): Daily Data For Scotland - 17 March 2022
9,721 new cases of COVID-19 reported*.   28 new reported deaths of people who have tested positive.  
17/3/2022
Ukrainians Fleeing War Granted Free Access To Nhs Healthcare
All Ukrainians arriving in UK will be able to access NHS healthcare free of charge, including GP and nurse consultations, hospital services, and urgent care centres.   Changes coming into force today (Thursday 17 March) will also cover any treatment that has taken place since the start of the Russian invasion.  
16/3/2022
Caithness initial agreement For Two Health Hubs approved by Scottish Government
The redesign of services in Caithness has taken another step forward this month after the Scottish Government's Capital Investment Group (CIG) approved the initial agreement.   Professor Boyd Robertson, Chair of NHS Highland, said: "I'm pleased that we have reached what is a significant milestone for the redesign project.  
Wick High School Open Again - Thursday 17th March
We are glad to report that the school will be open tomorrow, Thursday 17th March.   Tomorrow is also a fundraiser for Ukraine with staff and pupils being asked to wear something blue or yellow to support the aid effort.  
HIE Steps Up Commitment To Fair Work NationThumbnail for article : HIE Steps Up Commitment To Fair Work Nation
Scotland's development agency for the Highlands and Islands is stepping up its commitment to making the country a Fair Work Nation.   As part of its support for the Scottish Government Fair Work First agenda, the Board of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is introducing new conditions attached to future funding awards.  
16/3/2022
Update On Covid Regulations - Face coverings to remain for now
Legal requirements to wear face coverings on public transport and most indoor public settings will continue until at least early April given the current spike in Covid case numbers, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced today.   Remaining legal requirements for businesses and service providers to collect customer details for contact tracing, and to have regard to and take reasonable measures set out in Covid guidance, will end as planned on Monday 21 March.  
16/3/2022
Coronavirus (covid-19): Daily Data For Scotland - 15 March 2022
38,770 new cases of COVID-19 reported*.   25 new reported deaths of people who have tested positive.  
16/3/2022
Scottish Secretary Responds To March Labour Market Statistics
As new ONS figures show Scotland's unemployment rate decreasing, Scottish Secretary Alister Jack says the UK Government is continuing to help people into work.   Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said:"There are some encouraging signs in Tuesday's employment figures, and while we should not be complacent, our economy is proving resilient.  
16/3/2022
Government Plans For Fracking - Response To An Urgent QuestionThumbnail for article : Government Plans For Fracking - Response To An Urgent Question
The Minister of State at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Greg Hands, responded to a Urgent Question on the government's plans for fracking.   Mr.  
16/3/2022
New Measures To Tackle Corrupt Elites And Dirty Money Become Law
The new Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Act received Royal Assent in the early hours of this morning (15 March), following an expedited passage through Parliament.   Introduced following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the new legislation will mean the government can move more quickly to impose sanctions against oligarchs already designated by our allies, as well as intensifying our sanctions enforcement.  
16/3/2022
Improving Disability Benefits - Ending fixed term reviews for people with lifelong conditions
Disabled people with the most serious lifelong health conditions will have more financial security under Scotland's social security system.   Adult Disability Payment will replace the UK Government's Personal Independence Payment (PIP).  
16/3/2022
World Leading Fisheries Proposals
New measures to make Scotland a world-leader in managing fisheries stocks have been published for consultation.   Views on a draft future catching policy are being sought along with plans to roll-out Remote Electronic Monitoring systems for boats fishing in Scottish waters.  
16/3/2022
Support For Ukrainians In ScotlandThumbnail for article : Support For Ukrainians In Scotland
Funding announced for advice services.   Organisations that will provide advice, support and information services for Ukrainian people and their families are to receive Scottish Government funding as part of Scotland's response to those fleeing the war in Ukraine.