News Archive

Pm Statement On Coronavirus: 18 March 2020

Good afternoon.  And thanks for coming or for indeed tuning in to these daily updates.  

Schools, Colleges And Early Years Settings To Close in England

After schools shut their gates on Friday afternoon, they will remain closed until further notice except for children of key workers and vulnerable children, as part of the country's ongoing response to coronavirus.   Examples of these workers include NHS staff, police and supermarket delivery drivers who need to be able to go to work to support the country’s fight to tackle coronavirus.  

Business Gateway Highland continues to provide support

Business Gateway Highland have confirmed that they are continuing to provide a service to small and medium enterprises across the Highlands by offering adviser support by phone or video and webinars in place of workshops.  They are also reminding everyone that there is also a wealth of online information at bgateway.com Danny Gallagher, Business Gateway Manager, Highland & Moray said: "We are currently very busy with businesses enquiring about the support being offered by the UK and Scottish Government and we are on hand to provide the relevant support.  

Employment, Unemployment And Inactivity For Young People

Statistics from the Annual Population Survey have been released which show that 328,000 young people aged 16-24 years were in employment in Scotland in January 2019 to December 2019.  The employment rate for young people was 57.9%, higher than a year ago (57.2%).  

Parole Board Chief Executive's Blog

Given the unprecedented times we find ourselves in, I felt it only right to personally outline the Parole Board's approach at this time.  Where possible, the Parole Board is continuing to carry out planned hearings in line with government advice.  

Coronavirus (covid19) - Outpatient Appointments At Raigmore Hospital, Inverness

Issued by NHS Highland To our patients, staff and public.   To help prevent the spread of coronavirus (Covid 19) your outpatient appointment may be replaced by a telephone or video consultation or postponed to a later date.  

Call For Suspension Of Face-to-face Benefit Assessments To Be Made Permanent

Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) has welcomed news that face-to-face social security assessments are to be suspended during the coronavirus outbreak and have called on the UK Government for the change to be made permanent.   From today, claimants on disability benefits will not be required to attend face-to-face assessments for the next three months.  

Wick Community Council Asks Highland council To Halt Parking Charges Consultation Due To Coronavirus

" Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council have sent the following to Highland Council with regards to Offstreet Car Parking Charges Consultation: Developments have been moving fast over the weekend with regards to what to do and not what to do with regards to the CoronaVirus Covid-19.   At this moment in time we are unchartered territory and we do not know what additional recommendations are going to be coming in.  

New Guidance From UK Government For Households With Possible Covid-19 Infection - Latest 17 March

Next stage of COVID-19 public information campaign highlights guidance for households with possible infection.   New guidance to stay at home for 14 days if someone in your household has symptoms of COVID-19 is the focus of the next stage of a public awareness campaign launched by Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock today.  

A brief comment on coronavirus and the Scottish economy...

Fraser of Allander Institute We've been asked in recent days for our take of the impact of the coronavirus on the Scottish economy.   Of course, it goes without saying that the economy is very much secondary to the health implications and the risks to individuals and families.