Scottish Government funding for youth work is being increased by more than 30% to recognise the vital role the sector will play in making up any ground lost in learning during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. A newly created £3 million Youth Work Education Recovery Fund will be targeted at those communities and young people who need the most support, bringing Government spending in the youth work sector this year to at least £12.5 million.
Fuel-poor households are to benefit from a further £16 million investment to improve energy efficiency in their homes. The money will be used to improve insulation and install energy efficient heating systems, including those using renewable technology, contributing to Scotland's net zero targets and helping to meet a key Programme for Government commitment.
The Chief Statistician has released statistics showing that the economy contracted by 19.4% during the second quarter of 2020, covering the period April to June. Change in gross domestic product (GDP) is the main indicator of economic growth.
Extending the furlough scheme by eight months could save 61,000 jobs in Scotland, according to new research. A Scottish Government report estimates that the direct cost of extending the furlough scheme in Scotland to June is around £850 million - and wider economic benefits, such as increasing GDP, mean that it could pay for itself.
New statistics from the Annual Population Survey show that 299,000 young people aged 16 to 24 years were in employment in Scotland in July 2019 to June 2020. The employment rate for young people was 53.2%, lower than a year ago (59.1%).
High Life Highland is continuing its bounceback campaign with additional swimming provision planned during September and October. Graeme Ross, Principal Facilities Manager said, "In getting our locations reopen, our priority was, and continues to be to make our premises safe and welcoming for customers and staff.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highlands Marts Ltd, (September, 14th) sold 3,907 ewe lambs and gimmers at the Highland Mule Breeders Association annual show and sale. Highland Mule gimmers (1,127) averaged £179.24 (+£36.21 on the corresponding sale of last year) and sold to £210 from Mountrich Farm, Dingwall.
During lockdown High Life Highland found the use of technology more important than ever before. It was, and remains, one of the primary forms of communication with its members throughout the fast-changing environment in which everyone has found themselves immersed.
New law comes into effect next March. Legislation to introduce an opt out system of organ and tissue donation for deceased donors will come into effect on 26 March 2021.
The Office for National Statistics has published the latest Employment and Unemployment statistics today. Early indicators for August 2020 suggest that the number of employees in the UK on payrolls was down around 695,000 compared with March 2020.
A consultation will gather final views on proposed new legislation for the regulation of short-term lets. The Scottish Government's proposals include a mandatory licensing scheme to ensure that all short-term lets are safe and to address issues faced by neighbours.
Community feeling remains strong in Scotland with more than three-quarters of adults (78% in 2019) reporting a very or fairly strong sense of belonging to their neighbourhood. This figure has remained at this level since 2012.
Public Sector Employment Statistics for Scotland released today by Scotland's Chief Statistician show that there were 565,600 people employed in the public sector in Scotland in June 2020. As of June 2020, public sector employment accounted for 21.2% of total employment in Scotland and private sector employment accounted for 78.8% of total employment.
Most people are happy with their neighbourhood, feel a strong sense of belonging and think their local heritage is well cared for, according to the latest Scottish Household Survey. Concern about the environment has continued to grow, particularly among young people - the survey found that last year 69% of 16 to 24-year-olds agreed climate change was an immediate and urgent problem, up from 38% in 2013.
Highland residents are being warned that letters claiming they have won a share of £425,000 in a ‘postcode lottery' is a scam. The letters appear to be targeting the Skye area but are likely to be sent to various addresses across the Highland area.
Fiona Malcolm, has been appointed by The Highland Council as Interim Executive Chief Officer with immediate effect for Health and Social Care, pending recruitment of the permanent ECO post which is currently taking place. A qualified solicitor, Fiona has worked within the legislative and policy frameworks in place for both children's care and adult social care since joining The Highland Council in 2001.
This article is issue by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy and has an English bias but the principles are the same for Scotland. For Advice in Highland see the Highland council Page Hi-hope Advice for those in difficulty with energy, water or telecommunications bills, or repayment commitments on credit cards, loans and mortgages, as a result of COVID-19.
Progress report: Terminating the Magnox contract by the National Audit Office. This report examines the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority's management of the renegotiated contract in place with Cavendish Fluor Partnership.
From the Department for Work and Pensions The draft measures are aimed at improving saver outcomes, and supporting the economy by promoting investment in green tech and infrastructure by pension schemes. Measures to encourage pension schemes to invest in a more diverse range of long-term assets, including illiquid products such as venture capital and green infrastructure, were outlined by the Government today.
The Scottish Government has launched a Sustainable Agriculture Capital Grant Scheme (SACGS) with the stated aim of protecting and improving the natural environment, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting sustainable farming and land use. The grant forms part of the Agricultural Transformation Programme announced in February which allocated £40 million of initial funding to support the sector's contribution to meeting Scotland's climate change ambitions.
