In line with equality legislation, the Government is working to produce Impact Assessments that take into account the impact of this framework on all affected members of society. This work is underway and, following consultation with relevant stakeholders, will be published in full in due course.
Publication of key phases of changing restrictions. A route map setting out a phased approach to easing lockdown restrictions while still suppressing coronavirus (COVID-19) has been published.
The Scottish government must introduce measures to ensure employers don't hold on to £58 million of taxpayers' money intended for hard-up care workers, says UNISON today (Thursday). The funding is part of a £600m social care package announced last week by the Prime Minister.
The Highland Council has noted the outcomes at Inverness Sherriff Court this morning regarding Home Farm Care Home on the Isle of Skye. The Sheriff made no decision on the Care Inspectorate's application to suspend registration but has adjourned the matter until 10 June 2020 on the basis that the collaborative approach being taken will continue to be monitored.
OVO is reneging on its promise that no jobs would be lost, whilst soaking up taxpayers money. GMB, the union for OVO/SSE staff has hit out after the energy giant's betrayal in slashing 2,600 jobs.
The Highland Council is encouraging individuals across the area who have been furloughed or made redundant during COVID-19 to access a range of online training courses, produced by education bodies. The courses seek to provide individuals with both soft and hard skills development in response to the current COVID-19 Emergency.
Age Scotland has called for more support for older workers, who have been among those hardest hit financially by the coronavirus crisis. Research by the Resolution Foundation found that older and younger workers have largely borne the brunt of the economic fallout in recent months.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (May, 19th) sold 8 prime cattle. Prime bullocks (3) averaged 201.9p and sold to 206.0p per kg and £1,290.00 gross.
CITYFIBRE, the UK's third national digital infrastructure platform, is connecting 152 public sector sites in the Highlands to gigabit-capable full fibre broadband as part of a £7.5m contract to bolster digital services in the area through the SWAN framework. Work has restarted on building critical digital infrastructure in Inverness, including NHS sites such as Raigmore Hospital being treated as a priority due to the coronavirus.
Findings from the Resolution Foundation's coronavirus survey 18 May 2020. Maja GustafssonMaja Gustafsson The coronavirus crisis is expected to hit workers hard, with evidence from previous crises indicating that the young are likely to be affected to a greater degree than most.
OVO ENERGY TO MAKE 215 ENGINEERS REDUNDANT. Promises were made that the sale of SSE's retail business to OVO would not lead to a single job loss says GMB GMB, the Energy Union, has slammed OVO Energy over its intention to close their home services section.
The Highland Council would like to remind Garden Waste Collection Service permit holders that the service resumed last Monday (11th May 2020) after being suspended due to the impact of COVID-19 on staff resources. Carron McDiarmid, Executive Chief Officer for Communities and Place said: "Feedback from our crews from the first week of collections is that the quality of the material collected from the brown bins was excellent with very little contamination which is really positive and I would like to thank the public for making a concerted effort to ensure that only the correct material was put into their bins.
Article published at the Fraser of Allender Institute 15 May 2020. Recently we published an article looking at the emerging indicators of impacts of Covid-19 on the Scottish economy.
The COVID-19 small business and self-catering grant scheme, set up to help companies stay in business during the coronavirus crisis, has now paid out £48.9m million to 4359 Highland businesses. This now includes payments to owners of multiple premises following the expansion of the scheme on 5th May 2020.
Helpline for those who do not have family or community support. A helpline has been set up to provide essential assistance to those who do not have a network of support, but who may be at increased risk if they contract coronavirus (COVID-19).
The Highland Council and NHS Highland have submitted an ambitious bid to the Scottish Government's Spaces for People fund seeking support to deliver rapid active travel interventions. If successful, towns across Highland and the city of Inverness will see a roll-out of temporary walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure over the coming weeks and months.
Highlands and Islands Labour MSPs Rhoda Grant and David Stewart have urged Third Sector organisations in the Highlands and Islands to apply to the £10million Wellbeing Fund for community and third sector organisations across Scotland. Groups who meet the criteria of working with at risk groups with needs which are not being met; provide vital wellbeing support on issues such as mental health, personal finances, employment, housing, food, physical health and home life or; provide immediate and emerging forms of support are being urged to get applications in by the deadline of Friday 22 May 2020.
A paper from the Institute For Government Published 15 May 2020 A divided cabinet and battles between parliament and the government revealed fundamental tensions in the civil service's role and its duty to "serve the government of the day". This report says that both Theresa May and Boris Johnson failed to defend the civil service when MPs and commentators questioned its impartiality.
An article by Alex Stojanovic Published 14 May 2020 a the Institute for Government. Alex Stojanovic argues that the government's suggested offer of some UK-EU tariffs is unlikely to provide a breakthrough moment.
A Highland Council Recovery Board has been established to lead and plan the Council's emergence from lockdown and provide strategic coordination for a Recovery Action Plan for Council services. The Board will also provide oversight and direction for the Council's partnership with communities and partners to support the Highland Region’s return to wellbeing, prosperity and economic success.
