Schools across Highland welcome pupils and staff back to classrooms today Tuesday, 17 August 2021. Staff have worked to make sure COVID-19 safety measures are in place and in line with national guidance.
In May to July 2021, there were an estimated 953,000 job vacancies, a record high, having grown by 43.8% (290,000) compared with the previous quarter. Strong quarterly growth was reflected across a number of industries, with 10 of the 18 industry sections reaching or equalling record levels of vacancies in May to July 2021.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (August, 17th) sold 18 prime cattle. Prime bullocks (6) averaged 234.5p (-8.1p) and sold to 243.0p per kg and £1,575.50 gross.
1,815 new cases of COVID-19 reported. 18,316 new tests for COVID-19 that reported results 10.6% of these were positive.
April to June 2021 estimates show quarterly decreases in the unemployment and economic inactivity rates, while the employment rate increased. Total hours worked increased on the quarter with the relaxation of many coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions.
The most recent data show the labour market continuing to recover. The number of payroll employees showed another monthly increase, up 182,000 to 28.9 million in July 2021.
Caithness councillors agree allocation of Place-Based Investment Fund to address local Covid-harms within Ward 2 and Ward 3 As part of the Health and Prosperity Strategy agreed by the Highland Council in March 2021, a £100,000 Place-Based Investment Fund was allocated to each of the 21 Wards throughout the Highland region for the 2021/22 financial year. This fund was designed to enable a flexible local response to address the four harms of Covid which are identified as: direct health harms; health impacts not directly related to Covid; societal impacts; and economic impacts.
Members updated on the positive outcomes being delivered by the Placement Services Change Programme within Highland Members of Wednesday's Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Committee received an update on the progress on the Placement Services Change Programme from the Executive Chief Officer of the Health and Social Care directorate, Fiona Duncan. The programme was initially set-up to return Looked After Children from Out of Area Placements to ensure that children and young people were living in their local community receiving the help and support they need, whilst maintaining contact with families and friends.
The new cohort of probationer teachers were welcomed to the Highlands (on Friday 13 August 2021) at an online Induction Event. The probationer teachers' Induction Event is the first of a wide range of professional learning events which run across the year, to support the needs of beginning teachers and their ongoing professional learning.
1,567 new cases of COVID-19 reported. 17,354 new tests for COVID-19 that reported results 9.6% of these were positive.
Work to provide every school pupil in Scotland with a laptop or tablet has started. Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has confirmed discussions with local government are underway to deliver the ambitious commitment, which will benefit 700,000 children.
1,498 new cases of COVID-19 reported. 22,226 new tests for COVID-19 that reported results 7.4% of these were positive.
1,383 new cases of COVID-19 reported. 26,943 new tests for COVID-19 that reported results 5.6% of these were positive.
The results of The Highland Council by-elections to elect a councillor to represent the Wick and East Caithness ward and a councillor for the Inverness West Ward have been declared. Jill Tilt has been elected to represent Ward 3 - Wick and East Caithness.
King scallop fishing by UK and EU vessels is to be suspended in UK waters of ICES area VIId after consultation with the UK scallop industry and the Government's marine science service Cefas. The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and fellow UK Fisheries Administrations (UKFAs) have closed the fishery in UK waters from 15 August until 4 October 2021 to all over-10m vessels.
1,542 new cases of COVID-19 reported. 25,581 new tests for COVID-19 that reported results 6.6% of these were positive.
Community groups and organisations from across the country are being invited to apply for funding to host events and activities that will celebrate Scotland's Year of Stories 2022. The new Community Stories Fund, which is worth £300,000, is being delivered in partnership between VisitScotland and Museums Galleries Scotland with support from National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players.
Recognition of efforts during pandemic means workers continue to be best paid in UK. The Scottish Government has announced a 3% uplift for NHS medical and dental staff, in recognition of their efforts during the pandemic.
A significant step forward in the construction of Dounreay's new shielded radioactive waste store has taken place. A 24m wide and 3m high steel door has been installed in the building.
