After positive discussions over recent weeks with NHS Trade Unions and NHS Employers, the Scottish Government has offered a substantial pay rise for NHS Scotland Agenda for Change staff. If accepted by staff, this deal will be most generous National Health Service pay uplift anywhere in the UK, and would represent the biggest single year increase in pay for NHS staff since devolution.
Scotland's GDP fell by 2.3% in January, according to statistics announced today by the Chief Statistician. This is the third consecutive monthly fall in GDP, as restrictions on economic activity were extended to the current lockdown for mainland Scotland.
Speaking at the Scottish Tourism Alliance conference, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced the funding to support the sector's recovery from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The programme, which has been developed by the Scottish Tourism Emergency Response Group (STERG) in partnership with businesses, will support the Scottish Tourism Recovery Taskforce objectives.
A leading expert in scaling digital businesses has been appointed to oversee work to establish Scotland as a world-class technology hub. Mark Logan, former Skyscanner executive and Professor of Computing Science at the University of Glasgow, will advise ministers on implementing the recommendations stemming from his independent review of the Scottish tech ecosystem.
Serco NorthLink Ferries recorded more than 8,000 journeys during the start of 2021 as it continues to support essential travel. The service remains aligned to the Scottish Government's Strategic Framework, with NorthLink Ferries providing key worker, essential islander and freight connectivity between the Northern Isles and mainland Scotland.
The Minister for Employment has announced 80 new temporary jobcentres. Jobseekers across the UK will have easier access to more frontline support as 80 towns and cities nationwide welcome new temporary jobcentres, the Minister for Employment, Mims Davies, announced today.
Regional development agency, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has awarded a new framework agreement for the procurement of specialist advise to support its clients. Business advisory firm, Anderson Anderson Brown (AAB), will identify, procure and manage specialist advisors who will support HIE clients as they recover from the pandemic and meet the challenges of Brexit.
High-skilled oil and gas workers and the supply chain will not be left behind in transition to low carbon future as landmark North Sea Transition Deal is agreed with industry. UK becomes first G7 country to agree a landmark deal to support the oil and gas industry's transition to clean, green energy - while supporting 40,000 jobs.
The Office of National Statistics latest house price index was published today. UK average house prices increased by 7.5% over the year to January 2021, down from 8.0% in December 2020.
An Independent Review is to be held into maternity services at Dr Gray's Hospital in Elgin. The review has been commissioned by the Health Secretary Jeane Freeman.
Scotland will benefit from additional UK Government funding for the NHS and social care services. Scotland will benefit from £660 million of additional UK Government funding, as a result of last week's announcement by the Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock of a further £7 billion for NHS and social care services In total, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will receive £1.3 billion new funding.
Western Isles will move to Level 3 in latest easing of lockdown. People living in all parts of Scotland will be able to attend places of worship in gatherings of up to 50, where there is space for physical distancing, from Friday 26 March.
Victims of crime will receive support provided by the first payments from a fund that takes money from offenders. Five organisations are sharing £157,000 from the Victim Surcharge Fund to provide practical help to victims.
Alister Jack delivered a speech at RAF Lossiemouth. It's a privilege to be here, at this crucial RAF base from where aircraft and crews are poised 24/7, 365 days a year, to scramble and intercept potential threats to UK airspace.
NHS Scotland will adopt the Dying to Work charter. Healthcare staff with life-limiting illness will be given extra protections at work under a new charter being adopted by NHS Scotland.
Over £700,000 allocated to projects around the country. A total of 16 projects which support people with neurological conditions will benefit from a second round of funding to help drive the delivery of a five-year action plan.
Thousands of Highland business are to benefit from the extension of 100% Non-Domestic Rates Relief for the retail, hospitality, leisure and aviation sectors for the 12-month period starting on 1 April 2021. In contrast to the relief available during the financial year ending 31 March 2021, the Scottish Government is requiring qualifying businesses to apply for the relief available from 1 April 2021.
On Thursday 6 May residents in the Highlands will go to the polls to have their say on who represents them in the Scottish Parliament. Voters have a range of options for casting their ballot - in person, by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote in their place, known as a proxy vote.
High Life Highland, the managing agent of the project to transform Inverness Castle into a visitor attraction for the Highlands, has today issued a tender for an exhibition and content design partner for the project on behalf of The Highland Council. Celebrating and interpreting the ‘Spirit of the Highlands' in 100 Stories will be the core theme of the visitor experience.
Additional investment of more than £5 million. A new Social Enterprise Action Plan will offer increased support to the sector - boosting its potential for growth and putting the social enterprise model at the heart of Scotland's recovery from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
