A new web-based tool, commissioned by the Scottish Government, will allow care homes to monitor coronavirus (COVID-19) trends and identify risks quicker. The Turas Care Management tool will launch on Friday (14 August) and will allow all private and public sector care homes across the country to record in one place information including COVID-19 infection rates, demand on services and staff testing.
A total of £60 million will be invested in a Youth Guarantee to give all young people access to work, training or education, Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop has confirmed. An implementation plan for Scotland's Youth Guarantee is currently being developed.
The Constitution Secretary has outlined to MSPs how the UK Government's plans for a post-Brexit internal market would threaten high standards and a range of devolved policies. Giving evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s Finance and Constitution Committee, Michael Russell said the Scottish Government has now published a detailed 21-page document setting out the damage to devolution that would be caused by the plans.
The Principal and Chief Executive of North Highland College UHI has announced his intention to the Board of Management to retire from his post on September 30th 2020. Mr Donald MacBeath, a native to Caithness, has held a number of positions across the college, starting as a lecturer in the mid 1980's and progressing to Assistant Principal and Vice Principal before accepting his post as College Principal in June 2014.
Dounreay is exploring ways of decommissioning with the help of robotics experts. The nuclear site at Dounreay, which was the centre of the UK's research into fast reactor technology in the last century, is being cleaned up and taken apart.
Pupils travelling by dedicated school transport. ‘Dedicated school transport' means transport which is only available to pupils.
As schools return in Scotland, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding working parents they could save up to £2,000 per child per year to pay towards after-school clubs and other childcare services. Around 110,000 families in Scotland are eligible for Tax-Free Childcare, which can cut thousands of pounds off childcare bills.
Members of today's postponed Corporate Resources Committee have supported recommendations contained in item 9 of today's report, regarding critical issues around COVID-19 school trip refunds. Those members who would have been in attendance at today's meeting were contacted by the Chair of the Committee, Cllr Alister Mackinnon, due to the importance of a decision being made on this item.
Today we've published the latest GDP figures for April to June 2020, assessing the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on the UK economy. Some of the main points include: The UK economy has entered recession, with GDP falling by a record 20.4% in Quarter 2 (Apr to June) 2020 (the second consecutive quarterly decline).
The economy is in a technical recession after Quarter 2 (Apr to June) 2020 saw a record fall of 20.4%, following a significant shock since the start of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic; this follows a fall of 2.2% during Quarter 1 (Jan to Mar) 2020. Monthly gross domestic product (GDP) rose by 8.7% during June 2020 but is 17.2% below February 2020 levels.
The third UK-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiating round took place from 27 July to 7 August 2020.
£21-million investment in aerospace campus will form part of the Moray Growth Deal. An aerospace centre of excellence will be established adjacent to RAF Lossiemouth, backed by £21-million funding, UK Government Minister for Scotland Iain Stewart announced today.
Notice is hereby given under section 11(2) (b) of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 ("the Act") that Highland Council proposes to make The Highland Council (Limekiln Forest, Reay, Caithness) Order 2020 ("the Order") under section 11(1) of the Act. The effect of the Order will be to exempt a 7.8km length of forest track at Limekiln Forest, Reay, Caithness (part of Limekiln Forest Core Path CA11.03) from the access rights which would otherwise be exercisable in respect of the land by virtue of Part 1 of the Act.
Pupils whose results were downgraded by the SQA are to receive new grades based solely on teacher estimates. The SQA's alternative certification model was put in place after exams were cancelled due to coronavirus (COVID-19).
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (August 11th) sold 19 prime cattle. Prime bullocks (8) averaged 233.1p (+3.6p) and sold to 245.0p per kg and £1,451.80 gross.
Commenting on today's labour market data, ONS Deputy National Statistician for Economic Statistics Jonathan Athow said: "The labour market continues recent trends, with a fall in employment and significantly reduced hours of work as many people are furloughed. "Figures from our main survey show there has been a rise in people without a job and not looking for one, though wanting to work.
The SPFL has today agreed to implement an urgent package of measures - and to the postponement of a limited number of Scottish Premiership fixtures - following another breach of protocols. The decision was taken by the SPFL, following discussion with Ministers, after a Celtic FC player allegedly failed to self-isolate for the required 14 day quarantine period after returning from Spain.
Scotland's future workforce will be at the heart of rebuilding the economy following the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop said. Announcing £10 million for a range of measures to recruit and retain apprentices, including additional funding for the Scottish Government's Adopt an Apprentice programme, Ms Hyslop said the funding would help modern and graduate apprentices who are facing redundancy as a result of COVID-19 get back into work.
Government urges shoppers to visit their local high street and support businesses during Shop Local Week. Shoppers are being urged to hit the high street and support their local businesses during Shop Local Week (10-16 August) shopping local helps support the local economy, creates jobs and boosts local communities.
Lost jobs. Sagging GDP.
