News Archive

Huge Membership Rise For Unison Scotland Ahead Of New Ad Campaign Launch

A new ad campaign, aimed at increasing the record number of public service workers who've joined UNISON Scotland since the start of the pandemic, is being launched by the union today (Monday).   The 60-second animated advert is being screened on Sky, ITV, Channel 4 and YouTube with the message that no worker should feel alone in these uncertain times.  

Towns And Bids Resilience And Recovery Fund: Information And Application

The £2 million Towns and BIDs Resilience and Recovery Fund, announced by the Scottish Government on 12th June 2020, is intended to support localised response activities contributing to town centre and high street resilience and recovery.   Overview £1 million of this funding will be allocated directly to towns to address immediate priorities as lockdown restrictions are gradually eased.  

Support For Zoos

Further measures have been announced to support Scotland's zoos and aquariums.   First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced that from 29 June outdoor areas of zoos and gardens will be able to open to the public, provided appropriate measures are put in place to ensure physical distancing and compliance with phase 2 restrictions.  

Deferral Of Vat Payments As A Result Of Covid-19

HMRC contacted employers today with an update on VAT.   As part of the government's support for businesses during COVID-19, HMRC gave businesses the option of deferring their VAT payments if they were unable to pay on time, without incurring late payment interest or penalties.  

Scottish Parliament Asked To Back European Union Continuity Bill

New powers and measures to align devolved Scots law with those in the European Union after the end of the Brexit transition period have been published.   The UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Bill will allow or provide for continuity of provision that would otherwise be lost on withdrawal from the EU.  

Update On Covid-19 Business Grants Awarded In Highland

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 over £63 million to 5,892 Highland businesses.   Councillor Trish Robertson, Chair of The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee said: "Our staff that are processing applications are still working very hard and thanks to their efforts and to applicants for providing the correct information when they apply, the percentage of grants processed is currently at 99%.  

Investment In Local Renewables And Low Carbon Heat

Additional funding of £5.5 million is being made available for renewables projects to contribute towards a green recovery following the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.   Communities will be able to bid for a share of £4.5 million through the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES), which funds local renewable projects.  

A Clear Simple Message - Scottish Parliaments Covid-19 Committee

CHIEF Executive of The Highland Council, Donna Manson was invited to give evidence at the Scottish Parliament's COVID-19 Committee on Wednesday 17 June.   Mrs Manson's advice to the Committee was the importance of a clear and simple national message during the COVID-19 emergency.  

Firm Grip Kept On Scotlands Finances

New figures show that prudent budget management is enabling the Scottish Government to maximise its response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.   The 2019-20 Provisional Budget Outturn reveals a 0.7 per cent underspend on a total budget of £34.6 billion - down from 0.9 per cent the previous year - with all of the £258 million underspend carried forward and most having already been deployed.  

Economic Output Fell By 2.5% In 2020 Quarter 1

Scotland's GDP fell by 2.5% during the first quarter of 2020, according to statistics announced today by the Chief Statistician which cover the period from January to March.  Over the year, compared to the first quarter of 2019, the economy has contracted by 2.3%.