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Changes to the immigration System 26/10/2007

The Home Office have released a statement on the new system governing the entry of people from outside the UK coming here to work, study or train. Changes to the Immigration System: On the 18 April 2007, the Immigration Minister, Liam Byrne, unveiled the timetable for implementing the United Kingdom’s new Point Based System for migration. Currently there are over 80 ways to enter United Kingdom. Under the new system these routes are to be aligned into 5 Tiers. The new system will affect any overseas national (that is anyone from outside the European Union) who wishes to work, train or study in the United Kingdom and greater responsibility for the migrant will be placed on their Sponsor (Employer or Educational Establishment). Sponsors wishing to bring an individual into the United Kingdom will not be able to do so unless they have been approved by the Home Office and are on the Home Office Register of Approved Sponsors. This new system is due to roll out with the opening of the Register of Approved Sponsors and Tier 1 in the first quarter of 2008. It is expected that the remaining Tiers will be phased in by the end of 2009. Further details regarding the changes can be found on the Home Office web site – www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/aboutus/ourplans/apointsbasedsystem. In relation to the new system, the Home Office has employed Sponsor Account Managers who are based throughout the United Kingdom. The team covering Scotland are based in Glasgow. The role of the Account Manager will initially be an educational role. As the Points Based System rolls out, the Account Management function will develop into more of an audit function and supporting role. Account Managers are currently arranging forums and visits to give brief presentations and undertake discussions with Sponsors about the proposed changes in order to create awareness and an informed understanding of the new system and its likely impact on their business. If you have used the Work Permit system in the past two years you may be contacted by the Account Management Unit regarding the new system. If your business currently employs overseas nationals or has plans to do so, queries can be sent to the Sponsor Management Unit, Festival Court 1, 200 Brand Street, Glasgow G51 1DH. Or by email to scotsam@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk

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Scottishcare.com is going Global 26/10/2007

Big news coming soon:- Scottishcare.com is going global. There will be a period of change-over to new arrangements when the news feature may not be upgraded as attention is given to the GLOBAL presentation.

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New Arrangements for Employing Immigrant Workers 25/10/2007

The Home Office are running a series of presentations to employers about new (still evolving) arrangements for employing immigrant workers. A points based system is being introduced to be operated by the employers themselves who have to be appointed by the Home Office as authorized Sponsors. The current Work Permit System operated by the Home Office for employing immigrant workers in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland is being superceded by a new points based system. But in future employers appointed by the Home Office's Border & Immigration Agency as authorized Sponsors will be able to issue their own uniquely numbered Sponsor's Certificates having a validity of six months (or otherwise as may be revised). This facilitates entry arrangements to work, study or train in the UK & NI. There will be a Sponsor's Register that is due to open in the first quarter of 2008 for employers and for educational establishments. The immigrant will use the Certificate of Sponsorship to apply for entry clearance. Should entry clearance be granted a period of leave to remain will be stipulated. The points based system is still being developed by the Home Office but will be based on the individual's qualifications and experience and on salient aspects of the prospective work,study or training. A high level of English is required in Tiers 1 and 2 of 5 Tiers of entry categories. Tier 1 is for highly skilled individuals to contribute to growth and productivity such as Doctors, Scientists, highly qualified Engineers, and Entrepreneurs. Tier 2 is for skilled workers of NVQ 3 and above with a job offer to fill gaps in the UK labour force. Tier 3 is to admit a limited number of low skilled workers needed to fill specific temporary labour shortages. Tier 4 is for students on a specific course of study and importantly in the care industry includes necessary training. Allowable work is limited to 20 hours in other industries but in the care industry full time work is permitted. Tier 5 includes youth mobility and temporary workers allowed to work in the UK. Creative, Sporting and Entertainment people are catered for in Tier 5. Sponsors will have obligations placed upon them and will be subject to unannounced audits with the prospect of various sanctions against sponsors failing to meet the obligations. Category A will be accorded to Sponsors who meet their obligations in full, Category B to those who meet requirements partially but removal from the Sponsors' register await any who fail to meet the requirements. See the web link below.

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Scottishcare is going Global 25/10/2007

Big news coming soon:- Scottishcare.com is going global. There will be a period of change-over to new arrangements when the news feature may not be upgraded as attention is given to the GLOBAL presentation.

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Festival for young carers 15/06/2007

A national festival for young carers across Scotland will now take place after a £400,000 funding package was announced today.Minister for Public Health Shona Robison said £200,000 would establish the festival to give young carers a break from their responsiblities and an opportunity to come together and air their views and concerns. A further £200,000 will also help deliver training to give carers the knowledge and skills they need to cope more effectively. Minister for Public Health Shona Robison said: "This announcement today represents the Scottish government's first step to ensure that Scotland's 600,000 unpaid carers receive the recognition they so deserve. "This festival will provide young carers with the opportunity to meet with decision-makers, including MSPs, to have their say on the issues that affect them. "Carer training is also crucial in supporting carers with their caring responsibilities. We acknowledge that more needs to be done to support carers to enable them to continue caring, whilst protecting their own physical, emotional and mental health. I am confident that the funding for crucial training will help us address these issues. "I look forward to working with carers and the carer organisation as we drive both of these initiatives forward." Director of The Princess Royal Trust for Carers Elaine McConigle said:

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Avian flu found in Wales 28/05/2007

Low pathogenic avian influenza (H7N2) has been confirmed by the Welsh Assembly Government in North Wales. The Scottish Government is monitoring the situation closely and has been keeping the poultry industry well informed of the developing situation. While there are no immediate implications for Scotland, poultry keepers are reminded of the importance of maintaining good biosecurity and remaining vigilant for signs of disease. Any suspicion should be reported to the local animal health office. As a precautionary measure gatherings of ducks and of chickens across Great Britain have been banned. It is important to remember that avian influenza is largely a disease of birds. The risk to public health is very low. Generally, the only people to be affected are those in very close contact with infected birds or their faeces. Background Low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) is a notifiable disease. Typically, infection with LPAI is often difficult to detect, with very few if any clinical signs. An infected flock might show signs of respiratory distress, diarrhoea, a loss of appetite or a drop in egg production of more than 5 per cent. If you are suspicious that your flock has any form of avian influenza you must contact your local Animal Health Office immediately. More information on the outbreak in Wales can be found at For further information on avian influenza and licensing of bird gatherings can be found at: www.scotland.gov.uk/avianinfluenza

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Households below average income 03/05/2007

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced today that an error has been identified in their 'Households Below Average Income Statistics 2005-06' published on March 27, 2007. It is expected that the error will require minor revisions to their publication, a release date for which will be announced after they complete quality assurance checks. The Executive is aware of the error which also affects figures provided by the DWP and published in the Scottish Executive Statistics Publication Notice 'Scottish Households Below Average Income 2005-06' on March 27, 2007. As a result, this publication will be re-issued as soon as possible after corrected figures are received from the DWP.

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Research into living with flooding 20/04/2007

New research exploring the social impacts of flood risk and flooding in Scotland was published today. The study explores the extent of the social impacts of flooding and living with flood risk in Scotland. This research will inform the technical guidance on flood prevention schemes which is currently being prepared for the use of local authorities. The report has a number of recommendations, including: that further research be undertaken on the immediate and long-term physical and mental health impacts of flooding in Scotland; that the intangible social impacts of flooding as well as the potential environmental benefits, be incorporated to a greater degree in option appraisal guidance for relevant local authorities, alongside the standard cost-benefit approach; that, where practicable, flood warning schemes be extended to all communities at risk. When new schemes are appraised, the existing cost benefit appraisal process should be adapted to incorporate the intangible social impacts of flooding; and that there is a continued role for the Scottish Executive's Flooding Issues Advisory Committee as a means for facilitating on-going exchange between key institutional stakeholders and the promotion of sustainable flood management. Background: In response to substantial flood losses during the 1990s the Scottish Executive developed a policy of "Awareness, Avoidance, Alleviation and Assistance", which enhanced the 'people dimension' in flood risk management. In 2003, sustainable flood management became a duty for responsible authorities under section 2 of the Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Act 2003. It was recognised that, for the full potential benefit of these policies to be achieved, there was a need for a more robust evidence base surrounding flooding and flood risk.

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