EIS pushes for a ‘yes’ vote
- Scotland’s largest teaching union, the EIS, has opened a consultative ballot of members on pensions industrial action; it will close in three weeks’ time. Its executive is urging all members to vote “yes” for industrial action to protect their pensions. General secretary Larry Flanagan said: “The EIS remains committed to seeking a resolution through ongoing negotiations with the Scottish government. However, little progress is being made and the possibility of the talks breaking down without agreement is very real.”
Exploitation inquiry launched
- The Scottish Parliament’s public petitions committee has launched an inquiry into the sexual exploitation of children. It will focus on whether current practices and guidelines are sufficiently effective. The move follows the committee’s consideration of a petition submitted by Barnardo’s Scotland. Committee convener David Stewart said: “A childhood free from exploitation of any sort should be a right for every child.”
Funds for third-sector bodies
- Children’s minister Aileen Campbell this week announced #163;757,000 funding to put third-sector bodies at the heart of developing children’s services. Over the next three years the grant will bring the third sector - made up of a core group of Barnardo’s Scotland, Voluntary Action Scotland and the Improvement Service - together with local and national government to make sure that all groups working with children and families are in partnership.
Praise for tourism training
- Education secretary Michael Russell has praised colleges for their help in supporting the tourism industry by training young people. During a visit to Anniesland College to mark Scottish Tourism Week, Mr Russell said colleges had been asked to focus on courses with the best employment prospects, and he was “very pleased” Anniesland was “working hard to ensure students were well placed to take up the various opportunities available in tourism”.
Game for a day of casual wear
- Young people are being urged to put their best foot forward by wearing their trainers to
school on Monday in a campaign to support the Commonwealth Games. Glasgow 2014 is seeking to bring young people into the heart of the Games by linking up directly with schools for this year’s Sport Your Trainers campaign, now in its third year.
