An MSP will be raising a further motion addressing the ongoing campaign to confer statutory recognition on Scotland’s professional electricians in the Scottish Parliament later this month. The move, by Jamie Halcro Johnston, Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP for the Highlands and Islands, is the latest in a determined campaign
Aramark wants to remind people about the importance of minding their mental wellbeing through the TAKE15 campaign, part of World Mental Health Day. “When I played rugby for Munster and Ireland it was obvious to me how important physical activity is for your mental health. It’s good that we are
World Mental Health Awareness Day took place yesterday, (10th October) and the construction industry have been making a stand in ensuring the well-being of workers is a top priority. Shockingly, it has been reported that men in the construction industry who are regarded as low-skilled labourers, are a staggering three
An MSP will be raising a further motion addressing the ongoing campaign to confer statutory recognition on Scotland’s professional electricians in the Scottish Parliament later this month. The move, by Jamie Halcro Johnston, Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP for the Highlands and Islands, is the latest in a determined campaign by representatives of both employers and employees to secure official, legal recognition of qualified and competent electricians in the interests of public safety. Pat Rafferty, Scotland Regional Secretary of Unite the Union has expressed its full support for the long-running campaign for recognition of the skills, knowledge, training, experience and qualifications of electricians and the vital role they play in the functioning of modern society: “Unite has already contributed to the establishment of the Electricians Working Group which was convened at Holyrood following a concerted awareness-raising push by electrical employers’ association SELECT, the Scottish Joint Industry Board and the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust, together with Unite.” “The Government’s own statistics disclose that 69% of all accidental fires in Scottish homes are caused by electricity and it is clear that work carried out by unqualified operators poses a distinct threat to community safety. This motion is a crucial next step in our campaign for recognition and we are optimistic that it will be carried,” Pat added. Due to be debated in parliament on Thursday, the 25th of October, Mr Halcro Johnston’s motion will ask Holyrood to note the calls supporting the principle of the regulation of electricians and will point out also that, while more than 100 regulated professions exist in the UK –– there is no protection afforded to electricians. Moreover, it will again ask Parliament to appreciate that improperly-installed electrical work creates a significant risk of fire as well as other harm to householders and that the installation of electrical work by unqualified or only partly qualified individuals carries a safety risk. Finally, it will ask for acknowledgement of calls for the Scottish Government to consider how the Parliament’s powers over protection of title can be utilised to reassure the public of the safety of electrical work in domestic and non-domestic premises. “Recognition of the vital role that trained and qualified electricians play in safeguarding all parts of Scottish society is long overdue. These are highly-trained, competent and qualified professional people whose contribution to Scotland’s economy and modern life is immense,” concluded Fiona Harper, The Secretary of the Scottish Joint Industry Training Board.
Aramark wants to remind people about the importance of minding their mental wellbeing through the TAKE15 campaign, part of World Mental Health Day. “When I played rugby for Munster and Ireland it was obvious to me how important physical activity is for your mental health. It’s good that we are now being more open about our mental health but, there is still a long way to go. That’s why I’m delighted to be part of Aramark’s Health and Wellness month again this year and I hope that everyone will join in the #TAKE15 campaign,” said Alan Quinlan, Aramark’s Health and Wellness Ambassador. In the workplace, one in six people will experience mental health issues and TAKE15 is Aramark’s annual month-long campaign that aims to address this by encouraging both employers and employees across the UK and Ireland to take short breaks during their working day. “Aramark are encouraging all their clients and customers to take part in their TAKE15 campaign. The goal is to take time out to reconnect with people and look after your own mental health. We are dedicated to helping our teams and customers to make positive changes to their lifestyle so that they improve their wellbeing,” said Frank Gleeson, President Aramark Northern Europe. “Our mission is to enrich and nourish lives and we understand that a healthy workforce is a happier and more productive workforce. When employees take breaks at work, they become less fatigued and have more energy. Short breaks also increase our ability to focus and problem solve, reducing stress levels so it makes sense for everyone to Take 15 minutes to relax and clear their head during the day. We’re thrilled with the level of support from our clients for Take15 – our annual campaign has been growing every year as health and wellbeing becomes embedded in the workplace,” Frank added. Aramark Northern Europe employs over 18,000 people directly and provides food services to hundreds of workplaces across Northern Europe. The company is encouraging employees, clients and customers to take part in a month long TAKE15 campaign. The goal is to get people to take time out away from computers, phones and emails, and to reconnect with their colleagues.
World Mental Health Awareness Day took place yesterday, (10th October) and the construction industry have been making a stand in ensuring the well-being of workers is a top priority. Shockingly, it has been reported that men in the construction industry who are regarded as low-skilled labourers, are a staggering three times more likely to take their own life, according to recent figures released by the ONS. This is an issue the construction industry are working hard to address. Construction industry workers can often be on their own for extended periods of time, such as when using a digger, crane or tractor, which is not always beneficial to the worker and now individuals who are set to undertake certain jobs are being thought of with more care. The ONS have estimated that factors relating to mental illness, such as stress, worry, anxiety and depression can equate to around 15 million sick days to be taken annually across the UK. Not only is mental health potentially at enormous personal cost, the economy suggests a wider impact can also be seen. The cost of mental health in Wales was estimated to be a £7.9 billion in 2009, inclusive of NHS costs. Productivity issues also come to light when mental illness strikes, and now first aiders are also being trained in mental health first aid, who can then use their learning to look out for other workers who may be struggling. The construction industry is a broad collective that is made up of people from all backgrounds of life and who contain a vast array of skill sets, many managers are now ensuring their staff have every option to ensure the safety of their mental health. Construction workers are coming together to overcome isolation and ensure a workforce community is in place that can help tackle any issues surrounding mental health, the construction industry are stepping up and ensuring suffering in silence is not an option in the sector.
