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Scotsman
a day ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Readers' Letters: Scotland's tax system isn't to blame for state of economy
David Lonsdale of the Scottish Retail Consortium has called on the Scottish Government to reduce business rates Underinvestment, inequality and political drift are the big problems for Scotland's economy, says reader Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Blaming Scotland's modestly more progressive tax system for UK-wide economic stagnation is a red herring. The reality is that our economic woes are driven by long-term underinvestment, inequality, and political drift, not by slightly higher taxes on top earners in Scotland. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In fact, compared to many similar countries, including those we often admire – like Germany or the Nordic nations – Scotland's personal tax rates remain lower. People in these countries often pay more in tax, while enjoying more disposable income overall because strong social infrastructure, like cheaper childcare and housing, reduce everyday costs. This in turn creates the basis for a dynamic economy, with thriving businesses and higher standards of living for most people. Fair taxation isn't the problem; it's part of the solution, alongside smarter public spending. Scotland's slightly fairer system is already raising hundreds of millions more to invest in public services and fund crucial payments to help lift children out of poverty. But there's still work to do. Council Tax is embarrassingly stuck in the 90s and deeply unfair. It's time to scrap it and bring in a fairer, modern system that taxes properties based on what they're actually worth. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad We also need action on pollution-spewing private jets; the Scottish Parliament has had the power to tax them since 2017. It's time to use it. And business rates are ripe for reform: not because businesses pay more than in England, but because the system should reward employers who do the right thing, like paying the Living Wage and cutting pollution. The Laffer Curve gets wheeled out as a warning, but the joke's on us. Other countries are laughing because they've worked it out: fair taxes, strong public services, and a thriving economy can go hand in hand. It's time Scotland did too. Lewis Ryder-Jones, Oxfam Scotland, Edinburgh Failures forward 'Free' is a word used by Alan Woodcock (Letters, 19 July) no less than six times in efforts to defend nearly two decades of profligate SNP failure, along with this party's shameless promotion of an unaffordable dependency culture. Mr Woodcock exhaustively lists 'Free tuition, free prescriptions, the Scottish Child Payment, free bus travel' etc. The Scottish Government is very good at giving away cash but haven't a clue how to generate the revenue needed for all these handouts. Without the Barnett Formula, such generosity would have to be financed through draconian taxation, savage cutbacks to other areas of state expenditure and/or frightening levels of unsustainable borrowing. Nationalist economic strategies consist of building highly subsidised, inefficient wind turbines while at the same time discouraging growth by penalising those very entrepreneurs who create most of our wealth in the first place. Separatists blame others for their lengthy catalogue of costly, abandoned projects such as Highly Protected Marine Areas, the deposit return and named person schemes, the Gender Recognition Bill and a petty, botched attempt to absorb British Transport Police north of the Border into Police Scotland. Not to mention the continuing ferry fiasco, a topic which our self-styled freedom fighters are noticeably reluctant to talk about. Martin O'Gorman, Edinburgh Spend on peace George Robertson's sabre-rattling call for increased defence spending ('Britain and its people 'not safe', warns ex-Nato chief', 19 July) must have been music to the ears of arms manufacturers and traders. It rivalled some of the most paranoid utterances of Conservative MPs during the Cold War. For decades we were told we needed to spend massive amounts on a nuclear deterrent to keep us safe. Now it appears that this was not true after all, and that we need massive spending on conventional armaments as well. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Let us be clear: any armed conflict between the UK and Russia or China would lead to incalculable casualties on all sides. Everyone involved would end up in an impoverished and broken society. We have only one planet and we need to find ways to share it in peace. There is no future in policing the world by demonising other states and fuelling an arms race. The scale of resources George Robertson wants to give to arms companies should instead be used to build mechanisms of international co-operation that would incentivise states financially to pursue their legitimate political and security interests within a multilateral framework. We have much to learn from the wisdom of those who rebuilt the world after 1945. Nigel Lindsay, Bo'ness, West Lothian Best defence Former Nato boss Lord Robertson's claim that the UK is 'not safe' (Editorial, 19 July) is no different from Britain's unpreparedness pre-World War Two. Even during the Battle of Britain in 1940 Moffat-born Air Chief Marshal Hugh Dowding lamented the lack of pilots, which he thought might cause Britain to lose and be invaded. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad According to Robertson we lack 'the ammunition, the training, the people, the spare parts, the logistics and we don't have the medical capacity...'. Given that Prime Minister Keir Starmer's number one priority is to keep Britain 'safe and secure', he has a long way to go. The Strategic Defence Review, co-authored by Robertson, emphasised more drones, equipment replenishment and AI complementing artillery are apparently learnings from the war in Ukraine. Surely the main lesson, however, is missile defence, given Russia's success in destroying key infrastructure and causing devastation to Ukrainian people. Recently Patriot missiles were promised as priority by Donald Trump to Vlodomeyer Zelensky. The Israeli Iron Dome system has proven largely successful against Iranian drones and ballistic missiles. The UK is wide open to such attack and has little defence against Russian hypersonic ballistic missiles. Instead of seeking 'war fighting readiness' the UK Government should be ensuring its citizens are kept 'safe and secure' through world leading cybersecurity, development of a missile defence shield and safeguarding of pipelines and cables. Given stretched resources, equipment and expertise should be concentrated in such niche areas rather than an extra £15 billion on nuclear warheads when missiles from our submarines fail on testing. Scotland has long led innovation in defence through niche technologies and would stand to benefit in the development anti-missile systems and defence cybersecurity. Neil Anderson, Edinburgh Look homeward With Holyrood elections not too far off, First Minister John Swinney appears to be an incredibly desperate figure. In an attempt to stop nationalists deserting the SNP for Alba and the Greens he tries to present his party as the natural choice for independence supporters while swiftly glossing over the SNP's long-running failure to hold a second referendum, let alone win one. Overseas conflicts are always a useful way for governments to distract voters from domestic policy failure, and so Swinney, even though foreign affairs are wholly reserved to Westminster, endlessly pontificates about the Middle Eastern conflict. Yet it seems few voters are fooled, preferring that he and his party focus on their domestic remit and effectively address, despite the efforts of front-line professionals, systemic failings in the NHS, our schools and transport. Martin Redfern, Melrose, Roxburghshire Bad friends Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It seems that to wear a T-shirt of an organisation that campaigns against genocide makes one terrorist in the eyes of the UK Government. But the same government arms and stands 'shoulder to shoulder' with a regime that has killed over 40,000 civilians and has starved and rendered homeless the survivors. This is a disgraceful perversion of values and priorities, but no more than we have come to expect from the British state. If any more reason for Scotland to free herself from the UK was needed, surely this us it . David Currie, Tarland, Aberdeenshire Principles devalued After a mere year in office, Labour is looking ever less electable, trailing Reform UK in the opinion polls. While Keir Starmer flourishes abroad, his popularity ratings at home are plummeting, even within his own party. The main complaint is that the Cabinet members are not listening to their backbenchers. Rather, they are inclined to suspend them at the slightest provocation. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Only last week four MPs, including, Scot Brian Leishman, had the whip withdrawn for nothing more culpable than backing Labour principles. Gone are the days of open and frank discussion and principled agreement to differ on questions like the two-child cap and Welfare Reform, among other things. Nothing reveals more that this Labour government is on the wrong side of history than their shameful treatment of Diane Abbott. Lauded by Keir Starmer as a 'trailblazer' on becoming 'mother of the House', in the next breath, the excellent constituency MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington for 38 years has been suspended for stating the obvious on the question of race. Like Jeremy Corbyn and John O'Donnell before her, she could well stand as an Independent candidate at the next general election, assured of a stonking majority. She deserves no better, for that rare thing, principles. Ian Petrie, Edinburgh Write to The Scotsman
Belfast Telegraph
07-07-2025
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Workers at Belfast leisure centres to begin industrial action next week following members' ballot
Industrial action in the form of work-to-rule will begin across the city's municipal leisure centres on Tuesday July 15 following the vote taken by members of Unite and NIPSA. It follows what the unions say is the refusal of the company contracted by Belfast City Council to run the centres to agree the workforce's pay claim. "The council's decision to outsource services to GLL has proven disastrous' – Sharon Graham (Unite) Greenwich Leisure Ltd (GLL) is contracted by the Council to manage its outsourced leisure centres and gyms. Both unions have contacted GLL to clarify they stand ready to commence negotiations to resolve the issue. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: 'It is a disgrace that leisure workers at Belfast leisure centres are earning far less than workers doing the same job in neighbouring councils. 'The council's decision to outsource services to GLL has proven disastrous not just for workers who are underpaid and overstretched but for the public who have endured hikes on charges." The unions said the Council's outsourcing of services had left pay for workers at its leisure centres at a lower level than those in other councils. Workers are seeking an additional one pound an hour pay increase this year to reduce the pay differential with other workers. NIPSA spokesperson Janette Murdock said: 'Belfast City Council is the biggest council in Northern Ireland but its leisure workers have the worst pay in the region. "GLL's unreasonable refusal has led to this industrial dispute and potential for a sharp escalation over the summer. The unions jointly contacted GLL on Friday [4 July] to confirm our readiness to enter negotiations at any time. "That said, GLL should be under no illusions as to our members' collective determination to close the pay chasm that has opened since Belfast council outsourced leisure services.' "GLL manage and run leisure centres across the city on behalf of Council. GLL is a social enterprise that reinvests all profits back into the centres and all operational matters, including those relating to pay, are under its remit,' said a spokesperson. 'Council is committed to working with GLL and its employees on the continued provision of leisure services in the city.' "We remain committed to continuing this dialogue' – GLL spokesperson GLL said it was 'disappointed' with the approach taken by the unions. "GLL is disappointed that, despite extensive and constructive negotiations, the unions have rejected a fair and competitive pay offer of 3-5% which is in line with inflation,' said a spokesperson. "As an Accredited Living Wage Employer, our pay offer is underpinned by the Real Living Wage. The unions proposed a counteroffer of 10-13%, which we are unable to accept. "As well as extensive dialogue that has already taken place, the unions have chosen to make this announcement on industrial action before the negotiation process has concluded. "Despite this, we remain committed to continuing this dialogue and have a further meeting planned with the Labour Relations Agency (LRA) and the unions on 30 July as part of this process. "As a worker's co-operative, and a charitable and social enterprise, we are aware that our offer is welcomed and wanted by many of our staff, who recognise that it values their hard work and commitment, while ensuring the long-term sustainability of our services.'
The Independent
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
LL Cool J says he won't perform at Philadelphia's July Fourth festival in support of workers strike
Rapper LL Cool J says he will not perform at a Fourth of July festival in Philadelphia in support of a strike by nearly 10,000 city workers in Philadelphia. The rapper and actor had been scheduled to appear at the Wawa Welcome America Festival on Friday, along with R&B singer and Philadelphia native Jazmine Sullivan and other performers. LL Cool J said in a video posted on social media that 'there's absolutely no way that I can perform, cross a picket line and pick up money when I know that people are out there fighting for a living wage.' 'I hope, I hope, I hope that, you know, the mayor and the city can make a deal. I hope it works out,' he said. LL Cool J also said that he never wants to disappoint his fans and that he plans to be in Philadelphia in case an agreement is reached. The festival comes as the strike moved into a fourth day Friday. Trash has been piling up in some areas and more than 30 Medical Examiner's Office staffers have been ordered back to work because of a growing backlog of bodies in storage. The latest talks between the city and leaders of District Council 33 — the largest of four major unions representing city workers — ended late Wednesday. Both sides have said they were willing to continue negotiations. The union represents many of the city's blue-collar workers, from trash collectors to clerks to security guards. Police and firefighters are not on strike. The city has offered a three-year contract with annual raises of about 3%, which the union said amounts to little more than $1,000 after taxes for members making $46,000 a year on average. Mayor Cherelle Parker has said the city has 'put its best offer on the table.' She stressed that the effective 13% pay hike over her four-year term -- including last year's 5% bump – along with a fifth step on the pay scale would be the best contract the union has seen in decades. Parker responded to LL Cool J's statement, saying that she spoke with him on Thursday. "I respect his decision, and understand his desire to see the city unified," the mayor said. 'He is always welcome in Philadelphia.' The union also responded, saying LL Cool J's support for municipal workers 'highlights his commitment to social justice and community well-being.' 'His support not only brings attention to our efforts but also inspires others to recognize and advocate for the rights and respect of all workers,' the union said. 'It's heartening to see public figures using their influence to champion causes that matter to everyday people.' On Thursday, Common Pleas Court Judge Sierra Thomas-Street approved the city's request to have the medical examiner's office staffers return to work because bodies have been piling up there in storage, posing a health and safety risk. Those workers include death and forensic investigators, forensic technicians and clerks. The order came a day after the judge ordered some emergency service dispatchers and essential water department employees back to work. Mounting trash piles in some parts of the city were also still causing grief for residents and officials, who have strongly urged residents to follow the collection guidelines imposed when the strike began Tuesday. They also urged residents to report problems at the trash collection sites, and noted trash is being cleared as fast as possible and the city is working to open more sites.
The Star
02-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
RHB delivers on living wage, focuses on employee well-being and growth
KUALA LUMPUR: RHB Banking Group announced that all permanent employees in Malaysia are earning at or above the nationally recognised Living Wage benchmark of RM3,100 per month, as outlined in the Employee Provident Fund's Belanjawanku Expenditure Guide. The commitment supports the Finance Ministry's call for financial institutions and Government Linked Companies (GLCs) to lead in advancing fair compensation, aligned with the 'Raise the Floor' pillar of the Ekonomi Madani framework to improve quality of life for all Malaysians. RHB's full implementation of the Living Wage framework reflects its commitment as a responsible employer and its role in supporting Malaysia's broader efforts to improve the standard of living of the rakyat. 'At RHB, fair pay is a fundamental part of building a progressive and inclusive workplace. Our compensation practices reflect this but our duty goes further. Our Employee Value Proposition is designed to support our employees holistically, ensuring their physical, emotional and financial well-being, in a meaningful and practical way. 'This commitment is reflected in our employee engagement score which stands at 87%, a strong indicator of the trust and connection our people have with the organisation,' said RHB Banking Group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Rashid Mohamad. In addition to the living wage commitment, mental health and wellness remain core areas of focus in RHB. The Group provides access to free confidential professional counselling and emotional support services through its Employee Assistance Programme, available to all employees Group wide. These are complemented by regular mental health webinars and awareness initiatives that help employees manage stress, strengthen emotional intelligence and maintain work-life balance. In 2024, RHB introduced a digital health platform offering personalised coaching, wellness tracking and lifestyle incentives, further strengthening its holistic approach to employee wellbeing. Employees also benefit from targeted financial support, including festive advance programmes, preferential rate staff loans and a dedicated Staff Welfare Fund for emergencies or personal hardship. Comprehensive medical coverage, robust insurance protection and flexible leave policies further contribute to a work environment that supports both individual and family well-being. 'We recognise the complex pressures in today's world, emotionally, financially and professionally. Our responsibility is to support them in all dimensions, not just through compensation, but through care, flexibility and long term opportunities to grow,' Mohd Rashid explained. RHB continues to invest in structured career development to future proof its workforce. In 2024 alone, the Group delivered over 390,000 hours of learning, averaging 29 hours per employee, with more than 13,000 employees participating in programmes covering digital transformation, sustainability, leadership and core technical skills. These efforts align with national priorities to create high quality jobs and strengthen social mobility. 'Our people are our greatest asset. When they thrive, our customers, communities and the nation thrive with them,' he added. RHB will continue to refine its people strategies to ensure long-term impact, for employees and the communities it serves, contributing to Malaysia's aspirations for sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
The Star
30-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Maybank remains committed to 'fair, inclusive and sustainable' pay practices
Maybank president and group CEO Datuk Khairussaleh Ramli KUALA LUMPUR: Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) said all its employees in Malaysia are earning above the Living Wage threshold of RM3,100 a month, as benchmarked against the Employees Provident Fund's (EPF) Belanjawanku Guide. In a statement, the bank said it remains fully aligned with the Ekonomi Madani framework, especially the 'Raise the Floor' pillar, and will continue working alongside government-linked investment companies and the relevant stakeholders under the GEAR-uP programme to drive shared prosperity and a future-ready Malaysian workforce. Datuk Khairussaleh Ramli, president and group CEO of Maybank said that this commitment is aligned to Maybank's purpose of being a values based platform, powered by a bionic workforce that humanises financial services and underscores long-standing commitment to fair, inclusive and sustainable pay practices. 'At Maybank, we believe that employees welfare and wellbeing, including fair and decent pay is not only a moral imperative, but also a business enabler. Ensuring that all our employees earn a competitive and sustainable wage is fundamental to building a resilient and future-ready workforce. It reflects our deep commitment to shared prosperity and the value of the Ekonomi Madani framework," he added. Additionally, he said Maybank remains steadfast to creating a safe, enabling and inclusive workplace for all its employees, while providing a comprehensive and competitive suite of benefits designed to support the holistic wellbeing of its employees. For career development, the bank has put in place structured reskilling and upskilling programmes to empower its employees with relevant capabilities which include access to curated digital learning platforms, industry-recognised certifications and skills pathways aligned with internal mobility and career advancement. "These initiatives contribute directly to the nation's objectives towards workforce resilience, social mobility, and the development of high-quality jobs," said Khairussaleh.
