Also in the news / Bayes up for sale, employment minister visit and more…
THE R.W. Bayes premises in the heart of Lerwick’s Commercial Street is now up for sale.
The camera shop and picture framing business was long established, first opening in the 1960s, but it closed its doors at the end of last year.
The vacant property is now on the market for offers over £40,000.
THE UK Government’s minister for employment Guy Opperman was in Shetland earlier this week – with Sullom Voe Terminal and the Lerwick Jobcentre on his agenda.
The MP visited the isles as new figures revealed payroll levels in Scotland have hit a new high.
The statistics show 2.46 million people in Scotland are now on company payrolls, up 10,000 on the month and up 35,000 on the year.
The minister visited Sullom Voe Terminal, where he met representatives from operator EnQuest about the company’s plans for new energy opportunities.
The MP also visited the Lerwick Jobcentre to see how staff are upskilling, training and supporting members of the community into new roles.
Opperman said: “As I’ve seen in Aberdeen and Shetland this week, the Scottish jobs market remains resilient with payroll employment levels at a record high.
“The UK Government is committed to helping people move into work and upskill in every corner of the UK.”
BLYDE Welcome says it has become Shetland’s only accredited hospitality Living Wage employer.
The business, which recently opened premises on the street, has joined Living Wage Scotland, gaining accreditation for its commitment to ensuring staff are paid a fair wage.
Owner and founder Celia Smith said: “I’ve always loved working in hospitality. The people, the fast change of pace, and the range of careers available, have always made it a really exciting industry to be a part of. But that doesn’t mean I’m blind to its problems.
“Long hours and historically low rates of pay, have put many people off entering the industry. And now with the added challenges brought by Brexit and the pandemic, finding and retaining quality team members is a real challenge.
“It’s important to us that our staff love what they do, and we hope that making sure our skilled team are fairly paid, will give them confidence in hospitality as a long-term career.”
SHETLAND Islands Council’s pension fund investments increased in value by £18 million over the first quarter of 2023.
At the end of the June the total overall value was £670 million.
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