Latest news with #StrathclydeUniversity
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Record
Labour MP calls for SNP Government to launch Scottish child grooming inquiry
EXCLUSIVE: Joani Reid said there is "even less understanding" about the scale of the problem in Scotland and the "lack of information is simply unacceptable." Scotland needs its own child grooming inquiry, a Labour MP insists after a major probe into Asian sex gangs was announced south of the border. Joani Reid's call comes months after seven members of one of Scotland's biggest child sex abuse rings, known as 'the beastie house', were handed life-long sentences. She urged First Minister John Swinney to launch a Scottish grooming inquiry after Keir Starmer yesterday committed to a probe into the gangs south of the border. East Kilbride and Strathaven MP Reid said: 'Young women and girls are being exploited by organised grooming gangs in Scotland just as they have been across England. 'Strathclyde University's Professor Alexis Jay, the UK's leading expert on sexual exploitation, made this clear to MPs earlier in the year. 'The truth is we have even less understanding about the scale of this problem in Scotland. That is simply unacceptable. 'It is vital Scotland is fully engaged with any statutory inquiry. We urgently need Police Scotland, local councils, and the Scottish Government to share their knowledge, and learn crucial lessons.' Joani, grand-daughter of legendary trade unionist Jimmy Reid, added: 'If the Scottish Government does not intend to hold its own dedicated inquiry, we need clear reasons why – not the vague responses we've had so far. This issue is too serious and urgent to leave unanswered. 'The first immediate step should be introducing a clear legal duty to report suspected child abuse. It's hard to under-stand why the Scottish Government continues to delay on mandatory reporting. There is broad consensus among child protection experts such legislation is urgently needed. 'I hope the First Minister recognises how important it is to act swiftly and decisively to safeguard Scotland's young people. We cannot allow bureaucracy or complacency to put children at further risk.' The UK Government rejected calls for a public inquiry earlier this year. It instead said it was focusing on putting in place the recommendations already made in a seven-year national inquiry by Professor Jay. But the Prime Minister announced on Saturday a full probe would be held after a review by Baroness Louise Casey. The report linked the grooming gang issue to men of Pakistani origin and said people were ignored for fears of racism. Local authorities and institutions that failed hundreds of victims will be held to account. The inquiry can also order local deep dives into historic cases. The National Crime Agency will lead a new crackdown on perpetrators, taking on cases that weren't properly dealt with. It will also look at over-hauling local responses to these crimes to end the culture of denial that failed young girls. Reid previously asked the Scottish Government to make it a legal obligation to report sexual abuse for those working with kids. Her call comes months after seven members of one of Scotland's biggest child sex abuse rings – known as 'the beastie house' – received life-long sentences. Three victims under 13 were subjected to a catalogue of abuse at a filthy drug den in Townhead, Glasgow, over a seven-year period from 2012. Police said they suffered 'unimaginable abuse'. Offences included rape, attempted murder and assault. The victims were known to child protection services before police opened a probe in 2020. They were added to Glasgow City Council's child protection register in 2018 and were the subject of regular social services meetings – especially after an allegation of physical abuse was made in June 2019. One girl, said to run wild in her community, was described as gaunt and had the worst case of head lice an expert had seen in her 30-year career. The seven members of the ring – all drug addicts – were convicted in January following a nine-week trial in 2023. A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'Child sexual abuse and exploitation has a devastating impact, which is why we are taking action to ensure that children are protected from harm. 'The independent Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry is undertaking an extensive review of child protection policy and practice in Scotland and will report with recommendations for further development in due course. We have also established a national multi-agency Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Strategic Group, of which Professor Alexis Jay is a member, to consider all UK and Scottish work and make recommendations to Ministers accordingly. 'In Scotland, all healthcare and education professionals already have a duty to report child abuse. The case for introducing mandatory reporting more widely remains under active consideration, and we are continuing to engage closely with key partners, including Police Scotland, Social Work Scotland and Child Protection Committees Scotland, on this important issue.'
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New study reveals 'shocking' scale of unfairly treated workers in Inverclyde
A NEW study has revealed the 'shocking' volume of cases dealt with by a Greenock centre which supports workers who have been treated unfairly by employers. Research by Strathclyde University academics found that more than 6,000 people sought the help of the Inverclyde Advice and Employment Rights Centre over the course of 10 years. The study of the centre's work found that workers in social care, retail, call centres and hospitality were particularly vulnerable, especially those in low-paid jobs and where there is no trade union representation. The research was carried out over 18 months by Phil Taylor, emeritus professor at the Department of Work, Employment and Organisation, part of the university's Strathclyde Business School, and senior lecturer Dr Kendra Briken. They say the Inverclyde centre's work is a model that should be rolled out across Scotland. Jim McCourt with Professor Phil Taylor and senior lecturer Kendra Birken, who carried out the research into the centre's work. (Image: George Munro) Professor Taylor said: "The sheer volume of cases is shocking. Over 10 years, 6, 209 Inverclyde clients sought help from the centre between 2014 and 2023." He added that people came from every sector but particularly those areas where there was no representation from a union, who as a result were vulnerable and suffered abuse in terms of their rights as workers. The academic said: "This was prominently among the social care sector, retail, call centres and hospitality, primarily in low paid jobs. "These are vulnerable workers who were subject to actions that were illegitimate." More Inverclyde news Taylor said the main issues concerned pay, unpaid wages and other payment issues, as well as unfair dismissal, breaches of employment codes and practices, and discrimination on grounds of disability, gender and age, often compounded by mental health. Jim McCourt, manager of the centre, said: "This is the only centre of its kind in Scotland and using this information, we would like to see more centres of this nature being rolled out across Scotland." He also commended Inverclyde Council for its financial investment in the centre, which has been providing specialist advice and guidance on employment rights to people across Inverclyde since 1987, and says the study's findings provide a snapshot of what is happening across the country. Mr McCourt says economic factors are making life harder for workers - not just a lack of jobs overall, but also low rates of pay which make it difficult for people to travel elsewhere to work. Jim McCourt, left, with Nicola Provan and Eddie Macdonald from the Inverclyde Advice and Employment Rights Centre. (Image: George Munro) He said: "We're in the grip of a mental health crisis. You have to be a very strong person to go through a tribunal on your own. 'There are occupational health issues. People are suffering from work-related stress due to performance management or find it difficult to make a claim if the employer says they have done something wrong. "They have a right, but there is a gap between having that right and being able to enforce it." READ MORE: Inverclyde employment rights service hails new plans to give workers more protection Professor Taylor said: "Inverclyde is a pioneer, and I am adamant that the conclusion from our report is that this centre should be a model to be rolled out across Scotland. "Inverclyde is not unique in employment issues, as an area of deindustrialisation and left-behind regions, but is unique in being able to address these issues." He added: "There is a growing appetite for looking at employees' rights. There is an employment rights bill currently passing through parliament to fight for fairer treatment at work and for workers rights to be upheld. "Centres like this are crucial in helping people in the frontline."
Hindustan Times
08-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
JEE Advanced AAT Results 2025 Out: Direct link to download Architecture Aptitude Test result
Strathclyde University offers comprehensive entrepreneurship support through Strathclyde Inspire, providing students across all disciplines with startup resources, internships, funding opportunities, and mentorship, regardless of their chosen degree program.
Daily Record
28-05-2025
- Climate
- Daily Record
Devil's Pulpit warning after student's body pulled from water in three recent incidents
Lomond Mountain Rescue Team were called again to the Devil's Pulpit on Tuesday, just six days after Marwan Saliaman Al Balushi drowned at the beauty spot. A warning has been issued to the public visiting a Scots beauty spot after mountain rescue teams were called to three incidents there in recent weeks, with the body of a student pulled from the water on one occasion. Lomond Mountain Rescue Team returned to the Devil's Pulpit on Tuesday, May 28, just six days after Marwan Saliaman Al Balushi drowned at the beauty spot. The latest medical emergency was reported at Finnich Glen, near the bottom on Conic Hill in Stirlingshire. The crew worked with a ranger from the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park and family members to transport the latest casualty on a stretcher to a waiting ambulance. No more information is available on their condition at this stage. On Wednesday morning a spokesperson for Lomond Mountain Rescue Team issued a warning over the deep pools with hazards not 'visible from the surface' at the Devil's Pulpit. They said: "Whilst we may have been quieter on social media, three of the recent callouts have been at Finnich Glen (The Devils Pulpit). "We understand the wish to visit this beautiful and interesting geological feature but would highlight that in addition to the parking/road traffic issues ~ there is no easy access to the gorge itself. "The main gully steps has suffered a further collapse and would not be recommended. In addition, the gorge edge has a number of areas that are loose and actually overhang the gorge. Despite the recent dry spell leading to an apparently low water level, there are a number of deep (2m to 3m depth) pools that can contain entrapments hazards that are not visible from the surface. "If visiting, please consider the potential consequences of a slip, wear appropriate footwear and above all stay safe." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. It comes after the body of Strathclyde University student Marwan was tragically recovered on Wednesday, May 21. The 21-year-old student from Oman was enjoying a day out with friends when disaster struck. It is understood Marwan attempted to cross a deeper section of the current and drowned. One friend tried to desperately save Marwan by jumping into the water to save him. Sadly despite their best efforts Marwan was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency services.
Scottish Sun
27-05-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
Heartbroken family pays tribute to ‘kind & intelligent' student, 21, who drowned at Scots beauty spot
The data science student had been on a trip with pals when tragedy struck 'DEEPLY SADDENED' Heartbroken family pays tribute to 'kind & intelligent' student, 21, who drowned at Scots beauty spot Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE heartbroken family of a student who tragically drowned at a Scottish beauty spot has paid tribute to the "kind and intelligent" young man. The 21-year-old, named locally as Marwan Sulaiman Al Balushi, lost his life after encountering difficulties in the water at Finnich Glen, also known as the Devil's Pulpit, near Croftamie, Stirling. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Tragedy struck at the devil's pulpit - also known as Finnich Glen Credit: Alamy 5 Marwan Sulaiman Al Balushi lost her life when he ran into difficulties in the water Credit: Facebook Marwan had been visiting the popular site with friends during what his family described as a 'joyful and memorable' outing. While attempting to cross a deeper section of the current, he tragically drowned. His family revealed that some of his friends were also trapped in the gorge but 'narrowly survived' the ordeal. Emergency services, including Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and mountain rescue teams, were dispatched to the scene at around 1.30pm on Wednesday, 21 May, following a report of concern for a person. One of Marwan's friends bravely jumped into the water in an attempt to save him but was sadly unsuccessful. A major recovery operation was launched, with water rescue units, police, and fire crews working together at the rural attraction. Eventually, a man's body was recovered from the water. Despite the efforts of medics, Marwan, who studied data science at Strathclyde University, could not be saved and was pronounced dead at the scene. His shattered parents told STV News: 'Our son was full of life, love, and curiosity. "He went on this trip with his friends in high spirits, excited to explore nature. Tragic Loss: Scots Tourist Lewis Jack Found Dead in Australia 'We never imagined that this would be the last time we would hear his voice. 'Marwan was kind, intelligent, and brought light into every room he walked into. 'This loss has shattered our family. "I pray no other parent ever has to feel this pain.' Dr Ainsley Miller, mathematics and statistics coordinator, said the university community was 'deeply saddened' by the death. The teaching fellow said: 'As a student on the BSc Data Analytics programme, which combines mathematics, statistics, and computer science, Marwan demonstrated strong academic ability, particularly in mathematics and coding, and engaged thoughtfully with his studies. 5 His shattered family have paid tribute to the "kind and intelligent" lad Credit: Facebook 5 Marwan was studying data science at Strathclyde University Credit: Facebook The A809 between Croftamie and Finnich Toll and the B834 at the junction to the A81 was closed in both for emergency services access. The routes have since reopened. A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 1.30pm on Wednesday, 21 May, 2025 we received a report of a concern for a person at Finnich Glen, Stirlingshire. "Emergency services, including Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and a mountain rescue team, attended and the body of a man was recovered from the water at Devil's Pulpit. He was pronounced dead at the scene. "There are no suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal."
