Life saving, making work pay and a new bridge in Giffnock.
The latest news in East Ren and updates from Blair McDougall MP
“You only hear from politicians at election time!”
That’s something I never want to be said about me. This is a newsletter from me, Blair McDougall, your local MP. I get a huge amount of information about the local community which I thought it would be useful to digest and share. I’ll also update on what I’m up to as I work to represent you in Parliament. You can subscribe to the newsletter below: I promise not to spam you and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Could You Save a Life?
I attended a brilliant training run by St John’s Scotland in Clarkston Community Centre on CPR and using defibrillators. Survival rates for cardiac arrests are increasing thanks to the number of people who have done this training but too many still die. East Ren’s Provost Cllr Mary Montague has made this a personal mission.
As part of “Restart a Heart” month in East Renfrewshire, our local fire stations are offering CPR training at the dates/times below where you can learn this vital life-saving skill.
Barrhead Community Fire station – 22/10/24 at 1030 – 1230hrs
Clarkston Community Fire station – 22/10/24 at 1400 – 1600hrs
I have also tabled a written question to the Chancellor asking her to consider exempting defibrillators from VAT so that more organisations can afford to install them in local communities.
Building a New Bridge at Giffnock Station
Network Rail are about to start work on a new accessible footbridge that will be installed next year. The plan is to install the footbridge early next year but the existing bridge will remain in place until the new one is ready.
If you use the station you’ll start to see some preparatory work starting. This will involve some night-time work and much of the station car park being used for plant machinery. If you are a local resident and have concerns, Network Rail are hosting a community drop-in event at Giffnock Library on September 12, from 4pm to 7pm.
Making Work Pay
If you, or a friend or family member are looking for work you can attend a special jobs fair led by Work East Ren, the Council's employability service. The fair will offer the chance to meet employers from construction, retail, hospitality and care. There will also be advisers on hand who can give advice with applying for jobs, performing well in interviews, or writing your CV. The fair is taking place on Monday 2 September from 3.00pm until 6.00pm in the Barrhead Foundry.
I know that for many work simply doesn’t pay anymore - either because wages are too low or because of insecure contracts and irregular hours. I’m working in Parliament with new government ministers to fix this:
I’ve spoken to the new Business Secretary about tackling low pay. I’m delighted he has now linked the Minimum Wage to the cost of living.
I’m backing a new law to ban zero hours contracts, which leave workers with no idea how much they will earn from month to month.
I am also arguing for those with long term sickness and disabilities to have a guarantee that, should they try out a return to work, they would be guaranteed the same level of benefits if the job doesn’t pan out.
If you’re struggling with money the local Labour Council has a service that can help. MART (the Money Advice and Rights Team) has advisers who can help people struggling with debts, looking for work, or navigating what benefits you have a right to. The service has already put £8 million in local people’s pockets. If you need help you can contact them here.
What Else Have I Been Up To?
I visited the brilliant Black Door Store at Orchardhill Church which helps so many people in need. They are in need of donations of unwanted laptops and household items. Please click on the link above if you can help.
I worked closely with local Muslim leaders in the aftermath of the ugly anti-Muslim riots. The Home Office provided funding for extra security at local mosques to reassure worshipers. I’m glad our strong inter-community relations have defied those who want to divide us against each other.
I have asked the Business Secretary to look into price rises for veterinary treatment after many constituents raised the soaring cost of treating their pets in recent years.
On behalf of the large Hong Kong community in East Ren I’ve been raising the issue of the withholding of their pensions by the Chinese Government. This was a vindictive act intended to intimidate those who fled in the aftermath of the crackdown in Hong Kong.
I have also tabled a new Parliamentary question to the Foreign Office on planning for reconstruction in Gaza when the current violence finally ends.