Research by Bristol University and Carnegie Mellon University reveal that when voters feel
disenfranchised and excluded from a political system they are more likely to accept lies from a politician
who claims to be a champion of the “people” against the “establishment” or “elite”. Furthermore, no
amount of fact-checking will reduce their appeal.
Whereas in countries with proportional representation there is a tendency for politicians who are found out
to be lying to lose the support of voters – even among those of the same political persuasion.
Roger Hinds
Surrey
Young apprentices
This week marks Scottish Apprenticeship Week. The campaign theme is “Talent Without Limits”,
celebrating the opportunities modern apprenticeships offer everyone no matter their background and for
every business no matter its size or sector.
The rewards of getting young people who are disabled or care experienced into work are well worth it. They
bring passion, skills, dedication and drive to the workplace.
Recruiting a Modern Apprentice enables employers to fill the skills gaps that exist within their current
workforce, as apprentices begin to learn sector specific skills from day one, developing specialist knowledge
that will positively affect the bottom line.
However, as always, we can do more and the support of businesses and other employers is key as it is they
who clearly make the vital difference.
As we mark Scottish Apprenticeship Week, we would urge Scotland’s employers to look beyond the label
and take on a Modern Apprentice who may have an additional need, taking advantage of the excellent skills
offered by many of these young people.
The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition:
Tom McGhee, Chairman, Spark of Genius
Duncan Dunlop, Chief Executive, Who Cares? Scotland
Kenny Graham, Principal, Falkland House School
Niall Kelly, Managing Director, Young Foundations
Lynn Bell, CEO, Love Learning Scotland
Social Care
Social care is at breaking point. The sector is a vital lifeline for millions, yet it has been deprioritised by
successive governments and forced to survive on emergency cash injections whilst battling increasing
workforce and funding pressures.
The public are rightfully exasperated, counting social care among their top two most urgent domestic policy
issues for government to address. With 79 per cent of older people worrying about affording decent care,
government must meaningfully address social care reform once and for all, to give peace of mind to our
ageing population.
Despite years of broken promises, our research shows the public are becoming more optimistic. Trust in
government to deliver on social care reform has increased by 7 per cent since the last general election. The